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PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 


IN  THE 


UNITED   STATES  OF  AMERICA 


EMBRACING  THE 


ISHNUTES  OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OP  PHILADELPHIA,  FROM  A.  D.  1706  TO  1716 
MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA,  FROM  A.  D.  1717  TO  1758 
MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK,  FROM  A.  D.  1745  TO  1758 
MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA,  FROM  A.  D. 

1758  TO  1788. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PRESBYTERIAN    BOARD    OF    PUBLICATION, 

No.    265    CHESTNUT    STREET. 


Stereotyped  by  Slote  &  Mooney,  Philadelphia. 
"Wm.  S.  Martien,  Printer. 


ADYEKTISEMENT. 


For  several  years  past  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States  of  America,  have  adopted  measures  for  the  full  and 
complete  publication  of  their  minutes,  including  those  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia,  during  the  period  that  it  was  the  only  Presbyterian  judicatory 
in  the  country ;  and  of  the  Synods  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  during  the 
time  that  they,  separated  or  united,  were  the  highest  judicatories  known  to  the 
Church ;  thus  securing,  as  far  as  these  records  might  embody  it,  a  connected 
history  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  from  its  earliest  organization  in  this 
country,  to  the  present  time. 

Various  difficulties  have  occurred  to  defeat  the  execution  of  this  very  desira- 
ble object;  and  in  May,  1840,  the  General  Assembly  directed  their  Stated 
Clerk  to  promote  the  publication,  if  practicable,  through  the  agency  of  the 
Presbyterian  Board  of  Publication.  The  subject  was  accordingly  proposed,  and 
the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Board,  with  great  unanimity,  resolved  to  ad- 
venture at  least  on  the  publication  of  a  preliminary  volume,  embracing  the 
earlier  records  until  the  period  of  the  organization  of  the  General  Assembly; 
with  the  intention  of  completing  the  plan,  provided  the  demand  for  the  work 
should  justify  them  in  incurring  the  heavy  expense  of  such  an  enterprise. 

The  subscriber,  being  both  Stated  Clerk  of  the  General  Assembly,  and 
Editor  of  the  Board  of  Publication,  has  been  entrusted  with  the  preparation  of 
the  Minutes  for  the  press.  In  fulfilment  of  the  duties  of  his  appointment, 
he  has  thought  it  advisable  to  preface  the  Kecords  with  a  very  brief  introduc- 
tion, and  to  connect  the  several  parts  by  some  explanatory  remarks. 

Among  the  records  of  the  earliest  Presbytery  and  Synod,  is  a  letter-book, 

(iii) 


n  o  c  ^  r.  fi 


iv  ADVERTISEMENT. 

containing,  besides  copies  of  a  part  of  the  correspondence  of  these  bodies, 
certain  memoranda  which  should  properly  have  been  inserted  in  the  body  of 
the  minutes.  The  letters  and  the  memoranda  have  been  appended  as  notes  to 
the  minutes  under  their  proper  dates,  thus  giving  the  history  more  fulness  and 
continuity. 

It  must  be  a  subject  of  gratulation  in  the  Church,  that  by  this  publication 
the  early  records  of  the  Church,  which  were  in  danger  of  perishing,  have 
been  secured  in  a  permanent  €orm;  and  it  is  to  be  hoped,  that  the  eager  de- 
mand for  this  volume  will  lead  to  the  completion  of  the  plan,  by  the 
publication  in  full  of  all  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly  to  the  present 

time. 

WILLIAM  M.  ENGLES. 

Philadelphia,  January,  1841. 


KECORDS 


OF  THE 


PKESBYTERIAN    CHURCH. 


PRELIMINAEY  SKETCH. 


The  Presbyterian  Churcli  assumed  its  ecclesiastical  form  in  the  United 
States,  at  a  date  posterior  to  the  establishment  of  the  Puritans,  Roman  Catho- 
lics, Quakers,  and  Episcopalians.  It  is  to  be  presumed  that  individuals  of 
this  denomination,  in  the  spirit  of  personal  enterprise,  had  emigrated  at  an 
early  date  of  the  settlement  of  the  country,  and  were  scattered  throughout  the 
Colonies ;  but  they  were  in  no  place  sufficiently  numerous  to  associate  in  a  con- 
gregational, much  less  in  a  presbyterial  capacity.  The  Puritans  of  New  Eng- 
land, and  the  Quakers  of  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  and  New  Jersey,  had  emi- 
grated from  religious  motives  j  and  as  they  wished  to  preserve  their  distinctive 
religious  character  in  a  land  far  removed  from  the  vexatious  evils,  to  which  per- 
secution had  subjected  them  in  the  place  of  their  birth,  they  came  in  large 
numbers,  and  selected  their  residence  with  a  view  to  peaceful  religious  associa- 
tion. The  cause  which  principally  influenced  them,  had  as  yet  exerted  no 
power  over  the  Presbyterians  of  Scotland  and  Ireland.  In  the  peaceful  enjoy- 
ment of  their  religious  rights,  they  had  no  inducement,  or  rather  were  com- 
pelled by  no  necessity,  to  flee  to  the  uncultivated  wilds  of  America. 

Soon  after  the  restoration  of  Charles  II.,  however,  the  Presbyterians  of 
Scotland  and  Ireland  were  subjected  to  a  persecution,  which  increased  in  viru- 
lence in  proportion  to  the  resistance  which  was  opposed  to  a  corrupt  monarch's 
will.  The  subversion  of  the  cherished  religion  of  a  nation,  and  the  substitution 
of  another,  which,  for  many  considerations,  was  particularly  obnoxious,  could 
not  be  accomplished  without  resorting  to  the  most  inhuman  proscriptions  and 
banishments.  These  attempts  to  impose  Episcopacy  on  Presbyterians,  which 
were  relentlessly  pursued  until  the  accession  of  William  III.,  rendered  the 
provinces  of  America  a  desirable  refuge  for  those  who  could  not,  without  peril 
of  life,  cherish  their  religious  preferences  in  the  place  of  their  nativity. 

The  first  churches  established  in  this  country  under  Presbyterian  organiza- 
tion were  situated  in  Delaware,  Maryland,  Pennsylvania,  and  New  Jersey. 
In  these  provinces  religious  liberty  was  secured  by  the  original  proprietors. 
The  following  may  be  considered  as  an  agreeable  specimen  of  the  temper 

(V) 


vi  PRELIMINAKY  SKETCH. 

which  characterized  the  laws  of  these  provinces  on  the  subject  of  religion.  It 
is  an  enactment  in  relation  to  Pennsylvania,  and  is  in  these  words  : — "  That 
all  persons  living, in  this  province,  who  confess  and  acknowledge  one  Almighty 
and  Eternal  God  to  be  the  Creator,  Upholder,  and  Ruler  of  the  world,  and  that 
hold  themselves  obliged  in  conscience  to  live  peaceably  and  justly  in  civil 
society,  shall  in  no  ways  be  molested  or  prejudiced  for  their  religious  persuasion 
or  practice,  in  matters  of  faith  and  worship ;  nor  shall  they  be  compelled,  at  any 
time,  to  frequent  or  maintain  any  religious  worship,  place,  or  ministry,  what- 
ever." This  recognition  of  religious  liberty  had  great  influence  upon  those  who 
had  recently  experienced  the  horrors  of  intolerance,  in  selecting  these  provinces 
for  their  permanent  residence. 

In  tracing  the  history  of  the  first  societies  which  were  established  for  reli- 
gious worship  by  these  emigrants  in  a  new  country,  and  at  a  period  so  remote, 
there  will  necessarily  be  a  difficulty  in  ascertaining  the  precise  circumstances 
under  which  they  were  founded.  In  some  instances  the  sparseness  of  the 
population,  or  the  poverty  of  the  people,  induced  persons  of  different  persua- 
sions to  unite  their  strength,  and  congregate  without  an  immediate  reference  to 
denominational  organization.  This,  however,  was  soon  found  to  be  incon- 
venient, and  the  plan  was  abandoned  as  soon  as  practicable.  As  accurately 
as  it  can  now  be  ascertained,  the  first  Presbyterian  church  in  this  country  was 
organized  in  Philadelphia,  about  the  year  1698 ;  and  it  is  probable  that  the 
churches  at  Snowhill,  Rehoboth,  Monokin,  and  Wicomico,  on  the  eastern  shore 
of  Maryland,  were  organized  about  the  same  period. 

When  the  ministers  who  harmonized  in  their  views  of  Christian  doctrine 
and  ecclesiastical  government,  had  become  sufficiently  numerous,  they  consti- 
tuted themselves  into  a  Presbytery.  In  consequence  of  the  irrecoverable  loss 
of  the  first  leaf  of  the  Minutes  of  this  body,  we  are  unable  to  ascertain  the 
precise  date  of  their  ecclesiastical  association ;  but  judging  from  the  first  date 
which  appears  on  page  3d  of  these  Records,  it  must  have  been  about  the  begin- 
ning of  the  year  1705.  This  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  consisted  of  seven 
ministers,  viz  :  Francis  McKemie,  John  Hampton,  George  McNish,  Samuel 
Davis,  all,  from  the  best  accounts,  emigrants  from  Ireland,  and  exercising  their 
ministry  on  the  eastern  shore  of  Maryland ;  Nathaniel  Taylor,  from  Scotland, 
and  settled  in  Upper  Marlborough ;  John  Wilson,  also  from  Scotland,  settled 
in  New  Castle ;  and  Jedediah  Andrews,  from  New  England,  and  settled  in 
Philadelphia.  To  these  may  be  added  John  Boyd,  who  was  the  first  person 
ordained  by  the  new  Presbytery,  in  1706,  and  settled  in  Freehold,  New 
Jersey. 

The  Minutes  of  this  body,  as  being  the  first  Presbyterian  judicatory  in  the 
country,  stand  first  in  the  order  of  publication.  The  abruptness  of  the  com- 
mencement is  to  be  attributed  to  the  loss  of  the  first  leaf  of  the  records,  to 
which  we  have  before  referred. 


C  0  IS  T  E  N  T  S. 


PART  I. 

MINUTES  OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OP  PHILADELPHIA,  FROM  1706  TO  1717.    9 


PART  II. 

MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA,  FROM  1717  TO  1758.    -  48 


PART  III. 

MINUTES  OP  THE  SYNOD  OP  NEW  YORK,  FROM  1745  TO  1758.   -     -  233 


PART  IV. 

MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA, 

FROM  1758  TO  1788. 285 

(vii) 


PART    FIRST. 

MINUTES  OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPBDCA. 

TROM  THE  TEAR  1706  TO  THE  TEAR  1717. 

1706. 

— De  regimine  ccclesiae,  which  being  heard  was  approved  of  and  sustained. 
He  gave  in  also  his  thesis  to  be  considered  of  against  next  sederunt. 

Sederunt  2d.  10  bris.  27. 

Post  preces  sederunt,  Mr.  Francis  McKemie,  Moderator,  Messrs.  Jedediah 
Andrews,  and  John  Hampton,  Ministers. 

Mr.  John  Boyd  performed  the  other  parts  of  his  trials,  viz.  preached  a 
popular  sermon  on  John  i.  12  ;  defended  his  thesis ;  gave  satisfaction  as  to  his 
skill  in  the  languages,  and  answered  to  extemporary  questions ;  all  which  were 
approved  of  and  sustained. 

Appointed  his  ordination  to  be  on  the  next  Lord's  day,  the  29th  inst.,  which 
was  accordingly  performed  in  the  public  meeting  house  of  this  place,  before  a 
numerous  assembly ;  and  the  next  day  he  had  the  certificate  of  his  ordination. 

1707. 

March  22d,  1707. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  held  at  Philadelphia,  post  preces  sederunt, 
Messrs.  John  Wilson,  Jedediah  Andrews,  Nathaniel  Taylor,  George  McNish, 
Ministers.  Joseph  Yard,  William  Smith,  John  Gardener,  James  Stoddard, 
Elders. 

Master  John  Wilson,  by  plurality  of  votes  was  chosen  Moderator,  Mr.  George 
McNish  was  chosen  Clerk  to  the  Presbytery. 

This  day  a  letter  sent  by  Mr.  Samuel  Davis  to  the  Presbytery,  was  presented 
to  them  ;  it  being  moved  by  one  of  the  members  that  the  letter  might  be  read, 
it  was  accordingly  read  and  considered,  and  Mr.  Davis  his  reasons  for  excusing 
his  absence  from  this  and  the  preceding  meeting  of  the  Presbytery,  were  not 
sustained  by  the  Presbytery. 

Ordered  that  the  next  dyet  of  the  Presbytery  be  held  upon  Tuesday,  at  four 
o'clock,  in  the  afternoon. 

]\Ir.  Francis  McKemie  and  Mr.  John  Wilson,  are  appointed  to  preach  upon 
Tuesday,  upon  the  subjects  appointed  them  at  the  last  Presbytery,  from  Heb. 
i.  1,  2  v.,  by  way  of  exercise  and  addition. 

March  25th. 

Post  preces  sederunt,  John  Wilson,  &c.  This  day  Mr.  Francis  McKemie  and 
Mr.  John  Wilson  delivered  their  discourses  according  to  appointment,  and  were 
approved  by  the  Presbytery. 

Ordered,  that  a  letter  be  writ,  and  sent  to  Mr.  Samuel  Davis  in  the  name  of 
the  Presbytery,  by  Master  John  Wilson,  requiring  him  to  be  present  at  our 
next  meeting  in  this  place. 

2  {9) 


10  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1708. 

Appointed  that  the  letters  sent  from  the  people  of  Snow  Hill  in  Somerset,  be 
read  before  the  Presbytery. 

The  letters  were  accordingly  read,  and  their  contents  were  duly  considered  by 
the  Presbytery.  And  whereas,  the  aforesaid  people  do  by  their  representatives 
and  letters  earnestly  address  the  Presbytery  for  their  joynt  concurrence,  and 
assistance  in  prosecuting  their  call  to  Mr.  John  Hampton,  that  he  may  under- 
take the  work  of  the  Ministry  among  them,  as  their  settled  and  proper  Minister 
and  Pastor. 

Ordered  by  the  Presbytery,  that  the  call  be  sent  to  Mr.  Hampton,  by  the 
foresaid  people,  and  also,  the  other  paper  containing  their  subscriptions  for  his 
encouragement  to  undertake  the  work  of  the  Ministry  among  them,  be  given 
to  Mr.  Hampton  to  peruse  and  consider,  which  accordingly  were  given  him. 

Ordered,  That  whereas  Mr.  Hampton,  after  his  receiving  the  call  to  him  from 
the  people  at  Snowhill,  gave  several  satisfactory  reasons,  why  he  could  not  at 
this  time  comply  with  it ;  that  the  said  Mr.  Hampton  may  have  the  call  and 
the  paper  of  subscription  continued  in  his  hands  for  his  further  perusal,  till  the 
next  Presbytery. 

Ordered  further,  in  this  affair,  that  a  letter  be  sent  in  name  of  the  Presby- 
tery to  the  people  of  Snowhill,  to  encourage  their  endeavours  for  a  settled 
minister  among  them,  and  that  Mr.  Nathaniel  Taylor  write  the  letter  expressing 
the  mind  of  the  Presbytery,  which  was  accordingly  done. 

Appointed  that  the  Presbytery  meet  to-morrow  at  ten  o'clock,  and  that  Mr. 
Andrews  and  Mr.  John  Boyd,  prepare  some  overtures  to  be  considered  by  the 
Presbytery,  for  propagating  religion  in  their  respective  congregations. 

31arcli  2.Qtli.     Post  preces  sederunt,  the  moderator,  &c. 

Ordered  by  the  Presbytery,  that  Mr.  Francis  McKemie  write  to  Scotland,  to 

Mr.  Alexander  Coldin,  minister  of  Oxam,  of  the  Presbytery  of ,  and  to 

give  an  account  of  the  state  and  circumstances  of  the  dissenting  Presbyterian 
interest  among  the  people  in  and  about  Lewistown,  and  to  signify  the  earnest 
desires  of  that  people,  for  the  said  Mr.  Coldin's  coming  over  to  be  their  minis- 
ter ;  and  that  Mr.  McKemie  make  report  of  his  diligence  herein  against  the 
next  Presbytery. 

The  Presbytery  appoints  Mr.  John  Wilson  to  write  to  the  Presbytery  of 

,  to  the  effect  aforesaid,  and  make  report  of  his  care  herein  against  the  next 

Presbytery. 

Overtures  proposed  to  the  Presbytery  and  agreed  upon,  for  propagating  the 
interest  of  religion : 

First,  That  every  minister  in  their  respective  congregations,  read  and  com- 
ment upon  a  chapter  of  the  Bible  every  Lord's  day,  as  discretion  and  circum- 
stances of  time,  place,  &c.,  will  admit. 

Second  over  :  That  it  be  recommended  to  every  minister  of  the  Presbytery  to 
set  on  foot  and  encourage  private  Christian  societies. 

Third  over  :  That  every  minister  of  the  Presbytery  supply  neighbouring  deso- 
late places  where  a  minister  is  wanting,  and  opportunity  of  doing  good  offers. 

The  Presbytery  do  appoint  Mr.  Jedediah  Andrews  and  Mr.  Nathaniel  Taylor, 
to  prepare  a  Presbyterial  sermon,  each  of  them  to  be  delivered  against  the  next 
Presbytery.  Mr.  Andrews  to  discourse  from  Heb.  i.  chap.  3.  v.  ih.Q  first,  and 
Mr.  Taylor  from  latter  part  of  the  verse. 

Appointed  that  the  Presbytery  meet  upon  the  first  Tuesday  of  April,  1708, 
at  Philadelphia,  and  this  meeting  was  concluded. 

1708. 

May  the  ISth. 
At  a  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  at  Philadelphia,  1708,  pos^  preces  sederunt, 
Ministers,  Messrs.  Samuel  Davis,  John  Wilson,  Jedediah  Andrews,  Nathaniel 


1708.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  11 

Taylor,  John  Hampton,  John  Boyd.     Elders,  Joseph  Yard, Bell,  Jjhn 

Gray. 

Mr.  Samuel  Davis  was  chosen  Moderator. 

Ordered  by  the  Presbytery,  that  iMr.  Jedcdiah  Andrews  deliver  his  Presbyte- 
rial  exercise  to-morrow  at  10  of  the  clock,  in  the  meeting  house ;  and  that  Mr. 
Nathaniel  Taylor  deliver  his  on  Friday  next,  at  10  of  the  clock  in  the  morning. 

This  day  was  read  before  the  Presbytery,  a  letter  sent  by  the  people  of  and  about 
Wh'.te  Clay  Creek,  in  New  Castle  County,  importing  their  desire  and  petition  to 
the  Presbytery,  to  have  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel  administered  with  more 
convenience  and  nearness  to  the  place  of  their  abode,  for  the  greater  advantage 
and  ease  to  their  several  families,  promising  withal  due  encouragement  to  the 
minister  that  shall  be  appointed  thus  to  supply  them. 

Ordered  by  the  Presbytery  that  this  letter  be  read  at  the  next  session,  to- 
morrow afternoon,  and  that  another  letter  from  some  persons  about  Apoquinimy 
be  considered  against  the  next  dyet  of  the  Presbytery  at  the  time  aforesaid. 

This  day  was  also  read  a  letter  from  several  persons  in  the  town  of  New 
Castle,  wherein  they  crave  that  the  people  of  White  Clay  Creek  may  not  be 
suffered  to  set  up  a  meeting  house  in  the  country,  that  their  meeting  house  and 
congregation  in  New  Castle  may  not  be  damaged  by  this  rupture  of  their  fellow 
members  of  White  Clay  Creek. 

Ordered  that  this  letter  be  considered  by  the  next  session  of  the  Presbytery. 

May  19,  Sessione  Ida.  post  preces,  &c. 

Mr.  Davis  satisfied  the  Presbytery  for  his  absence  the  former  year. 

Ordered  by  the  Presbytery  that  there  be  a  letter  sent  to  the  people  of  Snow 
Hill,  requiring  their  faithfulness  and  care  in  collecting  the  tobacco  promised  by 
subscription  to  Mr.  Hampton. 

Ordered  that  Mr.  Wilson,  Mr.  Andrews,  and  Mr.  Hampton,  speak  with  Mr. 
Joseph  Smith,  and  the  people  of  Cohanzy,  about  his  settlement  and  ordination. 

Mr.  Wilson,  Mr.  Andrews,  and  Mr.  Hampton,  made  their  report,  what  it  is 
Mr.  Smith  and  the  people  of  Cohanzy  desire,  viz :  That  some  might  be  ap- 
pointed to  wait  upon  Mr.  Smith  and  the  people  of  Cohanzy. 

Ordered  by  the  Presbytery  that,  upon  the  desire  of  Mr.  Smith  and  the  people 
of  Cohanzy,  Mr.  Wilson,  Mr.  Andrews,  and  Mr.  Boyd  shall  wait  upon  them  at 
Cohanzy,  in  order  to  his  ordination,  and  the  people  are  to  present  them  a  call 
to  the  said  Mr.  Smith. 

The  trials  appointed  by  the  Presbytery  to  Mr.  Smith,  an  fides  solum  justifixet, 
for  sermon,  John  vi.  37,  last  part  of  the  verse.  Mr.  Andrews  to  be  moderator, 
and  the  people  are  to  give  three  weeks  advertisement. 

Ordered  that  Mr.  McNish  and  Mr.  Davis  attend  Mr.  Hampton  in  the  day  of 
his  inauguration,  and  Mr.  Davis  shall  proceed,   [preside  ?] 

Ordered  that  the  Presbytery  adjourn  till  Thursday,  at  9  o'clock,  forenoon. 

3Iay  20,  Sessione  Btia.  post  preces,  d-c. 

Mr.  McKemie  did,  according  to  his  order,  write  to  Mr.  Coldin,  in  Oxam,  for 
coming  over  to  the  American  parts. 

It  is  further  recommended  to  Mr.  Andrews,  to  take  it  into  his  serious  con- 
sideration of  reading  a  chapter  and  making  a  comment  on  the  same. 

The  first  overture  is  complied  with  by  the  rest  of  the  ministers. 

The  second  overture  in  part  practised  and  hoped  in  time  to  be  fully  complied 
with. 

The  third  overture  complied  with  and  practised  by  the  ministers. 

Mr.  Andrews  delivered  the  Presbyterial  exercise  appointed  and  was  sus- 
tained. 


12  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1708. 

Ordered  by  the  Presbytery,  that  the  time  appointed  for  their  meeting  be  in 
no  wise  prorogued  for  the  future. 

Ordered,  That  the  people  of  New  Castle  and  the  country,  should  not  be  di- 
vided by  setting  up  two  separate  meetings. 

Ordered,  that  Mr.  Wilson  preach  one  Sabbath  in  New  Castle  and  the  other 
in  the  country ;  that  Mr.  Wilson,  once  in  a  month,  on  a  week  day,  preach  to 
the  people  in  Apoquinimy ;  and  Mr.  Hampton  is  to  preach  to  them  as  he  goes 
home,  and  Mr.  Davis  is  to  preach  to  them  at  his  return  to  the  next  Presbytery. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hampton  write  a  letter  to  the  people  at  White  Clay  Greek 
in  answer  to  their's. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McNish  write  to  New  Castle,  in  answer  to  their  letter. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hampton  return  a  verbal  answer  to  the  people  of  Apo- 
quinimy, in  answer  to  their  letter. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Andrews,  Mr.  McNish,  and  Mr.  Boyd,  read  over  the  let- 
ters from  Woodbridge  concerning  the  differences  betwixt  that  people  and  Mr. 
Wade;  and  make  a  summary  report  thereof  at  the  next  meeting. 

May  20,  Post  Merid.  Sessione  Ata.  post  preces,  &c. 

A  letter  presented  by  the  people  of  Freehold  about  the  settlement  of  Mr. 
Boyd  is  referred  till  the  next  meeting. 

The  report  Mr.  Andrews,  Mr.  McNish,  and  Mr.  Boyd  were  to  make  of  the 
letters  from  Woodbridge  referred  till  the  next  meeting. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wilson  and  Mr.  Taylor  write  to  the  people  of  Snowhill 
in  answer  to  their  letter. 

The  meeting  adjourned  till  to-morrow,  at  three  afternoon. 

May  21,  Post  Merid.  Sessione  bta.  Precihus  peractis. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wilson  write  an  answer  to  the  people  of  Freehold's 
letter. 

A  letter  by  Mr.  Hampton  to  the  people  at  Whiteclay  Creek  read  and  sus- 
tained. 

Mr.  McNish  was  defective  in  writing  to  the  people  of  New  Castle,  and  is  to 
write  against  next  sederunt. 

Mr.  XVilson  and  Mr.  Taylor  were  defective  in  writing  to  the  people  of  Snow- 
hill,  and  are  to  write  against  the  next  sederunt. 

Mr.  Taylor  delivered  his  Presbyterial  exercise,  and  it  was  sustained. 

The  meeting  is  adjourned  till  to-morrow,  at  8  o'clock  in  the  morning. 

May  22,  post  preces,  sessione  6ta. 

Mr.  Andrews  is  ordered  to  assist  Mr.  Wilson  to  write  to  the  people  of  Free- 
hold against  the  next  meeting. 

Mr.  Wilson  and  Mr.  Taylor's  letter  to  the  people  of  Snowhill  was  read  and 
sustained. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Boyd  shall  supply  Woodbridge  every  third  Sabbath  if 
they  desire  it,  and  the  Presbytery  are  to  write  to  the  people  of  Freehold  desir- 
ing their  consent  thereto,  and  the  meeting  house  shall  be  the  only  place  of 
meeting  or  not  at  all  in  Woodbridge,  but  may  be  at  Amboy  if  the  people  of 
Woodbridge  and  Amboy  be  content;  and  in  the  interval,  when  Mr.  Boyd  is 
not  there,  they  are  advised,  if  they  can  see  it  clear  to  themselves,  to  hear  Mr. 
Wade. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Andrews  and  Mr.  Hampton  write  to  the  ministers  of 
Connecticut  concerning  the  affair  of  Woodbridge. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Davis  and  Mr.  Wilson  write  to  the  people  of  Woodbridge. 


1708.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  13 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Taylor  write  to  the  people  of  Monokin  and  Wicomico, 
csciting  them  to  their  duty  to  pay  what  they  promise  to  Mr.  McNish. 

Ordered,  That  the  next  meeting  be  at  Philadelphia,  the  second  Tuesday  of 
May  next. 

Mr.  Davis  is  to  have  his  Presbyterial  Exercise  the  next  meeting,  upon  Heb.  i. 
ver.  4th,  and  Mr.  McNish  upon  verse  the  5th. 

Ordered,  That  the  meeting  be  adjourned  till  Monday,  at  8  in  the  morning. 

May  2bth. 

Mr.  McNish's  letter  to  the  people  of  New  Castle  read  and  sustained. 
Mr.  Davis  and  Mr.  Wilson's  letter  to  the  people  of  Freehold  read  and  sus- 
tained. 

Mr.  Andrews  and  Mr.  Hampton's  letters  to  Connecticut  read  and  sustained.* 

*Maij  24,  1708. 

To  Mr.  Davenport,  Mr.  Webb,  Mr.  Shove,  and  Mr.  Buckingham. 

Reverend  Brethren : — Through  the  good  providence  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  assisting 
us,  we,  the  ministers  of  the  gospel,  of  the  Presbyterian  persuasion,  in  this  province  and 
those  adjacent,  taking  into  our  serious  consideration  the  case  and  circumstances  of  our 
holy  religion  in  these  parts,  have,  to  our  great  toil  and  labour,  and  great  difficulty  to  di- 
vers of  us,  by  reason  of  our  great  distance  from  one  another,  formed  ourselves  into  a 
Presbytery,  annually  to  be  convened,  for  the  furthering  and  promoting  the  true  interests 
of  religion  and  godliness.  In  which  our  undertaking,  as  we  would  not  have  any  thing 
should  be  advanced  that  may  be  justly  disgustful  to  any  pious  soul,  but  the  contrary,  so 
it  is  our  universal  desire  to  walk  in  the  nearest  union  and  fellowship  with  the  churches 
in  those  parts  where  you  inhabit,  not  knowing  any  difference  in  opinion  so  weighty  as  to 
inhibit  such  a  proposal,  not  doubting  of  your  cordial  assent  thereunto.  And  for  a  testi- 
mony of  our  sincerity  and  real  intentions  to  act  as  has  been  mentioned,  we  conclude  it 
convenient  to  lay  before  you  one  difficult  matter  that  has  been,  (to  our  great  trouble  and 
exercise,)  laid  before  us,  and  also  what  has  been  our  advice  about  it;  holding  it  proper 
60  to  do,  because  yourselves  have  been  concerned  in  a  transaction  that  has  in  some 
measure  led  into  it.  We  find  by  divers  letters  that  have  passed  between  you  and  sun- 
dry persons  in  Woodbridge,  that  you  are  not  unacquainted  with  the  confusions  and  dis- 
tractions arising  from  the  accession  of  Mr.  Wade  to  be  the  minister  of  that  town,  and 
the  aversion  of  a  considerable  part  of  the  people  to  the  accepting  of  him  as  such,  and 
therefore  need  only  mention  what  we,  after  mature  deliberation  and  consultation  have 
advised  for  the  healing  the  diflFerences  among  them,  upon  the  application  of  those  that 
disagree  with  Mr.  AVade  made  unto  us,  concluding  that  if  their  contentions  and  animosi- 
ties continue,  it  may  be  of  unhappy  consequence,  viz.  That  Mr.  Boyd,  minister  of  Free- 
hold, should,  if  desired  by  the  dissenting  party,  (which,  for  distinction,  may  be  so 
termed,)  come  and  preach  at  Woodbridge  one  Lord's  day  every  three  weeks,  in  the  pub- 
lic meeting  house  there,  if  it  may,  as  we  hope  it  will,  be  admitted ;  and  if  it  be  not  al- 
lowed of,  to  prevent  any  open  and  visible  breach  as  much  as  can  be,  that  he  should 
preach  at  Amboy,  or  any  other  place  agreed  upon,  provided  it  be  not  within  the  town  of 
Woodbridge,  and  have  left  it  to  their  liberty  and  discretion,  according  to  the  light  of  their 
consciences,  guided  by  the  infallible  word  of  God,  either  to  join  or  not  to  join  with  Mr. 
Wade  in  the  time  of  Mr.  Boyd's  absence.  This  we  thought,  after  a  great  deal  of  per- 
plexity about  it,  to  be  all  that  we  could  propose  at  present  for  the  satisfying  the  gentle- 
men that  have  requested  our  help  and  counsel,  and  as  the  most  ready  expedient  we  could 
think  upon,  in  the  present  exigency  of  affairs  among  them  for  their  mutual  reconcilia- 
tion and  comfort.  Moreover,  as  you  have  been  employed  in  Mr.  Wade's  fixing  there,  and 
we  hope  with  sincere  aims  at  the  good  of  the  place,  so  long  groaning  under  the  unhap- 
piness  of  the  want  of  a  settled  ministry,  so  we  humbly  conceive  you  are  in  duty  bound 
in  a  special  manner  to  put  to  your  helping  hand  to  rescue  them  from  the  miserable  in- 
conveniences that  now  they  labour  under,  by  all  the  ways  that  you  can,  to  which  we 
hope  your  advice  for  mutual  forbearance  may  have  much  force.  The  disadvantages  by 
Buch  things  as  these  administered  to  the  power  and  life  of  religion,  and  our  common 
cause,  with  the  occasion  given  to  them  that  would  rejoice  in  our  ruin,  we  need  not  inform 
of,  and  therefore  promise  ourselves  nothing  will  be  wanting  on  your  part  for  accommo- 
dating these  differences.  And  in  the  mean  time  we  request  your  charitable  constructions 
upon  what  we  have  directed  unto,  in  so  difficult  a  matter,  if  it  do  not  prove  to  be  ac- 


14  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1709. 

Mr.  Wilson  and  Mr.  Andrews'  letter  to  the  people  of  Woodbridge  read  and 
sustained. 

Mr.  Taylor's  letter  to  the  people  of  Wicomico  read  and  sustained. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  at  Philadelphia, 

1709. 

3Iai/  10,  1709,  post  preces  sederunt. 

Ministers  :  Mr.  John  Wilson,  Mr.  Jedediah  Andrews,  Mr.  Nath.  Taylor,  Mr. 
George  MeNish,  Mr.  John  Hampton,  and  Mr.  Joseph  Smith. 

Elders :  Joseph  Yard,  John  Gardner,  Alexander  Bell,  William  Fosset,  and 
Robert  Wilson.  ^ 

Mr.  Andrews  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Mr.  Smith,  Clerk  to  the  Presby- 
tery. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hampton  write  to  the  people  of  Cohanzy  to  perform  their 
obligations  to  Mr.  Smith. 

It  was  complained  of  that  Mr.  Davis  did  not  perform  his  part  at  the  inau- 
guration of  Mr.  Hampton. 

The  business  of  Mr.  Wilson,  referring  to  New  Castle,  deferred  till  the  next 
sederunt,  and  also  relating  to  Apoquinimy. 

It  was  also  objected  against  Mr.  Davis,  that  he  did  not  preach  at  Apoqui- 
nimy according  to  order. 

The  Hev.  Mr.  John  Boyd  being  dead,  what  relates  to  him  ceases. 

The  Presbytery  adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow. 

3Iai/ 11,  sessione  Ida,  post  preces  sederunt,  &c. 

Mr.  Hampton,  according  to  order,  performed  his  part  in  writing  to  the  people 
of  Cohanzy,  and  the  letter  was  approven. 

The  Presbytery  adjourned  till  3  o'clock,  post  merid, 

/Sessione  2 tia  post  preces  sederunt,  ministers,  &c. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Davis  be  writ  to,  and  that  the  letter  be  writ  by  Mr. 
Taylor,  for  his  absence  JUid  other  delinquencies,  not  preaching  at  Apoquinimy, 
not  delivering  his  Presbyterial  exercise. 

Ordered,  That  every  letter  sent  by  the  Presbytery  be  inserted  into  a  book 
appointed  by  the  Presbytery  for  that  purpose,  and  that  this  be  done  by  Mr. 
Andrews. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Davis  prepare  his  Presbyterial  exercise  on  Heb.  i.  4,  (as 
was  formerly  appointed  by  the  Presbytery,)  against  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Presbytery,  and  that  this  be  signified  by  Mr.  Taylor's  letter  to  him. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wilson  preach  at  Apoquinimy  once  a  month  till  the  next 
meeting  upon  a  week  day,  and  one  Sabbath  in  a  quarter  till  the  aforesaid  meet- 
ing, provided  always,  that  the  Sabbath  day's  sermon  be  taken  from  the  Whit- 
clay  Creek  people,  their  time. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Smith  go  to  the  people  of  Maidenhead  and  Hopewell, 
and  confer  with  them  on  such  matters  as  shall  be  propounded  to  him  by  them, 
concerning  his  being  called  to  be  their  minister ;  and  that  Mr.  Smith  preach 
to  the   people  aforesaid,  on  his  way  to  New  England,  or  return  from  it,  or 

cording  to  your  own  sentiments,  seeing  it  is  according  to  the  best  of  our  light.  Thus 
hoping  that  our  churches  and  ourselves,  in  this  dark  part  of  the  world,  shall  be  remem- 
bered in  your  supplications  unto  tiiat  God  in  whom  are  all  our  springs,  and  from  whom 
is  all  help,  direction,  and  success,  we  subsciibe  ourselves  your  brethren  in  the  work  of 
the  gospel. — \_LcUcr  Book.'\ 


1709.]  PKESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  15 

both ;  and  that  this  be  intimated  to   Mr.  Smith,  and  the  people  aforesaid  be 
writ  to  by  Mr.  Andrews. 

The  Presbytery  is  adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

4:ta.  Sessione  ante  merid. 
Postpreces  sederunt,  Mr.  Jedediah  Andrews,  moderator,  &c. 
The  letter  to  Mr.  Davis  was  writ,  read,  and  approved. 

Ordered,  That  a  draught  of  a  letter  be  drawn  up  to  New  Castle  by  Mr.  Wil- 
son and  Mr.  McNish. 

The  Presbytery  adjourned' till  3  o'clock,  post  merid. 

bta.  sederunt  post  merid. 

Precihus  peradis,  sederunt,  &c. 

A  letter  from  Woodbridge  read ;  and  resolved  that  an  answer  be  written  to 
them  by  Mr.  Wilson, 

A  letter  from  the  people  of  Monokin  and  Wicomico  read  and  seriously 
considered.  A  call  also  sent  from  them  to  Mr.  McNish,  was  not  accepted  by 
him.  llesolved,  that  a  letter  be  writ  to  them  hereupon  by  Mr.  Taylor.  Or- 
dered also,  that  Mr.  McNish.  preach  only  every  third  Sabbath  to  those  of 
"W^icomico. 

Ordered,  next  sederunt  at  2  o'clock,  post  merid. 

6to.  sederunt. 

Mr.  McNish  delivered  his  Presbyterial  exercise  and  was  approved. 

New  Castle  affair  debated,  and  a  letter  to  them  agreed  on.* 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  written  in  concert  with  that  from  New-England  to 
Sir  Edmund  Harrison,  by  Mr.  Wilson  and  Mr.  Andrews. 

Also,  that  a  letter  be  written  to  Mr.  Mather  and  other  ministers  at  Boston, 
to  thank  them  for  their  concurrence  with  us. 

Adjourned  till  Monday,  9  o'clock,  ante  merid. 

*  To  the  people  of  New  Castle. 

May  1709. 

Out  of  a  Christian  compassion  that  we  have  towards  you,  we  cannot  but  commiserate 
your  present  circumstances,  and  are  heartily  sorry  for  the  misunderstanding  that  is  be- 
tween you  and  Mr.  Wilson ;  as  also  for  the  difference  that  is  between  you  and  our 
Christian  friends  in  the  country.  We  would  be  glad  to  fall  upon  a  healing  method  to 
remedy  these  unhappy  divisions.  And  gentlemen,  you  may  be  assured,  that  whatsoever 
(in  duty,)  lies  within  the  compass  of  our  power  shall  not  be  wanting  ;  but  after  second 
thoughts  and  a  due  sense  of  your  condition,  we  fear  that  such  changes  as  are  set  on  foot 
among  you  in  the  present  circumstances  concerning  a  minister,  may  prove  detrimental 
to  your  and  our  common  interest,  especially  when  we  take  notice  that  nothing  particular 
has  been  offered  to  us  by  you  concerning  our  brother  Mr.  AVilson,  why  he  may  not  con- 
tinue in  his  pastoral  charge  and  function  among  you  as  formerly.  A  general  dissatisfac- 
tion is  the  principal  thing,  (it  seems,)  which  is  pretended  both  in  your  letter  to  us,  and 
by  your  and  our  friend,  Mr.  Janvier.  However,  out  of  tender  respect  to  you,  we  have 
according  to  desire,  presented  Mr.  McNish  with  your  call,  which  he,  for  reasons  given 
you  by  himself,  cannot  at  present  comply  with.  We  beseech  you,  gentlemen,  to  put 
favourable  constructions  upon  what  we  do,  and  that  in  truth  and  sincerity  we  desire  and 
pray  for,  and  endeavour  your  spiritual  and  eternal  welfare ;  but  yourselves  may  easily 
see  that  the  smallness  of  our  number,  the  particular  engagements  that  every  one  of  us 
lie  under  already,  render  your  supply  any  other  way  than  by  our  brother  Mi".  Wilson,  at 
least  at  present,  impracticable.  And  therefore,  we  entreat,  nay  require  you  in  the  Lord, 
to  concur  with  us  ;  lay  aside  all  prejudices ;  struggle  not  too  much  with  providential,  una- 
voidable difficulties  ;  be  submissive,  which  is  a  truly  Chx'istian  temper ;  trust  in  God,  use 
patient  endeavours,  and  expect  without  doubting  a  comfortable  issue,  which  we  h(fpe  for 
and  shall  constantly  endeavour.     Subscribing  ourselves. 

Yours  in  the  work  of  the  Gospel,  k(i.—\_Letter  Book.'] 


16  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1709. 

Hora  9na.  ante  merid.  post  preces  sederunt,  &c. 

Mr.  Wilson  and  Mr.  Andrews'  letter  to  Sir  Edmund  Harrison,  read  and 
approved,  and  committed  to  Mr.  Andrews  to  transmit  it  to  London.* 

Mr.  Hampton's  letter  to  Mr.  Mather  and  others,  in  Boston,  was  read  and 
approved  ;  ordered  that  Mr.  Andrews  have  the  sending  of  it. 

Mr.  Taylor's  letter  to  Mr.  Davis,  and  another  to  Monokin  and  Wicomico, 
were  read  and  approved. 

Ordered,  That  no  members  of  this  Presbytery,  upon  any  whatever  pretence, 
do  depart  or  leave  the  Presbytery,  without  the  meeting  be  broke  up,  or  at  least 
leave  be  asked  and  had  from  the  Presbytery. 


*  To  Sir  Edmund  Harrison. 

May,  1709. 

Honourable  Sir : — The  distressed  condition  of  these  Provinces,  with  respect  to  religion, 
in  which  the  providence  of  God  has  cast  our  lot,  has  moved  us  to  apply  to  the  Reverend 
Ministers  of  Boston,  in  New-England,  to  join  with  us  in  addressing  yourself,  and  other 
charitable  gentlemen  in  London,  to  consider  the  state  of  these  countries,  and  to  implore 
your  help  and  assistance  for  promoting  the  interest  of  our  glorious  Lord.  To  our  great 
satisfaction  they  have  readily  complied  with  our  desire,  and  have  drawn  up  and  signed  a 
letter  particularly  directed  to  yourself.  And  that  we  for  our  parts  may  not  be  wanting, 
being  informed  of  that  public  excellent  spirit  in  you,  famed  both  for  piety  and  prudence, 
do  likewise  address  ourselves  unto  your  honour  upon  the  same  account.  The  negotiation 
began  and  encouraged  by  a  fund,  in  the  time  when  our  worthy  friend  Mr.  McKemie, 
(now  deceased,)  was  with  you,  for  evangelizing  these  colonies,  was  a  business  exceed- 
ingly acceptable  to  a  multitude  of  people,  and  was  likely  to  have  been  of  great  service 
if  continued,  which  makes  us  much  grieved  that  so  valuable  a  design  was,  so  soon  after 
its  beginning,  laid  aside.  The  necessity  of  carrying  on  the  same  affair  being  as  great,  if 
not  greater  now,  than  it  was  then,  we  hope  that  our  patriots  [patrons  ?]  in  London,  will 
revive  so  good  and  important  a  work,  and  not  let  it  lie  buried  under  the  ashes,  but  that 
some  suitable  method  will  be  taken  that  it  may  be  set  on  foot  again.  Unto  whom  can  we 
apply  ourselves  more  fitly  than  unto  our  fathers,  who  have  been  extolled  in  the  reformed 
churches  for  their  large  bounty  and  benevolence  in  their  necessities  ?  We  doubt  not,  but 
if  the  sum  of  about  two  hundred  pounds  per  annum,  were  raised  for  the  encouragement 
of  ministers  in  these  parts,  it  would  enable  ministers  and  people  to  erect  eight  congrega- 
tions, and  ourselves  put  in  better  circumstances  than  hitherto  we  have  been.  We  are  at 
present  seven  ministers,  most  of  whose  outward  affairs  are  so  straitened  as  to  crave  relief, 
unto  which,  if  two  or  three  more  were  added,  it  would  greatly  strengthen  our  interest, 
which  does  miserably  suffer,  as  things  at  present  are  among  us.  Sir,  if  we  shall  be  sup- 
plied with  ministers  from  you,  which  we  earnestly  desire ;  with  your  benevolence  to  the 
value  abovesaid,  you  may  be  assured  of  our  fidelity  and  Christian  care  in  distributing  it 
to  the  best  ends  and  purposes  we  can,  so  as  we  hope  we  shall  be  able  to  give  a  just  and 
fair  account  for  every  part  of  it  to  yourself  and  others,  by  our  letters  to  you.  It  is  well 
known  what  advantages  the  Missionaries  from  England  have  of  us,  from  the  settled  fund 
of  their  Church,  which  not  only  liberally  supports  them'  here,  but  encourages  so  many 
insolences  both  against  our  persons  and  interests,  which  sorrowfully  looking  on,  we  can- 
not but  lament  and  crave  your  remedy.  That  our  evangelical  affairs  may  be  the  better 
managed,  we  have  formed  ourselves  into  a  Presbytery,  annually  to  be  convened  at  this 
city ;  at  which  times  it  is  a  sore  distress  and  trouble  unto  us,  that  we  are  not  able  to  com- 
ply with  the  desires  of  sundry  places,  crying  unto  us  for  ministers  to  deal  forth  the  word 
of  life  unto  them  ;  therefore  we  most  earnestly  beseech  you,  in  the  bowels  of  our  Lord, 
to  intercede  with  the  ministers  of  London,  and  other  well  affected  gentlemen,  to  extend 
their  charity  and  pity  to  us,  to  carry  on  so  necessary  and  glorious  a  work ;  otherwise 
many  people  will  remain  in  a  perishing  condition  as  to  spiritual  things.  In  so  doing, 
your  humble  supplicants  shall  ever  pray  that  the  blessings  of  God's  throne  and  footstool 
may  be  conferred  upon  you  and  them. 

P.  S.  The  death  of  that  worthy  and  honourable  person,  the  Lord  Lovelace,  we  are 
afraid  will  prove  detrimental  to  our  interest ;  and  we  could  wish  that  his  place  were  filled 
again  with  a  person  of  such  a  spirit  and  temper  as  he  appeared  to  be  of.  We  desire  that 
what  you  shall  please  to  transmit  to  us,  as  to  letters  or  otherwise,  may  be  directed  unto 
Mr.  Andrews,  or  in  bis  absence  to  Mr.  David  Giffing  and  Mr.  William  Allen,  in  Phila- 
delphia.—[iyei^cr  .SooA.] 


1710.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  17 

Ordered,  That  our  next  meeting  be  at  Philadelphia,  on  the  third  Tuesday  of 
September,  1710.  And  that  3Ir.  Hampton  prepare  his  Presbyterial  exercise 
against  that  time,  from  Hob.  i.  6. 

1710. 

At  a  Presbytery  held  at  Philadelphia, 

September  20,  1710.     Post  preces  sederunt 

Mr.  John  Wilson,  Mr.  Jedediah  Andrews,  Mr.  George  McNish,  Mr.  John 
Hampton  Ministers. 

Mr.  John  Gardner,  Mr.  Joseph  Yard,  Mr.  Alexander  Brown,  Mr.  Benjamin 
Aidlett,  elders. 

It  being  put  to  the  vote  who  should  be  moderator,  carried  for  Mr.  George 
McNish ;  and  also  voted  for  the  clerk,  carried  for  John  Hampton. 

The  Presbytery  met  to-day,  though  yesterday  was  appointed,  because  the 
members  were  not  come  together  before  this  day. 

Mr.  Hampton,  according  to  order,  delivered  his  Presbyterial  exercise,  and 
the  same  was  approved  of 

Upon  the  desire  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Henry  to  be  admitted  a  member  of 
this  Presbytery,  having  given  due  satisfaction  by  testimonials  to  the  Presby- 
tery, he  was,  according  to  desire,  admitted. 

At  the  desire  also  of  Mr.  James  Anderson,  he  was  admitted,  upon  producing 
sufficient  testimonials  of  his  abilities  and  qualifications  for  the  ministerial  work, 
and  that  he  was  duly  licensed  and  ordained  thereunto. 

The  Presbytery  adjourned  to  eight  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

Die  Jovis,  2da.  sederunt  post  preces. 

After  mature  and  deliberate  consideration  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wade's  case,  that 
has  been  long  under  our  consideration,  he  now  offering  himself  and  desiring  to 
be  a  member  of  this  Presbytery,  was  admitted,  having  satisfied,  by  letters  and 
testimonials,  and  personal  arguing,  that  his  proceedings  have  been  such  as  to 
give  just  ground  for  his  acceptance. 

A  committee  consisting  of  Mr.  Wilson,  Andrews,  Hampton,  appointed  to 
meet  at  two  o'clock,  to  inquire  into  Mr.  Morgan's  and  Van  Vleck's  affair,  and 
prepare  it  for  the  Presbytery. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  jJost  merid. 

Post  preces,  3a.  sederunt,  &c. 

The  committee,  according  to  order,  inquired  into  Mr.  Morgan's  case,  and 
made  report  thereof  unto  the  Presbytery.  And  after  debating  thereupon,  and 
having  put  it  to  vote,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  to  admit  said  Morgan  as 
a  member  of  this  Presbytery. 

The  committee  reported  Mr.  Van  Vleck's  case,  and  after  serious  debating 
thereon,  put  it  to  the  vote,  admit  him  a  member  of  the  Presbytery  or  not,  and 
it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 

IMemorandum  :  Upon  the  admission  of  these  ministers  above  mentioned  : 
three  elders  more  sat  in  the  Presbytery,  namely,  Mr.  Pierce  Bray,  Mr.  John 
Foord,  and  Mr.  Lenard  Van  Degrift. 

A  committee  consisting  of  Mr.  Henry,  Mr.  Anderson,  and  Mr.  Wade,  ap- 
pointed to  prepare  and  bring  in  overtures  to  the  Presbytery,  and  also  take 
cognizance  of  whatever  may  be  laid  before  them,  to  prepare  it  for  the  Pres- 
bytery. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Die  Veneris  ante  meridiem  4,  sederunt,  &c.  post  preces. 
Upon  information  that  David  Evan,  a  lay  person,  had  taken  upon  him 
3 


18  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1710. 

publicly  to  teach  or  preach  among  the  Welch  in  the  Great  Valley,  Chester 
county,  it  was  unanimously  agreed  that  the  said  Evan  had  done  very  ill,  and 
acted  irregularly  in  thus  invading  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  was  thereupon 
censured. 

Agreed  that  the  most  proper  method  for  advancing  David  Evan  in  neces- 
sary literature  to  prepare  him  for  the  work  of  the  ministry  is,  that  he  lay 
aside  all  other  business  for  a  twelve  month,  and  apply  himself  closely  to 
learning  and  study,  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Andrews,  and  with  the  assist- 
ance of  Mr.  Wilson  and  Anderson,  and  that  it  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the 
said  ministers  when  to  put  said  Evan  on  trials,  and  license  him  publicly  to 
teach  or  preach. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wilson  wite  to  the  Welch,  in  the  Welch  Tract,  and  Mr. 
Andrews  to  those  in  the  Great  Valley. 

A  call  from  the  good  people  of  Rehoboth,  in  Maryland,  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Henry,  presented  by  Mr.  Pierce  Bray  before  the  Presbytery,  and  his  answer 
deferred  till  afternoon. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  post  meridiem. 

The  call  to  Mr.  Henry  came  under  consideration,  and  being  again  proposed 
to  his  acceptance,  he  accepted  thereof. 

The  letter  to  the  Great  Valley,  writ  by  Mr.  Andrews,  read  and  approved. 

It  being  reported  that  one  Walter  Kerr  defamed  the  Presbytery,  and  Mr. 
Morgan,  minister  to  said  Kerr,  desiring  advice  therein  how  to  behave,  it  was 
referred  to  the  said  Mr.  Morgan  to  take  cognizance  of  the  offence,  and  to  act 
either  by  private  or  public  censure,  as  the  nature  of  the  thing  should  appear  to 
him,  and  that  report  thereof  be  made  next  meeting. 

Ordered,  That  the  ministers  and  elders  of  the  meeting  come  prepared  for  the 
future  to  give  a  true  and  impartial  account  how  matters  are  mutually  betwixt 
them,  both  with  regard  to  spirituals  and  temporals. 

Ordered,  That  two  letters  be  writ  to  Woodbridge,  to  the  two  parties  thereof, 
by  Mr.  Wilson,  Andrews,  and  Hampton. 

Mr.  Morgan  has  obtained  leave  to  return  home  on  sufficient  reasons  offered. 

Mr.  Brown,  from  the  people  of  Monokin  and  Wicomico,  moved  for  Mr. 
McNish's  answering  to  the  call  formerly  presented  to  him,  and  his  answer  was 
delayed  till  to-morrow  or  Monday. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow,  nine  o'clock. 

Mr.  Wilson  writ  to  the  people  of  Welch  Tract,  and  was  sustained. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hampton  and  Mr.  Davis  preach  the  admission  sermons 
of  Mr.  John  Henry,  at  Rehoboth. 

Mr.  Henry  and  Mr.  McNish  appointed  to  preach  to-morrow,  being  the  Lord's 
day,  and  Mr.  Anderson  on  Monday. 

Adjourned  to  eight  o'clock,  Monday  morning. 

Letters  writ  to  Woodbridge  by  Mr.  Wilson,  Andrews,  Hampton,  read  and 
sustained.* 

*  To  our  Christian  friends  in  Woodbridge,  with  whom  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wade  is  concerned. 

September,  1710. 

Christian  Friends,  We  salute  you  heartily  in  the  Lord,  wishing  you  grace,  mercy,  and 
peace,  &c.  Your  Reverend  Pastor,  and  our  beloved  brother,  Mr.  Wade,  having  offered 
himself  to  be  a  member  of  our  Presbytery,  we  have,  after  due  deliberation,  accordingly 
accepted  of  him,  in  hopes  that  the  issue  thereof  may  tend  to  the  glory  of  God  and  good 
of  his  Church,  and  contribute  to  the  union  and  reconciliation  of  the  good  people  of  Wood- 
bridge  among  themselves,  as  it  doth  in  a  particular  manner  unite  them  to  us.     Therefpre, 


1710.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  19 

Mr.  McNish  and  Brown's  affair  came  under  consideration,  and  it  was  further 
delayed  till  afternoon. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  afternoon 

Ordered,  That  IMr.  Henry  write  to  the  Presbytery  of  Dublin. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wilson  and  IMr.  Anderson  write  to  the  Synod  of  Glasgow. 

Mr.  McNish's  afiair  further  delayed  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  writ  to  Dr.  Tongue,  at  London,  by  the  moderator. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to  morrow. 

The  letters  to  Grlasgow  and  Dublin  read  and  sustained.* 


we  beseech  you  on  your  parts,  as  we  have  your  brethren  and  neighbours  on  their  parts, 
to  study  with  all  care  and  diligence,  unity,  peace,  and  holiness,  and  that  all  division  and 
animosity  by-past  maybe  entirely  buried,  by  avoiding  and  shunning  all  reflections  and  im- 
prudent expressions  or  carriage,  that  in  the  least  may  tend  to  continue  or  aggravate  your 
unhappy  divisions,  or  hinder  that  true  Christian  communion  and  fellowship  which  is  the  or- 
nament of  our  holy  religion.  Behold,  how  good  and  how  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to 
dwell  together  in  unity!  Thus  committing  you  to  God  and  the  -word  of  his  grace,  which 
is  able  to  build  you  up,  we  remain  your  servants  for  Christ's  sake. — \_Let(er  Book.] 

To  our  Christian  friends  that  are  at  present  dissatisfied  with  Mr.  Wade. 

September,  1710. 

Dear  and  Christian  Friends  : — We  have  had  your  friendly  letter  presented  to  us  by  our 
Rev.  Brother,  Mr.  McNish,  and  took  it  into  our  most  serious  consideration,  and  desire 
to  use  all  manner  of  conscientious  tenderness,  hoping  that  you  will  look  upon  our  whole 
design  to  be  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  propagation  of  the  gospel  among  you,  beseech- 
ing you  that  our  advice  be  not,  by  any  person  misunderstood,  as  if  we  had  any  other  thing  in 
our  view  than  what  we  have  already  mentioned,  expecting  that  it  may  have  its  due  weight 
with  pious  and  thinking  souls.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Nathaniel  AVade  made  application  to  the 
Presbytery  to  be  admitted  a  member  thereof,  upon  which  we  deliberately  debated,  and 
made  a  narrow  scrutiny  into  matters  as  they  appeared  to  us,  and  found  by  his  certificates 
that  his  ordination  was  good  and  valid  according  to  Scripture  rules,  and  also  that  he  had 
a  call  and  subscriptions  even  from  some  of  yourselves,  with  several  other  recommenda- 
tions from  persons  whose  integrity  we  could  not  suspect.  And  nothing  appearing  to  his 
disadvantage  sufficiently  attested,  we  judged  it  unjust  to  deny  his  desire,  which  seemed 
to  us  to  flow  from  sincere  intentions  of  being  more  useful  and  doing  greater  good,  he 
having  freely  and  fully  submitted  himself  to  the  judgment  and  discipline  of  the  Church 
according  to  Presbytery,  and  also  to  the  meeting  in  particular,  to  whom  he  and  his  peo- 
ple now  stand  in  relation.  Therefore,  beloved  in  the  Lord,  having  thus  acted  sincerely 
and  used  our  best  endeavours  to  determine  things  most  justly  and  fairly,  we  do  recom- 
mend to  your  tenderness.  Christian  love  and  affection,  and  for  evidence  thereof  we  can 
do  no  other  than  declare  it  to  be  our  judgment  that  you  do,  (since  you  do  professedly 
own  this  judicatory,)  so  far  countenance  our  determination  as  to  have  a  care  of  any  thing 
that  looks  like  dissension  or  separation,  but  the  contrary.  And  we  do  likewise,  in  the 
bowels  of  Christ,  (knowing  how  much  the  interest  of  godliness  is  concerned  in  it,)  with 
all  tenderness  and  love,  exhort  you  to  study  peace  and  unity  among  your  neighbours, 
and  to  have  a  conscientious  care  not  to  weaken  the  hands  of  Mr.  Wade  in  the  work  of 
the  ministry.  And  that  this  duty  of  love  and  peace  may  be  the  more  efi"ectually  promo- 
ted and  practised  among  you,  we  have  also  sent  our  eshortatory  letter  to  your  neigh- 
bours, that  nothing  may  be  wanting  on  their  part,  which,  together  with  this,  we  hope 
may  be  of  a  cementing  use.  Thus  recommending  you  to  the  care  and  guidance  of  the 
Father  of  Lights,  we  conclude,  and  remain  your  cordial  well-wishers. — ^Letter  Book."] 

*  The  Presbytery  met  at  Philadelphia  to  the  Rev.  Presbytery  of  Dublin,  wisheth  grace, 
mercy,  peace,  (the  bond  of  fellowship,)  and  prosperity  in  the  gospel  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

September,  1710. 

Rev.  and  dear  Brethren  in  the  Lord: — By  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Alexander  Sin- 
clare,  a  member  of  your  society,  dated  November,  1709,  and  directed  to  Mr.  John  Henry, 


20  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1710. 

The  matter  betwixt  Mr.  Brown  and  McNisli  with  relation  to  the  people  of 
Monokin,  came  again  to  be  considered,  and  ^Ir.  McNish  agreed  to  go  down 
some  time  before  winter  to  Mouokin,  and  in  the  meantime  to  write  to  them, 
which  the  Presbytery  have  agreed  unto  j  and  then  Mr.  McNish  to  give  his  an- 
swer to  their  call. 

one  of  our  number,  we  find  you  desire  a  correspondence  may  be  settled  and  continued 
from  time  to  time,  than  the  which  nothing  can  be  more  acceptable  to  us  poor  scattered 
and  far  dispersed  labourers  in  our  Lord's  vineyard.  As  also  you  desire  an  account  of 
our  ecclesiastical  affairs,  and  promise  all  the  assistance  yourselves  can  afford,  or  procure 
by  interest  from  others.  The  former  we  are  ready  to  give,  and  for  the  latter  we  are 
grateful  v 

As  to  the  state  of  the  Church  in  these  parts,  our  interest  truly  is  very  weak,  and  we 
cannot  relate  this  matter  without  sorrow  of  heart,  since  it  is  too  much  owing  to  the  ne- 
glect of  ministers  at  home.  Our  late  Rev.  Brother  Mr.  Francis  McKemie,  prevailed  with 
the  ministers  of  London  to  undertake  the  support  of  two  itinerants  for  the  space  of  two 
years,  and  after  that  time  to  send  two  more  upon  the  same  condition,  allowing  the  former 
after  that  time  to  settle,  which,  if  accomplished,  had  proved  of  more  than  credible  ad- 
vantage to  these  parts,  considering  how  far  scattered  most  of  the  inhabitants  be.  But, 
alas,  they  drew  back  their  hand,  and  we  have  reason  to  lament  their  deficiency.  Had 
our  friends  at  home  been  equally  watchful  and  diligent  as  the  Episcopal  Society  at  Lon- 
don, our  interest  in  most  foreign  plantations  probably  might  have  carried  the  balance. 
In  all  Virginia  there  is  but  one  small  congregation  at  Elizabeth  River,  and  some  few 
families  favouring  our  way  in  Rappahanock  and  York.  In  Maryland  only  four,  in  Penn- 
sylvania five,  and  in  the  Jerseys  two,  which  bounds  with  some  places  of  New  York, 
makes  up  all  the  bounds  we  have  any  members  from,  and  at  present  some  of  these  be 
vacant.  Not  long  ago  there  was  a  probability  of  doing  more  good  in  Maryland  before 
episcopacy  was  established  bylaw,  and  at  present  is  in  Pennsylvania,  the  East  and  AVest 
Jerseys,  and  some  places  of  New  York,  if  the  occasion  also  be  not  slipped.  As  for  ec- 
clesiastical affairs  in  other, places,  we  shall  not  here  trouble  you  with,  being  not  per- 
fectly acquainted  therewith  ourselves.  That  then.  Reverend  and  dear  Brethren,  which 
at  present  we  would  humbly,  for  the  sake  of  Christ's  interest,  make  the  subject  of  our 
address  unto  you  is,  that  of  your  zealous  Christian,  and  religious  charity  to  the  mystical 
body  of  the  blessed  Jesus,  you  would  raise  one  sixty  pound  to  support  an  able  well  ap- 
proved of  young  man  from  yourselves  as  an  itinerant  in  these  parts,  among  the  dispersed 
children  of  God  for  a  year,  after  which  time  we  doubt  not  but  he  may  be  settled  com- 
fortably. This  we  have  used  our  interest  in  London  for,  in  the  hands  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Calamy,  which  we  expect,  according  to  promise  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sinclare,  you  will  use 
yours  also  to  forward.  And  in  the  meantime  not  be  wanting  to  answer  our  former  request. 
Thus,  not  making  the  least  doubt  but  this  our  letter  shall  have  the  desired  answer,  we 
subscribe  ourselves,  by  our  representative,  your  well  wishers  in  the  Lord. — [_Letter  Book.'\ 

The  Presbytery  met  at  Philadelphia,  to  the  Right  Reverend  Synod,  of  Glasgow. 

September,  1710. 
Right  Reverend: — Hoping  you  are  in  part  acquainted  with  the  circumstances  of  our 
interest  in  these  American  plantations,  and  persuading  ourselves  of  your  readiness  to 
contribute  both  by  advice  and  otherways  for  the  general  good  of  Christianity  in  these 
poor  neglected  provinces,  we  have  unanimously  judged  it,  (knowing  none  so  proper  to 
apply  unto,  and  repose  our  confidence  in,  as  yourselves,  our  Reverend  Brethren  of  the 
Church  of  Scotland,  whom  we  sincerely  honour  and  affectionately  esteem  as  fathers,)  our 
duty,  for  strengthening  our  interest  in  the  service  of  the  gospel,  to  address  you  for  your 
concurrence  with  us  in  so  great  and  good  a  work.  We  are  not  a  little  encouraged  in  these 
our  applications,  by  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  James  Brown,  of  Glasgow,  one  of  tlie  mem- 
bers of  the  Rev.  Synod,  (to  some  of  our  good  friends,)  of  your  willingness  to  correspond 
with  us,  in  what  concerns  the  advancement  of  the  Mediator's  interest  in  these  regions 
where  our  lot  is  fallen.  We  have,  for  some  years  past,  formed  ourselves  into  a  Prcsby- 
terial  meeting,  annually  convented  at  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  in  Pennsylvania,  and  to  our 
capacities,  (considering  our  infancy,  paucity,  and  the  many  oppositions  and  discourage- 
ments we  have  all  along  struggled  with,)  taken  what  care  we  could  that  our  meeting, 
(though  small,)  might  be  for  the  general  good  of  religion  in  these  parts.  And  we  are 
thankful  that  by  the  Divine  Providence  our  endeavours  and  poor  essays  have  not  been  al- 
together in  vain.  The  number  of  our  ministers  from  the  respective  provinces  is  ten  in  all, 
three  from  Maryland,  five  from  Pennsylvania,  and  two  from  East  Jersey.    And  we  are  in 


1711.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  21 

Next  meeting  appointed  at  Philadelphia,  third  Tuesday  of  September,  1711. 
And  that  jMr.  Henry  and  Mr.  Ander.son  prepare  their  Presbyterial  Exercises 
on  1  Heb.  7th  and  8th  verses.  Mr.  Henry  on  verse  7,  and;5lr.  Anderson  on 
verse  8. 

1711. 

At  a  Presbytery  held  at  Philadelphia, 

SqHemher  20,  1711.     Post  preces  sederunt 

Mr.  John  Wilson,  Mr.  Jedediah  Andrews,  Mr.  George  McNish,  Mr.  John 
Hampton,  Mr.  James  Anderson,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Wade,  ministers. 

John  Steel,  Joseph  Yard,  Adam  Spence,  Segfrigus  Alricks,  Thomas  Pike, 
elders. 

3Ir.  Andrews  was  clerk,  and  Mr.  Wilson  moderator. 

Mr.  Henry's  letter  to  excuse  his  not  coming  to  the  Presbytery  read,  and  his 
excuse  was  sustained. 

Ordered,  That  the  moderator  write  to  him,  and  signify  that  his  excuse  was 
sustained  with  difficulty. 

Mr.  Morgan  and  Mr.  Van  Vleck  were  absent,  and  no  excuse  given  or  sent.  ' 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Andrews  write  to  them  to  reprehend  them  for  their  absence. 

Appointed  that  David  Evan's  affiiir,  in  relation  to  his  proficiency  in  learning 
be  considered. 

Because  of  Mr.  Morgan's  absence,  no  report  was  given  of  that  afiair  of 
Walter  Kerr,  spoken  of  in  the  minutes  of  the  former  year. 

The  minute  relating  to  the  giving  account  of  the  mutual  concerns  of  minis- 
ters and  people  referred  to  the  next  sederunt. 

Mr.  Davis  and  Mr.  Hampton  preached  the  admission  sermons  of  Mr.  Henry 
according  to  appointment. 

Upon  a  certain  emergency  the  Presbytery  met  a  day  later  than  appointment. 

Adjourned  to  8  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

21  sessione  Ida.  die  Veneris. 
Inquiry  was  made  of  the  several  ministers,  touching  the  state  of  their  con- 
great  expectation  that  some  from  other  places  may  be  encouraged  to  join  us  hereafter. 
We  have  thought  good  further  to  represent  to  the  Rev.  Synod,  the  desolate  condition  of 
sundry  vacant  places  who  have  applied  to  us  for  a  supply  of  ministers,  who  express  their 
Christian  desire  of  enjoying  the  public  administrations  of  the  gospel  purely,  but  to  their 
and  our  grief  they  are  not  in  a  capacity  to  provide  a  competent  maintenance  for  the  sup- 
port of  ministers  without  being  beholden  to  the  Christian  assistance  of  others,  at  least 
for  some  time.  We  are  sorry  in  our  present  circumstances  we  can  neither  answer  their 
request  by  supplying  them  with  ministers,  nor  contributing  towards  their  outward  sup- 
port, some  of  ourselves  being  considerably  straitened.  May  it  therefore  please  the  pious 
and  Rev.  Synod,  in  compassion  to  the  desolate  souls  in  America,  perishing  for  want  of 
vision,  to  send  over  one  or  more  ministers,  and  to  support  them  for  longer  or  shorter 
time.  This  will  be  a  work  very  worthy  of  persons  of  your  character,  a  strengthening  to 
us  and  our  interest,  and  a  matter  of  singular  comfort  to  all  the  sincere  lovers  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  We  further  represent,  that  according  to  the  best  of  our  judgment, 
forty  pounds  sterling  annually  paid  in  Scotland,  to  be  transmitted  in  goods,  will  be  a 
competency  for  the  support  of  each  minister  you  send,  provided  that  of  your  pious  and 
Christian  benevolence  you  suitably  fit  them  out.  And  after  they  have  here  laboured  in 
the  Lord's  vineyard  a  year  or  two,  we  are  in  good  hopes  that  they  will  find  such  com- 
fortable encouragement  as  may  induce  them  to  settle  among  us  without  giving  you  further 
trouble  for  their  support.  Thus  recommending  ourselves  and  affairs  to  your  Christian 
concern  and  hearty  prayers,  expecting  your  ready  concurrence  with  us  in  these  represen- 
tations and  desires  for  the  public  good  and  interest  of  the  gospel,  and  praying  for  the 
rich  blessing  of  heaven  upon  yourselves,  and  success  in  your  undertakings  for  Christ's 
Church,  we  remain  your  afi'ectionate  brethren  and  fellow  labourers  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord. — \_LeUer  Book-I 


22  mNUTES  OF  THE  [1711. 

gregations  and  of  themselves,  with  relation  thereto ;  and  also  of  the  several 
elders,  not  only  of  the  measures  taken  to  support  the  ministry,  but  of  the  life, 
conversation,  and  doctrine  of  their  several  ministers,  and  report  was  given  to 
satisfaction  for  this  time. 

Mr.  McXish's  affair  in  reference  to  Patuxent,  deferred  till  another  time. 

Appointed  that  the  Moderator  and  Mr.  Andrews  write  to  the  people  of  Co- 
hanzy,  in  relation  to  3Ir.  Exell. 

Mr.  Wade's  case  deferred  till  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  to  3  o'clock,  afternoon. 

Post  Merid. 
Messrs.  McNish,  Hampton,  ^d  Wade,  appointed  to  inspect  into  the  profi- 
ciency of  David  Evan. 

Adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow. 

22  Die  JSatumi. 

]Mr.  Wade's  case  was  reassumed. 

The  Moderator  and  Mr.  Hampton  appointed  to  draw  up  a  form  of  words, 
which  3Ir.  Wade  is  to  use  in  the  public  reversing  the  sentence,  publicly  passed 
by  him  against  John  Ilsley  and  William  Sharp.* 

Messrs.  Andrews,  McNish,  and  Hampton,  ordered  to  read  the  papers,  rela- 
ting to  Mr.  Wade's  business,  and  to  make  report  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  10  o'clock  on  Monday. 

24  Die  Lunse. 

Messrs.  Andrews,  McXish,  and  Hampton,  did  what  was  appointed  relating 
to  the  papers  concerning  Mr.  Wade's  case,  and  made  report  accordingly. 

Mr.  3IcNish's  case  came  under  consideration,  and  'twas  determined  to  leave 
his  affair  respecting  Jamaica  and  Patuxent  to  himself,  with  advice  not  to  delay 
fixing  himself  somewhere. 

Mr.  Anderson  was  defective  in  not  delivering  his  Presbyterial  exercise,  was 
censured  for  his  defect,  and  appointed  to  deliver  it  next  meeting. 

Adjourned  to  4  o'clock,  afternoon. 

Post  Merid. 
The  Moderator  and  Mr.  Andrews  writ  the  letter  to  Cobanzy,  and  it  was  ap- 
proved.f 

,  1711. 

*  A  form  of  words  appointed  to  be  read  for  reversing  a  censure  passed  by  Mr.  Wade, 
against  John  Ilsley  and  William  Sharp,  as  foUoweth  : 

Whereas  some  time  ago,  a  censure  of  too  high  a  nature  has  been  here  passed  against 
John  Ilsley  and  William  Sharp,  (though  we  cannot  altogether  excuse  them,  especially 
the  former.)  I  do  now  upon  good  ground  and  satisfaction  given,  declare  that  the  same 
persons,  John  Ilsley  and  William  Sharp,  are  cleared  from  said  censure,  and  now  received 
into  full  communion  as  formerly  befoi'e  such  censure,  with  this  church,  and  all  persons 
are  accordingly  to  take  notice  thereof. 

J  A  letter  to  the  people  of  Cohanzy. 

September,  1711. 

Dear  and  Christian  Friends  : — From  our  sincere  regard  to  your  spiritual  and  everlast- 
ing welfare,  we  have  taken  into  our  most  serious  consideration,  your  state  and  condition, 
as  at  present  circumstanced,  and  could  not  but  think  it  our  incumbent  duty,  to  lay  be- 
fore you  what  have  been  our  thoughts  thereupon.  We  could  have  wished  you  had  taken 
better  advised  steps  for  your  provision,  as  to  the  ministry,  for  we  fear  your  present  sup- 
ply will  not  answer  your  expectation.  As  for  the  gentleman,  that  has  for  some  time 
preached  among  you,  though  we  wish  him  no  harm,  but  all  the  good  he  can  reasonably 
desire ;  yet  we  have  such  respect  to  the  honour  of  the  Gospel  in  general  and  yourselves 


1711.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  23 

The  committee  gave  in  their  report  concerning  David  Evan,  and  do  approve 
of  his  hopeful  proficieDcy. 

Several  papers  offered  by  John  Ilsley  in  relation  to  IMr.  Wade,  not  being 
thought  proper  to  be  discussed  by  this  meeting,  the  said  papers  were  delivered 
to  him  again,  in  concurrence  with  his  own  desire. 

Adjourned  to  8  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

25  Die  Martis. 

The  Moderator  and  Mr.  Andrews  wrote  the  letter  to  Monokin,  and  'twas 
approved. 

Adjourned  to  3  o'clock,  afternoon. 

Post  Merid. 

Mr.  "Wade's  business  further  discoursed  about. 

Adjourned  till  9  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

26  Die  Mercurii. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wilson  do  supply  the  people  of  Patuxent  four  Sabbaths, 
Mr.  Henry  four  Sabbaths,  and  Mr.  Hampton  is  left  to  himself  to  supply  some- 
time if  he  can. 

Ordered,  that  Mr.  Wilson  in  his  letter  to  Mr.  Henry,  signify  the  appoint- 
ment of  the  Presbytery,  concerning  his  supplying  at  Patuxent. 

This  day  our  Reverend  Brother,  Mr.  Wade,  being  asked  if  he  had  any  thing 
further  to  offer  in  relation  to  Woodbridge,  he  did  freely  and  of  himself,  make 
the  following  offer,  viz  :  Whereas  he  had,  with  the  greatest  seriousness,  for  a 
long  time  truly  lamented  the  many  and  unhappy  jarrings  among  the  people  of 
Woodbridge;  and  that  he  might  be  no  longer  a  bone  of  contention,  did  (out  of 
a  sense  of  the  glory  of  God,  the  good  of  that  people,  and  his  own  future  quiet,) 
propose  it,  as  the  most  healing  method,  that  he,  by  the  consent  of  the  Pres- 
bytery, would  cheerfully  demit  and  resign  up  all  pastoral  relation  to  the  whole 
people  of  Woodbridge,  heartily  wishing  that  they  may  unite  in  calKng  another 
minister,  that  the  Presbytery  shall  approve  of.  And  Mr.  Wade  further  pro- 
posed, that  in  the  mean  time,  till  they  be  supplied,  the  Presbytery  to  take  care 
that  they  may  not  be  left  destitute  of  help. 

Mr.  Van  Vleck's  excuse  with  respect  to  his  absence,  was  sustained,  he 
being  disabled  by  sickness,  as  one  of  his  elders  reported,  being  sent  for  that 
purpose. 

Agreed,  That  the  Presbytery  take  a  specimen  of  David  Evan's  knowledge  in 
Divinity  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  to  3  o'clock,  afternoon. 

Post  Merid. 

After  serious  deliberation,  we  are  come  to  this  conclusion,  that  the  proposal 

made  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wade,  concerning  the  demitting  of  his  pastoral  charge 

at  Woodbridge,  is  the  only  effectual  method  for  the  healing  all  the  breaches 

among  the  people  of  Woodbridge ;  and  therefore  do  heartily  concur  with  him 


in  particular,  that,  by  the  best  account  we  have  of  him,  we  do  not  judge  him  a  suitable 
person  to  preside  in  the  ministerial  function  among  you.  He  was  invited  to  be  present 
at  our  meeting,  but  he  neither  came  nor  sent,  which  intimates  either  a  contempt  or 
supine  neglect  of  ecclesiastical  judicatories.  "We  have  been  informed  concerning  some 
printed  papers  dispersed  by  him  among  the  people,  which  papers  we  cannot  approve  of, 
as  containing  abundance  of  gross  errors,  so  far  as  they  are  intelligible,  and  a  great  part 
consisting  of  nonsense  and  self-contradictions,  which  is  obvious  to  any  judicious  observer. 
We^thought  it  fit  to  discharge  our  consciences,  in  endeavouring  to  guard  you  against 
those  things  which  we  judge  prejudicial  to  truth  and  your  souls'  happiness ;  and  do  as- 
sure you,  that  what  lies  within  the  compass  of  our  power,  in  order  to  your  comfortable 
settlement,  shall  not  be  wanting  from 

Your  souls'  well-wishers. — \_LeUer  Book.} 


24  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1711. 

in  it,  and  accept  of  it  as  a  truly  proper  and  Christian  expedient,  and  do  hence- 
forth allow  the  good  people  of  Woodbridge  to  supply  themselves  with  another 
pastor  as  soon  as  they  can,  and  in  the  mean  time  accept  of  and  improve  such 
supply  as  shall  be  offered. 

Mr,  Wade  ordered  to  supply  during  the  vacancy. 

Agreed,  That  none  should  be  allowed  to  vote  for  the  calling  of  a  minister, 
but  those  that  shall  contribute  for  the  maintenance  of  him,  and  that  the  major 
vote  of  those  shall  be  determinative. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McNish  do  read  the  form  of  words  drawn  up  at  the  ap- 
pointment of  the  Presbytery,  for  the  reversing  the  censure  against  John  Ilsley 
and  William  Sharpe,  publicly  at  the  meeting  house  in  Woodbridge. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hampton  and  Anderson  write  a  letter  to  the  people  of 
Woodbridge.  ^ 

The  letter  appointed  to  be  writ  to  Patuxent,  was  read  and  approved. 

Adjourned  till  9  o'clock,  to-morrow. 

27  Die  Jovis. 

Upon  the  desire  of  the  people  of  Maidenhead  and  Hopewell,  signified  by 
Mr.  William  Yard,  for  our  assisting  them  in  getting  a  minister,  it  was  agreed, 
that  in  case  the  people  of  Maidenhead  and  Hopewell  are  not  engaged  with 
Mr.  Sacket,  that  they  use  all  opportunities  they  have  for  a  speedy  supply,  and 
apply  themselves  to  the  neighbouring  ministers  for  assistance  in  getting  a 
minister  for  them. 

The  letter  to  Woodbridge  read  and  approved.* 

*  A  Letter  to  the  Christian  People  at  Woodbridge. 

September,  1711. 

Dear  and  Christian  Friends :  The  unhappy  divisions  and  contentions  that  have  been 
long  among  you,  to  our  great  grief  and  concern,  having  been  again  laid  before  us,  with 
all  diligence  and  care,  we  did  again  take  them  into  consideration,  and  indeed  found  no 
small  matter  of  sorrow,  trouble,  and  vexation ;  and  after  spending  much  time  could  not, 
without  difficulty,  come  to  any  conclusion. 

Upon  the  whole  matter,  and  after  our  serious  reflections  thereon,  we  cannot  but  with 
grief  tell  you,  that  we  fear  there  has  been  fault  on  all  hands,  and  that  the  most  innocent 
have  reason  of  self-condemnation ;  how  much  others,  then,  that  have  been  the  unhappy 
causes,  fomenters,  and  promoters  of  such  unchristian  distractions  and  animosities.  AVoe 
to  them  by  whom  offences  come.  Having  mentioned  this,  we  cannot  pass  on  till  in  the 
bowels  of  Christ  we  beseech  and  request  you  to  look  back  and  repent,  to  love  and  unite, 
in  the  true  fear  of  God  and  the  interest  of  his  kingdom  for  the  future. 

That  we  are  in  particular  to  inform  you  of,  which  (as  we  hope,)  will  prove  an  effectual 
remedy  to  all  your  unhappy  dissensions  is,  that  our  reverend  brother  Mr.  Nathaniel  AVade, 
has  of  himself,  freely  and  willingly,  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  poor  Wood- 
bridge,  (as  he  and  we  both  do  hope,)  demitted  and  resigned  all  pastoral  relation  unto, 
and  interest  in  the  whole  people  of  Woodbridge  ;  so  that  he  is  not  any  longer  to  be  looked 
on  by  you,  but  as  a  transient  minister  or  occasional  supply.  AVe  have,  therefore,  ap- 
pointed him  to  be  your  present  supply,  until  you  can,  by  the  majority  of  the  votes  of 
such  as  contribute  to  the  maintenance  of  a  minister,  provide  yourselves  with  such  an 
one,  as  we  hope  you  will  be  unanimous  in,  and  the  Presbytery  approve  of  at  our  next 
meeting.  And  Christian  friends,  we  doubt  not,  but  you  are  sensible  that  the  labourer 
is  worthy  of  his  hire,  and  therefore  hope  you  will  not  utterly  neglect  our  Brother  AA^ade, 
who  is  to  be  your  present  supply,  so  long  as  he  continues  such.  AVe  would  in  the  last 
place  advise  that,  as  soon  as  conveniently  you  can,  you  do  unanimously  meet  and  consult 
on  the  most  proper  methods  for  settling  the  ministry  among  you  ;  and  that  therein  all 
private  interests,  and  needless  contradictions,  and  divisions  be  laid  aside,  the  glory  of 
God  and  good  of  your  souls  purely  aimed  at  and  studied,  and  that  you  forsake  not  the 
assembling  yourselves  together.  And  thus  we  hope,  by  Christian  prudence  and  modera- 
tion, you  will  bring  things,  by  the  good  providence  of  God,  to  a  happy  issue  and  com- 
fortable conclusion.  And  assure  yourselves  that  we  shall  always  be  j-eady  and  willing 
to  assist  you  to  the  utmost  of  our  power,  in  the  work  of  the  Gospel  among  you.  Now 
brethren,  the  God  of  Peace  and  Order  be  with  you;  direct,  strengthen,  and  establish 
you,  80  prays,  Yours,  &c. — [_Lettcr  Book.'\ 


1712.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  25 

Appointed,  That  David  Evan  preach  under  the  direction  and  inspection  of 
Messrs.  "Wilson,  Andrews,  and  Anderson,  till  the  next  Presbytery. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wade  and  Mr.  IMorgan  prepai-e  their  I'rcsbyterial  exer- 
cises against  the  next  Presbytery,  the  former  on  the  9th  the  other  on  the  10th 
verse  of  Heb.  i.     And  that  Mr.  Wade  intimate  this  appointment  to  IMr.  Morgan. 

Next  meeting  appointed  at  Philadelphia,  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  September, 
1712. 

1713.  I 

At  a  Presbytery  held  at  Philadelphia,  which  began, 

Septemher  17,  1712.     Postpreces  sederunt, 

Ministers  :  Messrs.  Jedediah  Andrews,  John  Hampton,  John  Henry,  James 
Anderson,  Joseph  JMorgan,  and  Paul  Van  Vleck. 

Elders  :  IMessrs.  Joseph  Yard,  Isaac  Piper,  John  Burges,  Isaac  Dilbeck. 

David  Evan,  a  candidate,  was  chosen  Clerk,  and  Mr.  Jedediah  Andrews, 
Moderator. 

The  members  not  being  come  together  yesterday,  the  Presbytery  began  this 
day. 

The  roll  being  called  over,  our  Kev.  Brother,  Mr.  John  Wilson,  was  taken 
away  by  death,  and  Messrs.  Davis,  McNish,  and  Wade,  were  absent. 

The  Presbytery,  after  inquiry,  are  satisfied  that  Mr.  Davis  was  necessarily 
absent  this  three  years  past ;  and  it  is  ordered  that  Mr.  Hampton  and  Mr.  Hem-y 
do  exhort  him  to  attend  for  the  future,  or  send  sufficient  excuse  in  writing. 

Mr.  Morgan's  reasons  for  not  coming  to  the  Presbytery  last  year  were  given 
and  sustained. 

The  business  of  Walter  Kerr,  mentioned  in  the  year  1710,  and  continued 
the  last  year,  being  of  so  long  a  standing,  and  falling  of  itself,  the  Presbytery 
thought  good  to  pass  it  without  any  further  notice. 

Touching  the  appointment  made  the  last  Presbytery  for  the  supply  of  the 
people  of  Patuxent,  it  was  complied  with  to  satisfaction. 

Mr.  Henry  delivered  his  Presbyterial  exercise  that  was  appointed  1710,  and 
was  approven. 

One  Mr.  Bratton,  a  minister,  who  arrived  in  Maryland  some  time  last  fall, 
being  detained  by  sickness  that  he  could  not  attend  the  Presbytery,  sent  his 
certificate  of  his  legal  admission  to  the  ministry,  and  was  approven. 

Mr.  Robert  Wilson,  being  commissioned,  did  present  a  letter  from  the  people 
of  Monokin  and  Wicomico,  relating  to  their  church  affairs,  in  answer  to  a  letter 
sent  to  them  by  us  last  year ;  and  also  a  call  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas  Bratton, 
with  a  paper  of  subscriptions  for  his  encouragement. 

And  it  is  ordered  that  a  letter  be  writ  to  the  said  Mr.  Thomas  Bratton,  with 
respect  to  the  said  call,  in  favour  of  that  people. 

Mr.  Anderson  ordered  to  write  the  letter. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow,  nine  o'clock. 

18  Die  Jovisy  post preces  sederunt,  &c. 

Mr.  McNish  gave  his  reasons  for  not  attending  at  the  opening  of  Presbytery, 
and  they  were  accepted. 

Mr.  Anderson  writ  the  letter  to  Mr.  Bratton,  and  it  was  approven. 

The  order  for  inquiring  into  the  mutual  condition  of  ministers  and  people, 
was  observed,  and  no  complaint  was  made  by  any,  except  by  Mr.  Van  Vleck 
with  respect  to  the  people  of  Neshaminy,  which  cause  is  now  depending. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  afternoon. 
4 


26  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1712. 

Post  mend,  post  preces,  sederunt,  &c^ 
The  business  relating  to  Mr.  Van  Vleck  and  his  people  resumed. 
Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow. 

19  Die  Veneris,  post  preces,  &c. 
The  business  relating  to  Mr.  Van  Vleck  and  his  people,  came  again  into  con- 
sideration. 

Mr.  Anderson  delivered  his  Presbyterial  exercise  that  was  appointed  him 
1710,  and  was  approven. 

Adjourned  to  half  an  hour  after  three  in  the  afternoon. 

Post  merid.  post  preces,  &c. 

The  business  concerning  Mr.  Van  Vleck  and  his  people,  again  taken  into 
consideration. 

It  was  concluded  that  after  the  Presbytery  had  examined  the  several  eviden- 
ces brought  in  relation  to  the  crime  of  bigamy,  alleged  against  Mr.  Van  Vleck, 
as  also  the  exceptions  offered  by  the  said  Van  Vleck  against  the  evidences,  and 
in  vindication  of  himself,  the  Presbytery  not  finding  the  evidences  clear  and 
positive  enough  to  prove  the  crime  against  him,  and  yet  Mr.  Van  Vleck's  vin- 
dication not  sufficient  to  take  off  the  scandal  wholly,  do  therefore,  till  such  time 
as  Mr.  Van  Vleck  bring  satisfying  proof  of  his  first  wife's  death,  for  the  honour 
of  the  gospel,  advise  that  he  do  not  officiate  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel.  To 
which  advice  he  does  willingly  agree. 

Ordered,  upon  the  whole,  that  a  letter  be  writ  to  Mr.  Van  Vleck's  people, 
by  the  moderator  and  Mr.  Hampton.* 

The  Presbytery  having  seen  Mr.  George  Grillespie's  certificates,  from  the 
Presbytery  of  Glasgow,  concerning  his  being  licensed  to  preach,  and  his  con- 
versation, did  approve  of  them,  and  in  case  Providence  make  way  for  his  ordina- 
tion, by  a  call  from  any  congregation  before  next  Presbytery,  Mr.  Andrews, 
McNish,  Anderson,  and  Morgan,  are  ordered  to  ordain  him,  and  that  one  of 
the  said  members,  or  two,  as  they  shall  see  fit,  preach  at  the  solemnity. 

A  petition  from  the  people  of  Whiteclay  Creek  was  read. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow. 

20  Die  Saturni,  post  preces,  &c. 
Two  letters  from  the  people  of  Woodbridge,  and  one  from  Mr.  Wade,  being 

read,  the  business  of  that  place  was  taken  into  consideration. 

*  A  letter  to  the  people  to  whom  Mr.  Van  Vleck  did  use  to  preach. 

September  l^lh,  1712. 

Christian  Friends : — We  have  had  your  melancholy  affair  relating  to  the  difference  be- 
tween some  of  you  and  Mr.  Van  Vleck  under  serious  consideration,  and  do  sincerely  la- 
ment the  same,  as  being  of  that  nature  to  hinder  the  progress  of  true  religion  and  good 
of  souls. 

We,  after  much  pains  and  time  spent  about  it,  did  agree  to  give  it  as  our  advice  to  Mr. 
Van  Vleck,  to  desist  from  the  exercise  of  his  ministerial  office  until  he  vindicate  himself 
from  the  grievous  scandal  that  is  so  common,  of  his  having  two  wives ;  which  advice  of 
ours  he  himself  has  -willingly  agreed  unto,  as  the  best  w^ay  to  take  off  and  prevent,  for 
the  future,  the  reproach  that,  it  is  plain,  religion  and  godliness  might  otherwise  lie  under. 
And  therefore  we  hope.  Christian  friends,  that  you'll  all  take  in  good  part,  the  care  and 
pains  we  have  been  at  in  this  matter,  and  be  contented  with  what  we  have  advised  unto  ; 
and  recommend  unto  you  the  practice  of  holiness.  Christian  love  and  peace,  improving 
all  opportunities  you  may  have  of  public  ordinances  in  the  mean  time,  and  that  you  en- 
deavour to  heal  breaches  as  much  as  you  can. 

Postscript.  The  reason  of  this  advice  for  his  not  preaching  was  this,  that  the  Presby- 
tery could  not  find  proof  clear  and  positive  enough  to  prove  the  crime  against  him,  yet 
Mr.  Van  Vleck's  vindication  did  not  appear  sufficient — \_Lcttcr  Book.'\ 


1712.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  27 

Ordered,  That  the  moderator,  Mr.  McNish,  and  Mr.  Hampton,  bring  in  an 
overture  with  respect  to  3Ir.  Wade's  affair,  the  nest  sederunt. 

A  petition  presented  from  the  people  of  Welsh  Tract  and  Great  Valley,  with 
respect  to  David  Evans,  afterwards  to  be  taken  into  consideration. 

The  petition  of  the  people  of  White  Clay  Creek  was  again  read,  and  it  was 
ordered,  that  if  Mr.  Gillespie  sees  fit  to  leave  Woodbridge,  he  first  supply  that 
people  for  some  time,  or  any  other  he  may  be  invited  by,  at  his  own  discretion, 
till  next  Presbytery. 

Adjourned  to  Monday,  at  nine  o'clock. 

22  Die  Lunx,  postpreces  sederunt,  &c. 

Mr.  Morgan  die  Sabhati  delivered  his  Presbytorial  Exercise  that  was  ap- 
pointed him  1711,  and  this  day  it  was  animadverted  upon  and  approven. 

A  petition  from  the  people  of  Cohanzy,  being  presented  by  Mr.  John  Ogden, 
their  messenger,  was  read,  and  left  to  further  consideration. 

It  was  ordered,  that  a  letter  be  writ  to  that  people  by  the  moderator. 

The  overture  brought  in  by  the  moderator,  Mr.  McNish,  and  Hampton,  con- 
cerning Mr.  Wade  and  the  people  of  Woodbridge,  read  and  approven,  and  was 
as  follows : 

It  is  overtured,  That  whereas,  for  these  several  years,  we  have  endeavoured 
to  accommodate  the  differences  between  Mr.  Wade  and  the  people  of  Wood- 
bridge,  after  some  time,  at  his  own  proposal,  we  admitted  him  as  a  member  of 
our  Presbytery,  and  he  submitted  himself  willingly  to  our  constitution,  which 
we  hoped  would  have  been  effectual  for  the  taking  away  these  unhappy  divisions, 
but  to  our  sad  disappointment,  we  have  found  them  continue  and  rather  increase. 

The  first  year  of  his  admission,  we  hoped  that  our  Christian  and  ministerial 
advice,  both  to  Mr.  Wade  and  the  disagreeing  parties  at  Woodbridge,  would  have 
been  suflicient  for  reconciliation,  but  herein  also  we  were  lamentably  frustrated, 
for  the  next  Presbytery  their  mutual  complaints  were  again  renewed. 

xVnd  after  inquiry  and  serious  deliberation  upon  those  complaints,  some 
whereof  brought  by  the  people  against  3Ir.  Wade  were  of  a  scandalous  nature, 
and  of  long  standing,  we  came  to  an  unanimous  resolution,  that  really  Mr. 
Wade  has  been  all  along,  and  continued  to  be,  the  woful  bone  of  contention 
among  that  unhappy  people,  and  that  therefore  the  only  effectual  way  of  put- 
ting an  end  to  these  unchristian  jars,  was  that  Mr.  Wade  should  demit  all  pas 
toral  relation  to  the  whole  people  of  Woodbridge,  and  that  they  should  be  at 
full  liberty  to  choose  some  other  minister ;  but  in  the  mean  time,  we  were  wil- 
ling that  Mr.  Wade  should  supply  their  vacancy  until  another  offered,  not 
doubting  but  that  Mr.  Wade  and  the  good  people  of  Woodbridge  would  use 
their  m  animous  endeavours  with  all  convenient  speed,  to  provide  themselves 
with  a  qualified  minister  in  whom  they  should  agree.  To  all  which  Mr.  Wade 
did,  at  our  last  Presbytery  aforesaid,  give  his  solemn  and  hearty  consent,  as 
fully  appears  from  his  own  words,  then  spoken  and  upon  record.  Nevertheless, 
Mr.  Wade  immediately  on  his  return  to  Woodbridge,  did  begin,  and  has  con- 
tinued ever  since,  to  misconstrue  our  proceedings,  and  render  ineffectual  all  our 
designs  of  peace  and  unity  : 

1.  By  pretending  still  to  a  pastoral  relation  to  some  of  the  people  of  Wood- 
bridge,  notwithstanding  his  own  actual  renunciation  of  all  such  charge  as  ap- 
pears, and  furthermore  constituting  new  church  officers. — Vide  letter,  Novem- 
ber 23,  1711. 

2.  By  finding  fault  with  some  of  our  Presbytery  for  providing  a  supply 
according  to  the  mind  of  the  whole  Presbytery,  who  always  designed  ]Mr. 
Wade  to  supply  no  longer  than  till  another  could  be  had. — Vide  letter,  Sep- 
tember 16,  1712. 


28  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1712. 

3.  By  opposing  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Gillespie,  a  preacher  from  North 
Britain,  though  recommended  heartily  by  Dr.  Mather,  as  well  as  sufficiently 
from  Glasgow,  and  at  first  generally  liked  by  the  people  of  Woodbridge. — Vide 
Dr.  Mather's  last  letter  to  Woodbridge. 

4.  But  most  of  all,  and  which  indeed  includes  all,  by  a  shameful  recantation 
which  he,  the  said  Mr.  Wade,  made,  in  a  letter  to  three  of  our  number,  dated 
November  23,  1711,  of  what  he  solemnly  and  frankly  acknowledged,  upon  con- 
viction of  his  conscience,  as  he  said,  viz.  that  he  had  been  a  bone  of  contention 
at  Woodbridge,  and  therefore,  that  he  might  be  so  no  longer,  he  demitted  all 
pastoral  relation  to  them,  heartily  wishing  they  might  unite  in  calling  another 
which  the  Presbytery  might  approve  of,  as  our  records  make  appear ;  this  he 
now  declares  he  recants,  so  ^hat  it  seems  he  resolves  still  upon  being  the 
wretched  bone  of  contention,  and  therefore  labours  what  he  can,  contrary  both 
to  the  greatest  part  of  the  people,  and  the  mind  of  the  Presbytery,  to  plant 
himself  there  again,  or  if  not,  to  keep  up  the  contention.  And  though  Mr. 
Wade  has  not  attended  this  Presbytery,  yet  his  own  letters  above  cited,  besides 
the  personal  knowledge  of  several  members  of  this  Presbytery  concerning  this 
affair,  and  the  letters  from  the  people,  dated  one  of  them,  November  G,  1711, 
another  September  13,  1712,  besides  one  from  Mr.  Thomas  Pike,  of  November 
10th,  1711,  do  sufficiently  evidence  the  contentions  about  him  to  be  as  great  as 
ever.— Vide  letter  Nov.  23,  1711. 

We,  therefore,  in  the  fear  and  name  of  our  great  Master,  do  appoint  and  or- 
dain that  the  said  Mr.  Wade  do  no  longer  exercise  his  ministerial  office  at  the 
town  of  Woodbridge,  or  among  the  people  thereof,  unless  allowed  by  the  Pres- 
bytery hereafter,  but  that  he  forthwith,  and  without  resistance,  directly  or  in- 
directly, give  place  to  some  other  whom  God  in  his  providence  may  send,  and 
the  good  people  of  Woodbridge,  or  the  major  part  of  them,  call  and  agree  about. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Andrews  and  Anderson  write  upon  that  head  to  Dr.  Cot- 
ton Mather,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Wade,  and  the  people  of  Woodbridge. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  afternoon. 

P.  31. 

The  letter  to  the  people  of  Cohanzy  was  read  and  approven. 

The  Presbytery  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Gillespie,  and  it  was  ordered  that 
Mr.  Henry  write  an  answer  unto  it. 

A  complaint  of  the  melancholy  circumstances  Mr.  John  Macky,  in  Elizabeth 
Eiver,  Virginia,  labours  under,  by  Mr.  Henry,  the  Presbytery  was  concerned. 
And  Mr.  John  Hampton  saying  that  he  designed  to  write  to  him  on  an  affair 
of  his  own,  the  Presbytery  desired  him  to  signify  their  regard  to,  and  concern 
for  him. 

The  affair  of  David  Evans  came  into  consideration,  and  it  was  appointed  that 
Mr.  Hampton,  Henry,  and  Morgan,  inquire  into  his  proficiency  in  learning,  and 
give  in  a  report  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow. 

23  Die  3Iartis,  post  preces,  &c. 

The  letter  to  Mr.  Gillespie  was  read  and  approven. 

The  brethren  appointed  to  inquire  into  David  Evans'  proficiency  in  learning 
brought  in  their  report,  that  he  had  for  the  time,  made  considerable  profi- 
ciency ;  whereupon  it  was  voted,  whether  he  should  be  ordained  before  the 
next  Presbytery,  according  to  the  people's  desbe,  and  it  was  cari'ied  in  the 
negative. 

Ordered,  That  he  continue  to  follow  his  studies  under  the  inspection  of  Mr. 
Andrews,  &c.,  as  heretofore. 


1712.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  29 

The  letters  to  Dr.  Cotton  Matlier,  Mr.  "Wade,  and  the  people  of  Woodbridge, 
were  written  and  approvon.'* 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Andrews  preach  next  Presbytery  on  the  11th  verse  of 
the  first  of  the  Hebrews,  and  Mr.  McNish  on  the  12  th. 

*  To  Dr.  Cotton  Mather. 

September,  1712. 

Rev.  and  Dear  Brother  : — You  are  not  altogether  unacquainted  with  the  troubles  that 
have  been  long  at  Woodbridge,  by  reason  of  the  difference  between  Mr.  Wade  and  a  great 
part  of  the  people  there,  which  have  occasioned  much  exercise  and  perplexity  to  us  from 
year  to  year  at  our  anniversary  meetings,  not  only  since  his  admission  into  our  society, 
but  also  diverse  years  before.  We  hoped  when  he  became  one  of  us,  we  should  have  been 
instrumental  of  putting  an  end  to  those  unhappy  jarrs  and  feuds,  but  to  our  great  sor- 
row, we  have  found  ourselves  miserably  disappointed,  for  the  contention  increased  rather 
than  decreased  presently  thereupon,  and  has  done  so  ever  since.  At  our  Presbytery  last 
year,  diverse  of  the  people  of  Woodbridge  appeared,  some  for  and  others  against  Mr. 
Wade  ;  and  grievous  scandals  were  charged  upon  him,  against  which  he  made  the  best 
vindication  he  could,  but  not  so  good,  but  that  we  thought  convenient  to  advise  him  to 
demit  his  pastoral  relation  to  the  whole  people  of  Woodbridge,  which  advice  he  readily 
acquiesced  in. 

That  the  place  might  not  be  altogether  destitute,  it  was  thought  expedient  to  make  him 
their  supply  till  another  could  be  procured,  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  I'resbytery  and 
people.  Mr.  Wade,  with  tears  in  his  eyes  and  trembling  hands,  declared  he  would  be 
no  longer  a  bone  of  contention  there,  which  was  matter  of  great  rejoicing  and  satisfac- 
tion to  us,  expecting  this  would  undoubtedly  tend  to  the  comfort  and  quiet  of  that  mis- 
erable town  ;  in  which  also  our  hope  was  frustrated  to  our  great  concern  and  lamentation. 

Notwithstanding  of  such  a  free  resignation  of  his  charge  made  by  him,  he  no  sooner 
returned  home,  but  he  told  the  people,  with  ostentation,  that  now  he  was  more  firmly 
fixed  in  Woodbridge  than  ever  he  was  before  ;  and  instead  of  complying  with  his  demis- 
sion so  solemnly  made,  and  joining  with  the  people  to  get  another  minister,  as  he  had 
promised  to  us  ;  when  the  town  came  together  to  consider  of  that  matter,  he  declared  that 
he  stood  as  fair  to  be  voted  for  as  any  man,  and  contended  that  a  vote  should  be  first 
past  with  respect  to  himself,  fallaciously  and  falsely  pretending  private  instructions  from 
divers  members  of  the  Presbytery  so  to  do ;  thereby  overturning  and  misapplying  all 
that  was  done  at  the  Presbytery,  to  the  breaking  up  of  the  meeting  once  and  again  re 
infecta,  and  to  the  further  confusion  of  the  town,  which  constrained  the  people  to  send  a 
messenger  to  a  coram  of  our  number  for  explication  of  our  letter,  which  was  very  plain 
of  itself.  Moreover  he  had  the  confidence  in  his  letter  to  those,  not  only  to  claim  an 
interest  in  a  part  of  the  people  still,  as  his  church,  but  to  recant  that  expression,  wherein 
he  had  declared,  that  he  would  be  no  longer  a  bone  of  contention,  thereby  virtually 
renouncing  his  demission  he  had  so  formally  made  ;  which  recantation,  by  the  best  infor- 
mation we  can  get,  he  hath  effectually  complied  withal,  by  his  continuing  to  be  the 
miserable  bone  of  contention  there.  For  it  plainly  appears  to  us,  that  it  is  his  industri- 
ous endeavour  to  prevent  the  happy  settlement  of  that  place  in  another  minister,  either 
by  setting  up  himself  again,  or  keeping  up  the  contention,  or  both. 

We  hoped  that  when  Mr.  Gillespie  came  there,  (a  gentleman  recommended  with  an 
excellent  character,  and  of  so  laudable  a  carriage,)  that  he  should  have  been  the  happy 
instrument  of  uniting  that  people,  especially  when  his  management  there  was  to  univer- 
sal satisfaction.  And  it  is  our  opinion  it  had  been  so,  if  Mr.  AVade  had  concurred  with 
the  people  in  it.  But  when  he  returned  from  Boston  with  your  letter,  (which,  we  doubt 
not,  was  with  a  sincere  intention  to  promote  the  good  of  Woodbridge,)  giving  encour- 
agement concerning  one  Mr.  AViswall ;  the  town  became  divided  betwixt  Mr.  Gillespie 
and  Mr.  Wiswall,  which  division  we  fear  is  too  much  owing  to  Mr.  Wade,  there  appear- 
ing all  likelihood  of  agreement  in  Mr.  Gillespie  before,  which  mistake  we  conclude  to 
flow  from  misinformation,  as  your  last  letter  to  some  in  Woodbridge  intimates. 

We  being  fully  persuaded,  after  serious  deliberation  and  consultation,  that  so  long  as 
there  is  any  hopes  of  Mr.  AVade's  preaching  in  Woodbridge,  these  feuds  and  animosities 
will  be  endless,  have  ordained  and  appointed,  in  the  name  and  fear  of  our  great  Master, 
that  the  said  Mr.  Wade  do  no  longer  exercise  his  ministerial  ofiice  at  that  town  of  Wood- 
bridge,  or  among  the  people  thereof,  unless  hereafter  allowed  by  the  Presbytery,  We 
were  constrained  to  this  appointment,  though  Mr.  Wade  were  not  personally  present,  as 
being  the  only  thing  we  could  propose,  and  the  utmost  we  could  do  for  the  good  of  poor 
Woodbridge. 
Now  sir,  our  joint  request  to  you  is,  that  you  will  use  your  utmost  endeavour  for  the 


30  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1713. 

Next  Presbytery  appointed  to  be  at  New  Castle,  on  the  third  Tuesday  of 
September,  1713. 

1713. 

At  a  Presbytery  held  at  New  Castle,  which  began, 

Septenibei'  15th,  1712.     Post  preces  sederunt, 

Ministers  :  Messrs.  Jedediah  Andrews,  George  McNish,  John  Henry,  James 
Anderson. 

Mr.  James  Anderson  was  chosen  Clerk,  and  Mr.  John  Henry,  Moderator. 

re-uniting  of  that  people  by  persuading  them  and  Mr.  Wade  to  lay  aside  all  former  resent- 
ments and  prejudices  against  one  another,  and  peaceably  acquiesce  in  the  settlement  of 
Mr.  Gillespie,  if  he  may  be  prevailed  upon.  And  in  case  this  proposal  should  fail,  by  Mr. 
Gillespie's  removal,  which  we  very  much  fear,  that  they  may  jointly  agree  in  another 
suitable  person,  whom  yourself  with  our  other  reverend  brethren  in  Boston  shall  recom- 
mend, or  that  Providence  may  otherwise  provide.  AVe  the  more  earnestly  desire  the 
speedy  settlement  of  that  place,  upon  the  advantages  that  other  persuasions  take  from 
those  divisions,  to  make  parties  among  them.  And  we  fear,  that  in  case  it  be  not  soon 
done,  we  shall  lose  that  town,  which  we  look  upon  as  a  place  of  considerable  consequence. 
Thus  having  laid  before  you  the  miseries  of  that  deplorable  town,  and  the  necessity  of 
its  speedy  relief,  we  conclude,  recommending  you  and  your  holy  labours  to  the  blessing 
of  our  glorious  Lord,  and  rest,  Reverend  Brother, 

Your  affectionate  Brethren  in  Christ. — \_Letter  Book.'\ 

To  Mr.  Nathaniel  Wade. 

September,  1712. 

Mr.  Wade: — We  have  had  our  meeting  according  to  appointment,  and  were  sorry  that 
your  business  could  not  allow  your  attendance ;  your  reasons  intimated  in  your  letter 
were  sustained.  The  continued  feuds  between  you  and  the  people  of  Woodbridge  came 
again  under  consideration,  and  after  mature  deliberation,  we  di'ew  up  the  following  over- 
ture, as  the  determination  of  the  Presbytery  concerning  yourself,  which  we  here  trans- 
cribe and  send  you,  expecting  your  ready  compliance  therewith.  And  at  the  same  time 
earnestly  exhort  you,  in  the  name  and  fear  of  God,  to  be  so  far  from  countenancing  any 
differences  among  the  people,  by  being  a  bone  of  contention,  that  you  do  vxse  your  utmost 
interest  in  them  for  their  mutual  peace  and  concord,  as  becomes  a  minister  of  the  Prince 
of  Peace.  We  account  it  would  be  an  honourable  thing  in  you  that  you  use  your  best 
endeavours,  that  the  worthy  gentleman  now  among  you,  Mr.  Gillespie,  may  be  retained, 
and  not  discouraged ;  and  that  the  people  that  have  hitherto  adhered  to  you,  may  be 
advised  thankfully  to  acquiesce  in  him.  And  in  case  these  differences  should  drive  Mr. 
Gillespie  out  of  the  town,  (which  we  hope  no  man  will  dare  to  maintain  for  that  purpose,) 
we  expect  you  will  conscientiously,  what  in  you  lies,  labour  with  the  people  that  the  place 
may  be  settled  in  the  enjoyment  of  some  other  suitable  person  whom  Providence  shall 
provide.  In  a  word,  we  earnestly  recommend  to  you,  that  you  study  the  peace  and  quiet 
of  the  town,  that  they  may  become  at  length,  if  it  can  be,  happy  in  the  enjoyment  of  an 
established  ministry,  according  to  the  present  desires  of  the  people,  that  so  these  quarrels 
may  not  be  carried  on  ad  injinitum. — \_Letter  Book.'\ 

The  Overtm-e  is  in  the  book  of  minutes. 

To  our  Christian  Friends  at  Woodbridge. 

September,  1712. 
Christian  Friends  and  Dearly  Beloved  : — We  have  again  taken  much  pains  and  spent 
much  time  in  deliberating  upon  the  deplorable  differences  of  your  town,  which  have 
heretofore  cost  us  so  much  perplexity  and  trouble.  And  after  impartial  weighing  and 
considering  all  circumstances  we  came  to  this  conclusion,  that  so  long  as  Mr.  Wade  does 
or  may  preach  in  the  place,  the  people  will  neither  agree  in  him  nor  in  any  other.  We  have, 
therefore,  in  the  name  and  fear  of  our  great  Master,  ordained  and  appointed  that  he  do 
no  longer  exercise  his  ministerial  office  at  your  town,  or  among  the  people  thereof,  unless 
allowed  by  the  Presbytery  hereafter,  of  which  we  have  given  intimation  in  our  letter  to 
him.  We  do  earnestly  exhort  and  entreat  you,  in  the  bowels  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that 
laying  aside  all  prejudices  and  animosities  among  one  another,  you  do  study  peace,  love, 
unity,  and  concord,  as  you  did  solemnly  engage  not  long  since  in  a  public  meeting  held 
among  you.     Divine  rrovidence  having  sent  among  you  so  worthy  a  man  as   Mr. 


1713.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  ^1 

Mr.  Robert  Lawson,  Mr.  Daniel  IMagill,  and  Mr.  George  Gillespie,  having 
applied  to  this  Presbytery  for  admittance  as  members  thereof,  and  the  Presby- 
tery finding,  by  their  ample  testimonials,  that  they  have  been  legally  and  or- 
derly ordained  as  ministers  of  the  Gospel,  and  that  they  have  since  behaved 
themselves  as  such,  did  cheerfully  and  cordially  receive  them,  and  so  they  took 
their  places. 

After  which  the  names  of  the  members  being  called,  there  were  present, 

Ministers  :  Messrs.  Jedediah  Andrews,  George  McNish,  John  Henry,  James 
Anderson,  Robert  Lawson,  Daniel  Magill,  and  George  Gillespie. 

Elders  :  Messrs.  Joseph  Yard,  Rowlaph  Dehaws,  James  Caldwell,  James 
Bell,  Alexander  White. 

Absent,  Mr.  John  Hampton,  whose  letter  of  excuse  was  read  and  sustained. 
Mr.  Joseph  Morgan  was  likewise  absent. 

Next  sederunt  appointed  to  be  at  three  o'clock,  afternoon,  and  so  after 
prayer  the  Presbytery  was  dismissed. 


P.  31.  at  three  o'clocic,  post  preces  sederunt  ut  svpra. 


According  to  appointment  of  last  Presbytery,  Mr.  Hampton  and  Mr.  Henry 
spoke  to  Mr.  Davis  concerning  his  former  absence,  and  being  on  account  of  Mr. 
Hampton's  sickness,  necessarily  absent,  he  is  for  this  time  excused. 

]Mr.  Bratton,  mentioned  in  last  year's  minutes,  to  our  great  grief  deceased, 
October  1712. 

Mr.  Van  Vleck  bringing  certain  papers  immediately  after  breaking  up  of  the 
Presbytery  last  year,  to  clear  himself  from  the  crimes  charged  upon  him,  as 
may  more  fully  appear  by  a  memorandum  in  the  Book  of  Letters :  and  there 
being  an  appointment  made  to  examine  the  validity  of  these  papers,  it  was 
judged  by  those  appointed  to  inspect  into  that  matter,  that  he  was  guilty. 
(  Vide  Book  of  Letters.)  And  he  being  now  absent,  and  nothing  yet  appearing 
for  his  vindication,  it  is  appointed  that  his  suspension  shall  continue.* 

Gillespie,  we  cannot  but  recommend  him  to  your  countenance  and  encouragement,  as  a 
person,  by  the  character  he  bears,  by  all  information  concerning  him,  worthy  of  your 
acceptance,  and  in  whom  we  hope  you  may  be  happy,  if  you  can  agree.  To  our  lamen- 
tation and  sorrow  we  hear  that  the  differences  among  you  have  produced  thoughts  in  him, 
that  his  abiding  there  will  make  him  very  uncomfortable.  Nevertheless  we  shall  en- 
deavour to  strengthen  his  hands  and  encourage  his  heart  to  try  a  while  longer,  waiting 
for  the  effect  of  our  renewed  essays  for  peace  and  quietness  among  you.  And  in  case 
you  should  be  so  unhappy  as  to  lose  so  deserving  a  man,  we  justly  fear  his  removal  may 
prove  a  vast  discouragement  to  another  from  venturing  among  you,  which  we  conclude 
all  serious  Christians  will  lay  to  heart.  Nevertheless  if  these  contentions  should  drive 
him  away,  we  hope  you  will  still  labour  to  be  unanimous  in  the  call  and  settlement  of 
another  suitable  person ;  and  we  shall  not  be  wanting,  both  by  our  prayers  and  other  en- 
deavours, to  promote  your  happiness  in  the  enjoyment  of  so  great  a  blessing.  And  so 
recommending  you  to  the  gi'ace  of  God,  we  remain  your  cordial  well-wishers. — 
^Letter  Book.  ] 

*  Memorandum. 

That  the  next  day  after  the  Presbytery  broke  up,  Mr.  Paulus  Van  Vleck  making  his 
appearance  with  some  papers  to  vindicate  himself  from  the  crime  of  bigamy,  which  all 
the  members  had  a  sight  of,  but  all  of  them  being  just  upon  departing,  except  Mr.  An- 
drews, McNish,  and  Hampton,  it  was  left  to  these  to  consider  of  those  papers,  which 
they  did,  and  thought  them  not  sufBcient  to  clear  him  from  that  scandal.  There  came 
also  complaints  against  him  for  telling  lies,  concerning  some  things  which  he  bought  of 
Mr.  Vander  Gaegh,  and  said  his  mother  sent  them  out  of  Holland.  AVhereupon  these 
members  gave  this  as  their  judgment,  that  in  case  he  should  clear  himself  from  the  im- 
putation of  bigamy,  yet  that  he  should  not  be  allowed  to  exercise  his  ministerial  office 
till  he  cleared  himself  from  the  said  charge  of  lying  also. 
Further,  it  being  reported  there  was  a  letter  at  New  York  from  the  said  Mr.  Van  Vleck'a 


S2  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1713. 

Mr.  George  Gillespie  having  read  a  call  from  the  people  of  Whiteclay  Creek, 
and  having  delivered  a  sermon  and  exegesis,  and  being  examined  as  to  his  know- 
ledge in  the  original  languages,  his  skill  in  philosophy  and  theology,  by  Messrs. 
Andrews,  Anderson,  and  Morgan,  according  to  the  appointment  of  the  Presby- 
tery, was  approved,  and  solemnly  set  apart  and  ordained,  by  fasting,  prayer, 
and  imposition  of  hands,  to  the  office  of  the  sacred  ministry,  upon  the  28th  day 
of  May,  1713.* 

Mr.  Hampton  writ  to  Mr.  John  Makie  according  to  appointment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Andrews  deliver  his  Presbyterial  exercise  to-morrow,  at 
eleven  o'clock. 

Mr.  George  McNish  not  having  his  Presbyterial  exercise  ready,  and  excusing 
himself  on  account  of  sicknesg  for  a  month  past,  was  blamed  for  not  prepa- 
ring of  it  sooner,  and  ordered  to  prepare  and  deliver  the  same  for  the  next 
Presbytery. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow,  nine  o'clock. 

Die  Mercurii,  16th  day.     Postpreces  sederunt,  &c. 

The  Kev.  Mr.  Howell  Powell  having  offered  himself  for  admittance  as  a 
member  of  this  Presbytery,  the  Presbytery  was  so  well  satisfied  with  what 

mother,  that  contradicted  these  which  he  produced,  Mr.  McNish  and  Hampton  being 
bound  thither,  it  was  left  to  them  to  inspect  into  that  affair. 

Memorandum  Second,  October  24,  1712. 

Mr.  Hampton  being  returned,  makes  this  report,  that  they  having  made  inspection 
according  to  order,  found  a  letter  from  said  Van  Vleck's  mother  to  his  uncle,  Jacob  Phe- 
nix,  or  his  wife,  bearing  date  within  three  or  four  days  with  Van  Vleck's  letter,  and  con- 
tradictory to  his,  testifying  that  then  his  wife  was  alive ;  and  found  also,  the  hands  as 
they  thought,  different.  Whereupon  they  were  really  of  opinion,  that  Mr.  Van  Vleck 
was  guilty  of  the  crime  laid  to  his  charge. 

Philadelphia,  October  25,  1712. 

Mr.  Andrews  and  Hampton's  letter  to  the  Dutch  people. 
Christian  Friends : — We  have  thought  fit  to  communicate  unto  you  further  our  thoughts 
concerning  your  affair  with  Mr.  Van  Vleck,  which  are  as  followeth  :  First,  concerning 
the  charge  of  his  having  two  wives,  inquiry  has  been  made  at  New  York  as  was  appoin- 
ted by  the  meeting,  and  it's  found  that  there's  a  letter  to  Mr.  Jacob  Phenix,  much  of  the 
same  date  with  Mr.  Van  Vleck's,  but  directly  contradictory  to  it,  testifying  that  his  wife  was 
then  alive,  neither  does  it  at  all  appear  to  be  any  forgery,  but  very  genuine,  the  hand 
agreeing  with  former  letters  of  Mr.  Van  Vleck's  mother,  who  wrote  this  to  Phenix.  Nor 
does  it  appear  that  either  Mr.  Phenix,  or  his  wife,  has  any  spite  or  malice  against  Mr. 
Van  Vleck  at  all,  so  that  we  are  more  afraid  than  ever  that  he  is  guilty  of  that  dreadful 
sin  laid  to  his  charge.  And  then,  as  to  his  foolish  and  needless  lying,  which  is  a  very 
scandalous  sin,  that  is  sufficiently  evident.  Both  which  crimes  are  greatly  aggravated 
by  his  drunkenness,  besides  swearing,  and  indecent  light  carriage ;  all  which,  as  we  do 
greatly  lament,  so  we  really  think  in  our  consciences  you  are  not  to  encourage  such  a 
person,  under  such  grievous  scandals,  in  the  work  of  tlie  holy  ministry  among  you,  but 
rather  to  study  and  endeavour  your  supply  otherways,  by  such  Christian  means  as  pru- 
dence may  direct  you.  And  so,  bidding  you  farewell,  and  wishing  you  all  grace  and 
truth,  we  remain  yours  in  the  Lord. — [^Letter  Book.'\ 

*  Memorandum. 

That  on  the  28th  of  May,  1713,  Mr.  George  Gillespie  was  ordained  and  set  apart  to 
the  ministerial  work  by  Messrs.  Andrews,  Anderson,  and  Morgan.  That  he  presiched  a 
sermon  the  day  before  from  Gal.  iv.  ver.  4th,  and  part  of  the  5th,  and  delivered  his  exe- 
gesis on  this  question,  viz.  An  Christus  pro  omnibus  ct  singulis  sit  mortuus,  discovered  his 
knowledge  in  the  original  tongues,  answered  to  sundry  questions  on  several  placea 
of  Scripture  and  other  theological  matters ;  all  which  was  done  to  good  acceptance. — 
\_Letter  Book.'} 


1713.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  B3 

was  offered  in  his  behalf  with  respect  to  his  ordination,  &c.  that  it  was  agreed 
to  admit  him  as  a  member,  with  advice  to  him  to  procure  further  credentials 
from  some  eminent  ministers  in  England  known  to  some  of  the  members  of  the 
Presbytery,  within  a  year's  time,  and  that  till  then  it  shall  be  free  to  hiju  to 
exercise  his  ministry  in  all  its  parts  wliere  Providence  shall  call  him,  but  not 
fully  to  settle  as  a  hscd  minister  until  the  expiration  of  the  said  time. 
Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  afternoon. 

P.  3L 

A  call  from  the  people  of  jMonokin  and  "Wicomico  to  Mr.  Robert  Law- 
son,  was  presented  to  the  Presbytery  by  James  Caldwell,  which  being  offered 
to  Mr.  Lawson  by  the  moderator,  he  took  it  into  consideration,  with  promise 
to  give  the  people  an  answer  as  soon  as  the  circumstances  of  his  affairs  would 
allow. 

The  Presbytery  received  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas  Reynolds, 
wherein  he  obliges  himself  to  advance  thirty  pounds  for  the  year  1713,  to  be 
disposed  of  by  the  Presbytery.  Appointed  that  a  letter  of  thanks  be  writ  to 
him  by  Mr.  George  McXish,  and  Mr.  Robert  Lawson,  against  the  next 
sederunt.* 

Received  a  letter  from  Mr.  "Wotherspoon,  with  his  credentials  enclosed, 
(which  were  well  approved,)  as  also  a  letter  from  the  people  of  Apoquinimy, 
requesting  that  he  may  be  ordained  and  settled  among  them  as  their  minister, 
the  consideration  of  which  is  delayed  till  to-morrow. 

Mr.  Andrews  delivered  his  Presbyterial  exercise,  which  was  approved. 

London,  December  24,  1712. 

*■  Reverend  and  dear  Brethren : — Having  this  opportunity  by  our  good  brother,  Mr. 
Robert  Lawson,  I  could  not  but  signify  the  concern  I  have  for  the  interest  of  our  com- 
mon Lord  in  your  parts,  and  let  you  know,  that  if  it  will  be  of  service  to  support  one  or 
more  ministers  to  spread  the  gospel  in  those  parts  about  you,  where  it  may  be  most 
needful,  I  do,  for  my  own  part,  engage  for  the  year  coming,  to  advance  thirty  pounds, 
to  be  paid  to  any  you  shall  appoint  here  in  London  to  receive  it,  upon  condition  that  I 
have  first  some  timely  advice  of  it  by  letter  from  our  Rev.  Brother  Mr.  Lawson,  the 
bearer  hereof.  And  if  in  after  years  I  may  be  in  a  capacity,  I  shall  do  what  I  can  to 
serve  you.  I  desire  to  hear  from  you  as  soon  as  may  be,  and  should  be  glad  to  be  an 
instrument  of  disappointing  any  that  can  encourage  no  expectation  from  us.  Praying 
the  Lord  abundantly  to  prosner  the  great  work  in  your  hand,  I  am,  in  great  sincerity, 
your  affectionate  brother.— [Ze«er  Book.]  THOMAS  REYNOLDS. 

The  Presbytery  held  at  New  Castle,  September  17,  1713,  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas  Rey- 
nolds, in  London. 

Reverend  Sir : — We  received  your  letter  dated  December  24,  1712,  per  the  Rev.  Jlr. 
Robert  Lawson,  and  after  blessing  God  that  any,  especially  of  your  character,  regards 
us,  the  skirts  of  Christ's  Church  in  this  American  wilderness,  we  applaud  your  generous 
and  public  spirit,  and  make  a  return  of  our  hearty  and  best  wishes  with  the  utmost 
gratitude,  and  so  much  the  more,  that  though  we  have  often  addressed  several  of  the 
reverend  ministers  of  London,  you  are  the  first  and  only  one  who  hath  taken  notice  of 
us  by  letter. 

Sir,  your  seasonable  bounty  for  the  relief  of  some  weak  congregations,  unable  of 
themselves  to  subsist  at  present  in  maintaining  their  own  ministers,  makes  the  conduct 
of  Divine  Providence  the  more  remarkable  unto  us. 

We  shall  be  faithful  in  a  just  application  of  the  same  according  to  your  direction. 
Dear  sir,  give  us  leave  humbly  to  request  the  continuance  of  your  concern  for  us,  and 
the  interest  of  Christ  in  these  parts  ;  and  moreover  that  you  use  your  interest,  which  we 
know  to  be  great,  with  others  for  engaging  their  Christian  liberality  in  order  to  aid  ne- 
cessitous places ;  want  of  support  to  ministers,  in  many  corners,  being  a  mighty  bar  to 
the  spreading  of  the  gospel. 

Our  Rev.  Brother,  Mr.  Robert  Lawson,  will  advise  bow  the  money  you  so  kindly 
promise,  shall  be  disposed  of.     We  humbly  salute,  &c.  and  pray,  &c. — \_LeUer  Book.} 

5 


34  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1714. 

A  letter  from  the  people  of  Cohanzy,  desiring  advice  about  the  choice  of  a 
minister,  being  presented  to  the  Presbytery  by  Mr.  Ephraim  Say  re,  it  was 
agreed,  in  answer  to  the  said  letter,  that  our  Rev.  Brother,  Mr.  Howell  Powell, 
do  officiate  as  minister  of  the  gospel  among  them  till  the  next  Presbytery  or  at 
his  discretion. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow,  eight  o'clock. 

17  day,  Die  Jovis,  at  eight  o'doch. 

The  business  of  Mr.  "Wotherspoon  and  the  people  of  Apoquinimy  came  again 
into  consideration,  upon  which  the  Presbytery  appointed  as  follows.  That  Mas- 
ters Andrews,  Anderson,  Powell,  Jones,  and  Gillespie,  do  manage  in  the  affair 
between  Mr.  Wotherspoon  andv^the  people  of  Apoquinimy,  that  after  a  formal 
call  presented  before  them  by  the  said  people  of  Apoquinimy,  they,  at  their  own 
discretion,  appoint  the  said  Mr.  Wotherspoon  to  pass  his  trials  before  them,  and 
that  if  they  shall  be  fully  satisfied  as  to  his  qualifications,  they  proceed  to  his 
ordination,  and  settlement  among  that  people. 

Appointed,  That  Mr.  Andrews  write  a  letter  to  Mr.  Wotherspoon,  and  bring 
it  in  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  afternoon. 

P.  M. 

Mr.  Andrews  writ  the  letter  to  Mr.  Wotherspoon  according  to  appointment, 
and  it  was  approved. 

Mr.  McNish,  Lawson,  and  Henry,  writ  an  answer  to  Mr.  Reynold's  letter, 
which  was  approved.     (See  preceding  note.) 

Upon  the  desire  of  the  people  of  Welsh  Tract,  it  was  ordered,  that  Mr.  David 
Evans  reside  and  preach  amongst  them  till  the  next  Presbytery. 

Inquiry  was  made,  according  to  a  former  appointment,  of  ministers  and  the 
people's  representatives,  concerning  the  mutual  affairs  between  ministers  and 
people,  in  their  respective  congregations. 

Mr.  Gillespie  ordered  to  write  a  letter  to  the  Synod  of  Glasgow.* 

Ordered,  That  Masters  McNish,  McGill,  Henry,  and  Gillespie,  apply  the 
thirty  pounds  promised  to  this  Presbytery  by  the  Rev.  Thomas  Reynolds,  of 
London,  to  what  members  of  the  Presbytery  they  think  fit. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wotherspoon  have  a  Presbyterial  Exercise  the  next  Pres- 
bytery upon  Heb.  i.  13. 

The  next  Presbytery  appointed  to  be  held  at  Philadelphia  on  the  first  Tues- 
day of  September,  1714. 

1714. 

At  a  Presbytery  held  at  Philadelphia,  which  began 

September  7th,  1714. 

Where  were  present : 

Ministers  :  Mr.  John  Hampton,  Mr.  Jedediah  Andrews,  Mr.  James  Ander- 
son, Mr.  Daniel  McGill,  Mr.  George  Gillespie,  JMr.  Howell  Powell,  Mr.  Robert 
Wotherspoon. 

Elders  :  Samuel  Hopkins,  Joseph  Yard,  Alexander  Real,  Hugh  Porter,  Hans 
Hanson,  Joseph  Scaly,  John  Gardner,  Segfrigus  Alricks. 

Mr.  Andrews  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Anderson  clerk. 

Mr.  Morgan's  reasons  for  his  absence  last  year,  as  also  this  year,  were  sus- 
tained. 

Mr.  Davis,  Henry,  and  McNish,  absent. 

■*  Memorandum. 

That  Mr.  George  Gillespie  writ  the  letter  to  the  Synod  of  Glasgow  as  was  appointed. 
— \_Letter  Book.'] 


1714.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  35 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Van  Vleck's  suspension  continued  for  further  consideration 
and  inquiry,  until  next  Knlerunt. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  McNish's  absence  and  preaching  referred,  to  be  considered 
at  next  sederunt. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Howell  Powell  referred,  to  be  considered  at  the  next 
sederunt. 

The  minutes  relating  to  Mr.  Robert  Lawson's  call  to  Monokin,  contained  in 
the  last  year's  proceedings,  being  read,  it  was  found  that  he  departed  this  life 
November  last  year. 

It  was  reported  by  the  ministers  appointed  to  transact  the  affair  relating  to 
3Ir.  Wotherspoon's  ordination,  that  they  in  compliance  with  the  last  year's 
minutes,  did  solemnly  by  prayer,  fasting,  and  imposition  of  hands,  ordain  the 
said  Mr.  Robert  Wothcrspoon,  unto  the  sacred  function  and  office  of  the 
ministry,  to  the  Presbyterian  congregation  at  Apoquinimy,  upon  the  13th  day 
of  3Iay,  1714.* 

There  has  been  no  answer  as  yet  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Reynolds,  concerning  a 
letter  writ  last  year  by  this  Presbytery  to  him. 

Mr.  David  Evans  obeyed  his  appointment  with  respect  to  his  residing  and 
preaching  at  Welsh-Tract. 

Mr.  Robert  Wotherspoon  having  not  provided  his  Presbyterial  exercise  ac- 
cording to  appointment;  it  was  ordered  that  he  should  provide  it  against  next 
year's  meeting,  and  that  he  preach  a  sermon  upon  Thursday  next,  here ;  and 
that  the  moderator  should  Presbyterially  admonish  him  to  be  more  careful  for 
time  coming,  which  accordingly  was  done. 

The  condition  of  several  desolate  places  being  represented  by  some  members, 
the  consideration  of  it  was  referred  to  the  next  sederunt. 

After  which  the  Presbytery  was  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning'  at  nine 
o'clock. 

Wednesday/,  7hr.  Sth,  at  9  o'clock,  Ante  M.  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  last  minutes  came  to  be  read. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Van  Vleck  was  referred  till  to-morrow. 

Mr.  McNish's  affair  also  continued. 

The  Presbytery  having  considered  that  their  brother,  Mr.  Powell,  had  used 
diligence  to  procure  further  credentials,  according  to  the  last  year's  minutes, 
but  not  having  as  yet  received  answers  from  England,  and  we  being  further 
satisfied  by  so  long  trial  and  personal  acquaintance,  together  with  other  conside- 
rable circumstances,  and  now  an  unanimous  call  being  presented  to  us  for  him, 
from  the  people  of  Cohanzy,  the  Presbytery,  after  mature  deliberation,  did  sus- 
tain the  call,  but  withal,  recommended  to  him  as  formerly,  that  he  procure  let- 
ters from  England  ut  supra. 

Appointed  that  Mr.  Hampton  and  Mr.  McGrill  write  a  letter  to  Mr.  Thomag 
Reynolds  against  to-morrow  afternoon. 

The  Presbytery  taking  into  consideration  the  desolate  condition  of  the  people 
in  Kent  County,  have  appointed  our  brother,  Mr.  James  Anderson,  that  he 


*  Memorandum. 

It  being  appointed  the  last  Presbytery,  that  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Robert  Wother- 
spoon, should  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  diverse  ministers  Tivho  are  named  in  the  minutes  ; 
the  said  members  having  heard  him  preach  a  popular  sermon  on  Heb.  vi.  19 ;  received 
his  exegesis  on  a  question  de  sanctorum  perseverantia,  taken  on  account  of  his  skill  in  the 
original  languages,  and  likewise  his  attainments  and  orthodoxy  in  theological  matters,  to 
their  satisfaction,  did  on  the  13th  day  of  May,  1714,  set  apart  the  said  Mr.  Wotherspoon 
unto  the  work  of  the  ministry. 


f'^  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1714. 

supply  them  with  preaching,  &c.,  one  Sabbath  in  the  month  till  the  next  Pres- 
bytery, and  that  there  be  a  letter  accordingly  writ  to  them  by  the  moderator, 
signifying  the  Presbytery's  concern  with  relation  to  them,  and  that  it  be  brought 
in  to-morrow. 

Afterwards  adjourned  till  3  o'clock  afternoon. 

Post  Meridiem,  3  o^cloch,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  call  from  the  people  of  Cohanzy  being  read  and  presented  to  Mr.  Howell 
Powell  by  the  moderator,  was  by  him  accepted ;  whereupon  the  Presbytery 
appointed  Mr.  Jedediah  Andrews  to  preach  his  admission  sermon,  at  the  time 
that  shall  be  agreed  upon  betwixt  the  people  and  him. 

The  Presbytery  taking  into  consideration  the  desolate  condition,  and  also  the 
desire  of  the  people  at  Cedar  Creek,  have,  in  order  to  their  being  supplied  as 
much  as  at  this  juncture  can  be,  appointed  as  follows :  that  Mr.  George  Gilles- 
pie preach  there  the  third  Sabbath  of  October,  Mr.  Wotherspoon  the  third 
Sabbath  of  November ;  and  if  Mr.  Anderson  can,  he  is  desired  to  go  upon  the 
third  Sabbath  of  March ;  as  also  Mr.  Hampton  on  the  third  Sabbath  of  June ; 
Mr.  Evans  is  appointed  to  go  the  third  Sabbath  of  April ;  and  Mr.  Bradner  the 
third  Sabbath  of  May ;  and  Mr.  John  Henry  on  the  third  Sabbath  of  July. 
And  it  is  appointed  that  Mr.  Davis  preach  the  third  Sabbath  of  February,  and 
that  he  preach  there  at  other  times  as  often  as  he  can. 

An  unanimous  call  from  the  people  of  Welsh  Tract  to  Mr.  David  Evans, 
being  presented  to  us  and  approven,  we  offered  it  to  him,  which  he  accepted ; 
whereupon  it  was  appointed  as  follows,  viz  : 

That  Messrs.  Jedediah  Andrews,  Jones,  Anderson,  Gillespie,  and  Wother- 
spoon, solemnly  ordain  him  to  the  work  and  office  of  the  ministry,  after  having 
been  satisfied  with  his  ministerial  abilities,  in  any  pieces  of  trial  they  shall 
think  fit  to  appoint  him. 

The  supplication  of  the  people  of  Cape  May,  with  respect  to  Mr.  John  Brad- 
ner, preacher,  being  presented  by  David  Wells,  in  the  name  of  the  rest  of  that 
people,  was  read,  and  the  further  consideration  of  that  afiair  was  referred  until 
the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow,  9  o'clock. 

Die  Jovis  at  9  o'cloch,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  letter  of  the  moderator  to  the  people  of  Kent  County,  was  read  and 
approven. 

This  day  Mr.  Davis  and  Henry  came,  and  the  reason  of  their  absence  until 
this  time  was  sustained. 

It  is  reported  that  Mr.  Samuel  Davis,  Mr.  Hampton,  and  Mr.  Henry,  having 
upon  good  and  sufficient  reasons  taken  Mr.  John  Bradner  under  trials  in  order 
to  his  being  licenced  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  having  gone  through  the  ordi- 
nary pieces  of  trial,  and  being  satisfied  with  him  therein,  as  also  with  respect 
to  the  orthodoxy  of  his  faith,  did  license  him  accordingly  in  March  last ;  which 
was  approven. 

The  petition  and  call  from  the  people  of  Cape  May,  with  respect  to  Mr. 
Bradner,  being  now  considered,  and  he  having  accepted  of  their  call  and  peti- 
tion, it  is  appointed  that  ]Mcssrs.  Davis,  Andrews,  Anderson,  Powell,  and 
Wotherspoon,  take  the  said  IMr.  Bradner  under  trials  in  order  to  his  being  or- 
dained in  that  place,  and  that  they  proceed  in  the  aforesaid  affair  as  they  shall 
see  fit. 

Adjourned  till  3  o'clock,  afternoon. 


1711.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  37 

P.  M.  3  o^loch,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  letter  appointed  to  be  writ  to  Mr.  Reynolds  by  Mr.  Hampton  and  McGill, 
was  read  and  appro ven.* 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Malachi  Jones,  having  offered  himself  to  be  a  member  of  this 
Presbytery,  the  Presbytery  taking  his  affair  into  consideration,  and  being  very 
well  satisfied  as  to  his  ordination  and  other  qualifications,  did  heartily  accept 
of  his  ofler,  and  accordingly  admitted  him. 

There  being  diverse  people  in  the  Great  Valley  with  whom  Mr.  David  Evans 
has  been  concerned,  it  was  queried  whether  said  people  should  be  looked  upon 
as  a  part  of  the  church  and  congregation  of  the  Welsh-Tract,  or  a  distinct  body 
by  themselves,  and  it  was  carried  by  the  Presbytery  that  they  be  esteemed  a 
distinct  society. 

Inquiry  was  made  according  to  a  former  appointment,  of  the  ministers  and 
the  people's  representatives,  concerning  their  mutual  affairs,  betwixt  ministers 
and  people  in  their  respective  congregations. 

Mr.  McNish  his  Presbyterial  exercise  is  appointed  to  be  delivered  the  next 
year,  the  reason  of  his  absence  now  not  being  known  to  the  Presbytery. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow,  7  o'clock. 

At  7  o'clock,  A.  M.  sederunt  ut  supra. 

For  the  better  establishing  and  settling  congregations,  it  is  ordered  and  ap- 
pointed that  in  every  congregation  there  be  a  sufficient  number  of  assistants 
chosen,  to  aid  the  minister  in  the  management  of  congregational  affairs,  and 
that  there  be  a  book  of  records  for  that  effect,  and  that  the  same  be  annually 
brought  here  to  be  revised  by  the  Presbytery. 

The  business  of  Mr.  Paul  Van  Vleck  being  come  again  under  consideration, 
it  is  determined  that  the  censure  of  suspension  which  he  already  lies  under 
should  continue ;  and  that  Mr.  Andrews  and  Mr.   McNish  make  further  in- 

•  To  Mr.  Thomas  Reynolds,  Minister  in  London. 

7  br.  10th,  1714. 

Reverend  Sir : — We  hope  that  you've  received  our  former  letter,  in  which,  according  to 
duty,  we  did  return  j^ou  our  hearty  thanks  for  that  Christian  and  charitable  spirit  Trhich 
had  discovered  itself  in  you,  and  your  zeal  in  order  to  the  support  of  the  gospel  among 
us ;  and  at  the  same  time  we  intimated  to  you  how  we  had  applied,  in  the  most  charita- 
ble manner,  that  money  which  you  had  dedicated  to  the  support  of  God's  works  in  these 
parts,  namely,  ten  pounds  sterling  for  Philadelphia,  ten  for  New  Castle,  and  ten  for  our 
dear  and  now  deceased  brother,  Mr.  Robert  Lawson.  As  also  we  earnestly  intimated  the 
continuance  of  the  same  favour  for  the  same  purposes.  But  neither  we  nor  the  gentle- 
men concerned  have  received,  as  yet,  any  answer  from  you.  If  it  shall  suit  with  your 
pleasure  and  convenience,  to  continue  the  same  favour,  as  your  former  was  applied  ac- 
cording to  our  disposal,  dear  brother,  there  is  the  same  prospect  of  advancing  God's 
work  in  these  parts  of  the  world,  several  applications  being  made  to  us  for  supply  ;  but 
we  being  so  few  in  number,  places  being  so  far  distant,  and  we  having  no  ministers 
among  us  but  pastors  of  congregations,  and  not  being  in  a  capacity  to  maintain  any 
itinerant  preachers,  who  might  be  helpful  in  order  to  the  propagation  of  the  gospel ;  we 
must  with  great  ccncern  intimate  unto  you,  that  notwithstanding  of  all  that  possibly  we 
can  do,  the  work  of  the  Lord  must  suifer.  We  hope  you  will  consider  and  improve  what 
we  have  narrated  concerning  our  present  circumstances,  and  shall  expect  to  hear  from 
you  the  first  opportunity,  which  shall  be  very  gratifying  to,  Reverend  Sir,  your  fellow 
labourers  in  the  work  of  the  gospel  of  Christ. 

P.  S.  Dear  Sir  : — We  judge  it  worthy  of  your  consideration,  that  in  the  province  of 
Pennsylvania  and  territoi'ies,  and  also  in  the  Jerseys,  there  is  no  conformable  ministry 
according  to  the  Church  of  England  established,  and  therefore  you  may  easily  perceive 
that  this  is  the  proper  season  for  advancing  the  gospel  in  the  truth  and  purity.  Yours, 
ut  supra. 

P.  S.  2d.  Mr.  McNish,  per  order  from  us,  wrote  you  upon  the  premises  last  fall. — 
[Letter  Book.} 


38  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1715. 

quiry  concerning  his  circumstances  and  condition,  by  writing  to  Holland  or 
otherwise,  and  make  report  the  next  Presbytery.  ^ 

The  reasons  of  Mr.  McXish  his  absence  until  this  sederunt,  were  heard  and 
sustained. 

Mr.  Samuel  Davis  having  not  delivered  his  Presbyterial  exercise  formerly 
appointed  him  on  Heb.  i.  4,  it  is  ordered  that  he  have  it  next  year. 

The  place  appointed  for  the  next  Presbytery  is  New  Castle,  and  to  be  held 
on  the  third  Tuesday  of  September,  in  the  year  1715. 

And  so  afterwards  the  Presbytery  was  dissolved. 

1715. 

At  a  Presbytery  held  at  NewvCastle, 

Scptemher  20th,  1715. 

Ministers  present :  Mr.  Jedediah  Andrews,  Mr.  G-eorge  McNish,  Mr.  John 
Hampton,  Mr.  James  Anderson,  Mr.  Daniel  Mcdill,  Mr.  Howell  Powell,  Mr. 
George  Gillespie,  Mr.  Ptobert  Wotherspoon,  3Ir.  Malachi  Jones,  Mr.  David 
Evans,  Mr.  John  Bradner. 

Elders  present :  Nathaniel  Hopkins,  Joseph  Yard,  Sylvester  Garland,  William 
Scott,  James  Alexander,  Ephraim  Sayer,  Thomas  Heywood,  John  Parsons, 
Evan  Rowland. 

Mr.  Hampton  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Evans  clerk. 

Ordered,  That  the  last  years'  minutes  be  read  over. 

Messrs.  Davis,  Henry,  and  Morgan,  were  absent. 

Mr.  Wotherspoon  delivered  his  Presbyterial  exercise  according  to  appoint- 
ment, and  it  was  approved  of. 

It  being  appointed  by  the  last  Presbytery,  that  Mr.  Howell  Powell  should 
get  further  credentials  from  England,  the  Presbytery  is  now  satisfied  in  that 
matter. 

Our  brother,  Mr.  Anderson,  hath  supplied  the  people  of  Kent  County  ac- 
cording to  appointment. 

Mr.  Andrews  preached  Mr.  Powell's  admission  sermon  the  fifteenth  day  of 
October  last,  according  to  appointment. 

The  supplies  that  were  appointed  for  the  people  of  Cedar  Creek  by  the  last 
Presbytery,  were  complied  with. 

The  ministers  appointed  last  year  to  ordain  Mr.  David  Evans,  did  upon  the 
third  day  of  November  last,  by  fasting,  prayer,  and  imposition  of  hands,  sol- 
emnly set  him  apart  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  among  the  people  of  Welsh 
Tract,  having  been  satisfied  with  his  ministerial  qualifications.^ 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Andrews,  Powell,  and  Evans,  with  the  approbation  of  the 
other  ministers  mentioned  in  the  last  year's  minutes,  having  taken  an  account 
of  Mr.  John  Bradner's  ministerial  qualifications  to  their  satisfaction,  did  upon 
the  6th  day  of  May  last,  by  fasting,  prayer,  and  imposition  of  hands,  solemnly 
set  apart  the  said  Mr.  Bradner  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  among  the  people 
of  Cape  May.f 

*3Iemorandum. 

It  being  appointed  the  last  Presbytery,  that  the  ordination  of  Mr.  David  Evans  should 
be  left  to  the  discretion  of  diverse  ministers  mentioned  in  the  minutes ;  the  said  mem- 
bers having  heard  him  preach  a  popular  sermon  on  Romans  iii,  31,  received  his  exegesis 
on  a  question  de  necessitate  sjjccialis  Spiritus  Sancii  operationis  ad  convcrsionem,  taken  an 
account  of  his  skill  in  the  original  languages,  and  likewise  of  his  attainments  and  ortho- 
doxy in  theological  matters,  to  their  satisfaction,  did  on  the  third  day  of  November, 
1714,  ordain  the  said  Mr.  Evans  to  the  work  of  the  ministry. — l_Letter  Book.] 

■j-  Memorandum. 

It  being  appointed  the  last  Presbytery  that  the  ordination  of  Mr.  John  Bradner  should 
be  left  to  the  discretion  and  management  of  sundry  ministers  mentioned  in  the  book  of 


1715.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  39 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Reynolds  his  letter  referred  to  the  next  sederunt. 
The  inquiry  about  matters  between  ministers  and  people,  and  session-books, 
referred  till  afterwards. 

The  afiliir  of  Mr.  Van  Vleck  referred  to  next  sedenint. 
Adjourned  till  to-morrow,  eight  o'clock. 

21  dai/,  Wednesday,  sessione  2da.  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  minute  concerning  Mr,  Reynolds  his  affair,  continued  till  the  next 
sederunt. 

Mr.  Van  Vleck's  affair  also  continued  till  the  next  sederunt. 

Mr.  James  Gordon  having  presented  a  call  from  the  people  of  Baltimore 
county,  in  Maryland,  unto  Mr.  Hugh  Conn,  the  Presbytery  called  for,  considered, 
and  approved  the  said  Mr.  Conn's  credentials  as  a  preacher  of  the  gospel,  and 
likewise  considered  and  approved  the  call,  which  being  presented  by  the  mode- 
rator unto  the  said  Mr.  Conn,  he  accepted  of  it,  whereupon  it  was  appointed 
that  Mr.  McGrill,  Anderson,  Gillespie,  Wotherspoon,  and  Evans,  after  being 
satisfied  with  his  ministerial  abilities,  should  solemnly  by  prayer,  fasting,  and 
imposition  of  hands,  ordain  him  unto  the  work  of  the  ministry  among  the 
abovesaid  people,  the  third  Thursday  of  October  next. 

Mr.  Philip  Ringo  having  presented  a  call  from  the  people  of  Maidenhead  and 
Hopewell,  in  West  Jersey,  unto  Mr.  Robert  Orr,  the  Presbytery  called  for,  con- 
sidered of,  and  approved  the  said  Mr.  Orr  his  credentials  as  a  preacher  of  the 
gospel,  and  likewise  considered  of,  and  approved  the  call,  which  being  presented 
by  the  moderator  unto  the  said  Mr.  Orr,  he  accepted  of  it,  whereupon  it  was 
appointed  that  Mr.  Andrews,  Powell,  McNish,  Jones,  and  Morgan,  after  having 
been  satisfied  with  the  said  Mr.  Orr  his  ministerial  abilities,  should  solemnly 
ordain  him  by  fasting,  prayer,  and  imposition  of  hands,  unto  the  work  of  the 
ministry  among  the  said  people  of  Hopewell  and  Maidenhead,  on  the  third 
Wednesday  of  October  next. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  afternoon. 

Post  Meridiem^  three  dclocTi.     Postpreces  sederunt  ut  supra. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Andrews  and  Mr.  McGill  write  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas 
Reynolds,  of  London,  to  maintain  the  correspondence  that  hath  been  between 
the  Presbytery  and  him.* 


minutes ;  two  of  the  said  number,  viz  :  Mr.  Andrews  and  Mr.  Powell,  in  conjunction 
with  Mr.  David  Evans,  and  with  the  approbation  of  the  rest  of  the  ministers  concerned, 
went  to  Cape  May  on  that  errand.  And  they  having  heard  the  said  Mr.  Bradner  preach 
a  popular  sermon  from  Phil.  ii.  12,  13,  received  his  exegesis,  De  materia  Justificationis, 
taken  an  account  of  his  skill  in  the  original  tongues,  and  also  of  his  attainments  and 
oi'thodoxy  in  Divinity  to  their  satisfaction,  did  on  the  sixth  day  of  May,  1715,  ordain  the 
said  Mr.  Bradner  to  the  work  of  the  ministry. 

Mr.  Andrews  preached  the  admission  sermon  of  Mr.  Powell  at  Cohanzy. — \_LeUer  Book.'\ 

*  To  Mr.  Thomas  Reynolds,  in  London. 

September  23,  1715. 

Reverend  Sir : — We  thought  fit  at  this  our  anniversary,  (as  we  did  likewise  last  year,) 
to  transmit  a  few  lines  expressive  of  our  desire,  that  a  correspondence,  which  you  were 
pleased  to  begin  by  your  kind  letter  the  year  before  last,  may  be  continued  and  strength- 
ened, and  as  a  testification  of  our  thankfulness  that  a  person  of  your  character,  (when 
so  many  have,  to  our  frequent  disappointment  neglected  us,)  should  not  only  refresh  us 
with  your  letter,  but  also  show  your  Christian  desire  for  the  success  of  the  gospel  in 
these  parts,  by  a  generous  ofl'er  of  your  help  for  its  support,  which  to  our  satisfaction  we 


40  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1715. 

Mr.  Andrews  and  Mr.  McNish  made  report  concerning  Van  Vleck,  that  he 
is  i-un  out  of  the  country,  and  that  they,  having  writ  to  Holland  according  to 
appointment,  had  not  yet  received  any  answer. 

Mr.  McNish  delivered  his  Presbyterial  exercise,  and  was  approven. 

Mr.  Samuel  Gelston  presented  credentials  of  his  being  licensed  to  preach  the 
gospel,  which  were  considered  and  approved,  and  he  was  appointed  to  preach 
the  nest  day. 

A  letter  being  presented  by  Mr.  McNish  from  Mr.  John  Thomson,  proba- 
tioner, lately  come  into  the  country,  desiring  the  advice  and  assistance  of  the 
Presbytery,  it  was  ordered  that  Mr.  Powell  write  a  letter  to  him  in  answer 
to  his. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  next  day. 

22  day.      Thursday,  eight  dcloch,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

Mr.  Powell  writ  the  letter  to  Mr.  Thomson  according  to  appointment,  and  it 
was  approved. 

Mr.  Davis  his  letter  was  read,  and  the  reasons  for  his  and  Mr.  Henr/s  ab- 
sence were  considered  and  sustained. 

A  motion  being  made  by  the  people  of  Lewistown  concerning  their  being  sup- 
plied with  another  minister  besides  Mr.  Davis,  the  Presbytery  taking  into  con- 
sideration the  state  of  that  people,  and  their  said  desire  to  have  a  minister  to 
ofl&ciate  statedly  among  them,  and  that  Mr.  Davis  has  had  no  pastoral  relation 
in  particular  to  that  people ;  and  considering  also,  that  the  present  condition 
and  posture  of  Mr.  Davis  his  affairs  will  not  allow  of  his  being  a  fixed,  stated 
pastor  to  the  said  people,  and  the  said  Davis  his  willingness  that  there  may  be 
a  minister  provided,  (as  some  of  our  members  have  signified  to  us,)  the  Pres- 
bytery doth,  therefore,  appoint  that  Mr.  Andrews,  Hampton,  and  Anderson, 
write  to  Mr.  Davis,  and  the  people  of  Lewis,  signifying  that  the  Presbytery 
approves  their  desire,  and  will  take  care  to  have  them  supplied  with  a  minister 
as  soon  as  they  can. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Andrews,  McNish,  and  Gillespie,  write  a  letter  to  the 
people  of  Patuxent,  in  relation  to  the  present  posture  of  their  affairs  there. 

Inquiry  was  made  concerning  the  respective  affairs  between  ministers  and 
their  congregations,  as  usual. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  afternoon. 


hear  has  been  complied  withal.  And  it's  no  small  comfort  to  us,  that  Mr.  Hugh  Conn 
gives  information  of  your  willingness  to  continue  your  bounty  for  the  use  abovesaid, 
which  as  it  would  be  very  acceptable,  so  it's  no  less  necessary  than  heretofore.  As  we 
accept  your  Christian  bounty  in  good  part,  and  value  it  as  a  mark  of  our  common  Lord's 
goodness  and  care  to  the  support  of  his  servants  in  narrow  circumstances  among  us,  so 
we  crave  leave  to  beg  yom-  pious  concern  for  our  common  interest,  in  moving  your  pub- 
lic spirited  friends  to  go  into  the  same  good  design  for  supporting  our  ministers,  (that  is, 
those  among  us,  who  without  some  help  besides  what  their  own  poor  congregations  ai'e 
able  to  give,  are  straitened,)  by  some  annual  gratuity.  And  we  can  truly  assure  you, 
that  your  former  kindness  was  applied,  as  near  as  we  could  apprehend,  according  to  your 
intention  in  bestowing  it.  The  reason  of  our  expressing  ourselves  after  this  manner,  is 
from  an  information  as  though  you  had  some  particular  regard  to  the  Jersies,  which,  as 
we  were  altogether  unsensible  of,  so  we  are  well  satisfied,  if  there  were  any  such  thing, 
it  proceeded  from  your  not  being  fully  acquainted  with  the  condition  of  these  provinces. 
We  are  much  concerned  that  we  received  no  return  in  answer  to  our  last,  though  we  have 
ground  to  think  that  it's  not  from  your  forgetfulness  of  us,  but  the  miscarriage  of  your 
letters,  Mr.  Conn  having  acquainted  us  that  he  had  letters  for  some  of  us,  and  left  them 
for  conveyance,  but  they  are  not  yet  arrived,  and  we  fear  are  now  quite  lost,  which 
makes  us  the  more  desirous  of  hearing  from  you  by  the  first  opportunity.  We  salute 
you  heartily  in  the  Lord,  &c. — [^LcUer  Book.'\ 


1715.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  41 

P.  31. 

Mr.  Andrews,  Hampton,  and  Anderson,  writ  the  letter  to  Mr.  Davis  and  the 
people  of  Lewis,  and  it  was  approved.* 

In  pursuance  of  an  act  made  last  Presbytery  appointing  every  minister  to 
appoint  assistants  and  session  books,  &c.  and  in  regard  diverse  of  the  ministers 
have  not  complied  with  the  designs  of  said  act,  it  was  therefore  ordered,  that 
the  several  ministers  come  with  said  books,  and  perform  the  other  end  of  the 
said  act  as  it  is  specified  therein. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  the  nest  day. 

2S  da7/.     Die  Veneris,  post  preces,  sederunt  ^U  svpra. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Pumry,  minister  at  Newtown,  on  Long  Island,  offered 
himself  to  be  a  member  of  this  Presbytery,  and  was  heartily  and  unanimously 
accepted,  he  promising  subjection  to  the  Presbytery,  in  the  Lord. 

The  Presbytery  taking  into  consideration  that  the  people  of  Woodbridge 
have  not  the  sealing  ordinances  administered  among  them,  from  hearty  concern 
for  that  people,  (who  have  been  their  care  formerly,)  did  appoint  Mr.  Andrews 
to  write  pressingly  to  the  said  people,  that  they  use  utmost  diligence  to  have  a 
minister  ordained  to  labour  and  officiate  statedly  among  them,  that  the  great 
want  they  are  in  of  the  ordinances  may  be  speedily  supplied. 

It  is  appointed  that  Mr.  Andrews  write  to  Mr.  Pierson  to  the  effect  above- 
said,  and  report  to  the  next  Presbytery. 

The  Presbytery  taking  into  their  consideration  the  desolate  condition  of  the 
people  of  Kent  county,  and  their  desire  to  be  supplied,  appointed  Mr.  Samuel 
Gelston  to  supply  them  upon  trial,  with  the  advice  of  the  neighbouring  min- 
isters. 

The  letter  to  the  people  of  Patuxent  was  read  and  approved."}" 

*  To  Mr.  Davis,  and  others,  at  Lewis. 

September  22,  1715. 
Dear  Brother  Davis,  and  Christian  friends  at  Lewis : — Having  taken  into  our  serious 
consideration  the  present  condition  with  respect  to  a  better  establishment  of  the  gospel 
in  your  parts,  we  came  to  the  following  determinations ;  that  there  never  having  yet  been 
a  pastoral  relation  betwixt  you,  nor  likely  to  be,  according  to  our  best  apprehension,  we 
have  judged  it  best  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  your  future  comforts,  to  leave  you  each  tc 
your  choice,  to  provide  you.x'selves  as  you  can  for  your  spiritual  interests,  and  the  in- 
crease of  Christ's  kingdom.  Not  doubting  but  in  the  mean  time  you  will  maintain  a 
Christian  correspondence,  and  be  mutually  as  comfortable  to  one  another  as  your  cir- 
cumstances will  allow ;  our  Brother  Davis  by  preaching,  when  at  home,  and  until 
another  supply  be  found,  and  our  Christian  friends  by  thankfully  acknowledging  the 
same.  And  as  to  a  settled  ministry,  there  is  one  Mr.  Thompson  now  arrived  at  York, 
with  his  wife  and  family,  concerning  whom  Mr.  McNish  will,  in  a  little  time,  give  you 
further  advice.  And  in  case  this  should  fail,  we  recommend  you  to  your  neighbouring 
ministers  for  advice.  Recommending  you  to  the  Lord,  and  the  word  of  his  grace,  we 
remain  yours,  &c. — [_Letter  Book.'\ 

■j-  To  our  Christian  Friends  at  (Patuxent  or)  Marlborough,  Maryland. 

September,  1715. 
Christian  Friends  : — Among  other  valuable  friends  who  justly  demand  our  concern  for 
their  best  interests,  we  were  very  willing  to  remember  you,  and  the  weighty  matters 
that  belong  to  our  common  Lord  and  Saviour  in  your  congregation.  We  cannot  but 
represent  it  to  you,  as  a  thing  which  ourselves  have  had  much  comfort  in  hearing  from 
our  brother  and  your  reverend  pastor,  that  when,  (as  is  our  practice,)  he  was  interro- 
gate touching  the  manner  of  his  people's  deportment  towards  him  in  his  pastoral  oflice, 
he  made  his  answer  wholly  to  their  advantage,  and  with  a  pleasing  earnestness  to  com- 
mend them,  as  made  it  apparent  to  us  he  had  good  cause  for  what  he  spoke.  Notwith- 
standing we  cannot  but  signify  to  our  good  friends,  how  sensibly  some  things  among 
you   affect  us.     The  love  we  bear  to  oar  common  Lord's  interest  among  you  gives  us 

6 


42  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1716. 

Appointed,  That  Mr.  Gillespie  and  Mr.  McGill  preach  the  Presbyterial  ex- 
ercises next  year.  Mr.  Gillespie  from  ver.  14,  of  Heb.  i.,  and  Mr.  McGill 
from  Heb.  ii.  ver.  1. 

It  is  appointed  that  it  be  recommended  to  all  and  every  member  of  this  Pres- 
bytery, that  betwixt  this  and  our  next  meeting  they  may  think  of,  and  prepare, 
what  they  may  judge  most  necessary  to  be  presented  to  our  Presbytery  for  the 
common  or  particular  good  of  all  or  any  of  us. 

Appointed,  That  the  next  Presbytery  be  held  at  Philadelphia  upon  the  third 
Tuesday  of  September,  1716. 

1716. 

At  a  Presbytery  held  at  Philadelphia, 

September  18<7t,  1716.     Post  preces  sederunt 

Mr,  Hampton  moderator,  Mr.  Andrews,  Mr.  McNish,  Mr.  John  Henry,  Mr. 
James  Anderson,  Mr.  George  Gillespie,  Mr.  Pumry,  Mr.  Orr,  ministers. 

John  Dredden,  David  Giffin,  John  Steel,  Enoch  Anderson,  elders. 

Absent  ministers.  Masters  McGill,  Powell,  Bradner,  Jones,  Conn,  Wother- 
spoon,  Evans,  Morgan,  and  Davis,  and  their  elders. 

Mr.  McNish  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Anderson  clerk. 

Mr.  Edmundson  being  present  as  a  representative  of  the  congregation  of  Pa- 
tuxent,  and  their  minister  absent,  it  was  put  to  the  vote,  whether  the  said  Mr. 
Edmundson  should  act  here  as  a  representative  notwithstanding  the  minister's 
absence,  and  carried  in  the  aflEirmative,  nemine  contradicente. 

The  last  year's  minutes  were  ordered  to  be  read. 

Mr.  Morgan's  absence  the  last  and  this  year  referred  to  the  next  sederunt,  to 
be  considered. 

great  uneasiness  at  hearing  any  of  Satan's  devices  threatening  your  gospel  peace,  and 
the  mutual  love  the  followers  of  Christ  are  strictly  bound  to  cultivate  among  themselves. 
AVe  pray  the  God  of  all  grace  to  recover  what  of  the  sweet  fruits  of  this  is  lost,  or  iu 
danger  to  be  lost  among  you,  and  that  you  may  be  one  in  the  Lord,  and  one  among 
yourselves  in  the  spirit  of  true  holiness,  meekness,  truth,  love,  and  mutual  forbearance. 
If  these  things  be  your  study,  who  can  doubt  but  the  Lord  will  make  them  your  happy 
attainment  ?  We  recommend  to  you,  and  expect  your  ready  compliance  with,  a  few  pro- 
posals, which  we  hope  will  be  taken  with  the  same  loving  mind  as  they  are  written,  and 
it  is  in  your  power  to  make  them  helpful  to  your  present  condition.  AVe  heartily  re- 
commend it'you,  that  you  watch  against  all  attempts  of  Satan  to  infringe  your  Christian 
harmony  and  union,  which  is  your  beauty  and  strength.  Now  God  has  given  you  an 
uncommon  season,  and  advantage  for  bearing  testimony  to  his  interest  among  you,  how 
much  you  love  him  and  it ;  if  there  are  temptations  in  your  way,  to  maintain  union,  the 
blessings  will  be  so  great  and  universal  that  you  cannot  over-do  in  all  Christian  methods 
to  preserve  it.  Herein  appear  for  God,  and  for  the  house  of  God,  which  ye  know  is  not 
divided  against  itself,  neither  should  the  childi'en  of  the  same  God  against  one  another. 
Satan's  policy  and  malice  has  appeared  in  his  attempts  to  divide  you,  but  it  will  no  less 
show  you  are  the  children  of  the  God  of  peace  and  love,  when  you  break  through  his 
snares  to  maintain  your  union,  and  concentre  in  gospel  peace  and  love  among  yourselves. 
Particularly  we  recommend  to  you  that  with  firmness  and  godly  resolution  you  oppose 
yourselves  to  all  dividing  measures.  AVe  apprehend  that  the  disproportion  between  the 
number  of  your  elders  and  deacons,  may  occasion  some  uneasiness  in  your  session,  but 
hope  you  will  find  it  no  hard  matter  to  prevent  any  ill  consequence  in  this.  We  need 
only  represent  unto  you  the  ends  and  institution  of  Scripture  deacons,  and  that  there  is 
no  juridical  power  allowed  them  in  the  Scripture.  We  recommend  earnestly  to  you  a 
Christian  regard  to  our  worthy  brother  your  pastor,  and  that  you  encourage,  honour, 
and  obey  him  in  the  Lord,  that  his  labours,  as  they  are  for  his  people,  so  they  may  turn 
to  your  and  his  account  in  the  day  of  the  Lord.  Lastly,  we  expect  your  acquiesence  in 
our  last  year's  act,  toucliing  sessions  and  session  books,  which  we  presume  you  know  to 
be  agreeable  to  the  laudable  practice  of  the  best  reformed  churches.  This  letter  has 
been  judged  needful,  according  to  the  representation  made  us  by  your  messenger,  Mr. 
Scott.     Thus  recommending  you  to  glorious  grace,  we  rest,  &c. — \_LeHcr  Book.l 


1716.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  43 

The  appointment  with  respect  to  Mr.  Con's  ordination  was  fulfilled,  and  Mr. 
"Wotheri-poon  and  Mr.  Evans  being  absent,  the  inquiry  into  the  reasons  thereof 
was  referred  till  next  scdenud. 

Mr.  Orr  was  ordained  at  Maidenhead,  according  to  appointment,  oul}'  Mas- 
ters McNish,  Jones,  and  Powell  were  absent,  the  reasons  whereof  were  heard 
and  sustained  j  and  in  the  room  of  those,  three  other  ministers  assisted.* 

A  letter  from  the  people  of  Patuxeut  being  read,  the  further  consideration 
thereof  referred  till  auother  solcrunt. 

After  the  reading  of  Mr.  Andrews  his  letters,  which  by  the  last  Presbytery 
he  was  appointed  to  write  to  the  people  of  Woodbridge  and  Mr.  Pierson,  the 
Presbytery  were  well  satisfied  with  them  both. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Pierson  to  be  communicated  to  the  Presbytery  in  answer 
to  the  letter  sent  to  him  by  Mr.  Andrews  was  read,  and  the  fuller  considera- 
tion of  it  referred  till  next  sederunt. 

Mr.  Gelston's  supply  of  Kent  county,  the  consideration  of  it  referred  till 
afterwards. 

The  appointment  made  last  year  about  bringing  in  overtures  to  the  next 
Presbytery  referred  till  afterwards. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  at  eight  o'clock. 

^Vedncsclay,  eight  o' cloch,  post preces  sederunt,  &c. 

Yesterday's  minutes  ordered  to  be  read. 

Mr.  McNish's  reasons  for  not  bringing  an  elder  or  representative  with  him, 
were  heard  and  sustained. 

Mr.  Henry's  representative  of  the  congregation  being  absent,  and  his  reasons 
for  not  coming  being  inquired  into,  he  said  the  present  condition  of  his  people 
made  it  necessary  that  there  should  be  a  particular  collection  made  by  the  con- 
gregation for  defraying  the  charges  of  the  representative  to  the  Presbytery,  and 
it  was  allowed  that  there  should. 

The  reasons  of  Mr.  Pumry's  elder's  absence  were  inquired  into  and  sus- 
tained. 

Mr.  McGill's  absence  excused  on  account  of  his  sickness. 

Mr.  Jones  being  absent  yesterday,  did  this  day  give  the  reasons  of  his  ab- 
sence, which  were  sustained. 

]Mr.  Wotherspoon's  reasons  of  his  absence  this  Presbytery,  given  by  letter, 
were  sustained. 

Mr.  Evans  his  absence  yesterday  being  inquired  into,  he  acknowledged  he 
was  blamable  for  not  coming  sooner. 

Mr.  Morgan's  absence  this  and  several  years  by-past  being  inquired  into,  it 
was  resolved,  that  a  letter  should  be  writ,  informing  him  that  if  he  comes  not, 
nor  sends  sufficient  reasons  against  next  year,  we  shall  take  it  for  granted  that 
he  has  altogether  deserted  us.     The  letter  to  be  writ  by  Mr.  Andrews. 

Adjourned  till  after  sermon. 

After  sermon,  sedenint,  &c. 
Mr.    Gillespie's    Presbyterial    exercise   was   animadverted  upon   and    ap- 
proved. 

*  Memorandum. 

Mr.  Rolaert  Orr  having  performed  those  points  of  trial  assigned  him  to  satisfaction, 
namely,  preached  a  popular  sei-mon  from  James  ii.  24,  and  given  an  exegesis  on  that 
question,  An  foedus  circumcisione  signatum,  a  foedere  Eoangelico  essentialiter  differat  ? 
and  also  answered  to  various  interlocutory  questions  touching  theological  matters,  and 
given  a  specimen  of  his  attainments  in  other  parts  of  learning  to  good  approbation,  he 
the  said  ]\Ir.  Orr,  was,  on  the  20th  day  of  October,  1715,  solemnly  set  apart  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry,  by  Masters  Andrews,  Morgan,  Dickinson,  Evans,  and  Bradner,  at  Maid- 
enhead, before  a  numerous  assembly. — {^Letter  Book.] 


44  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1716. 

The  reasons  of  Mr.  Wotberspoon's  absence  from  Mr.  Con's  ordination  and 
this  Presbytery,  were  by  letter  given  and  sustained. 

Mr.  Evans  his  absence  from  Mr.  Con's  ordination,  was  ill  taken  by  the  Pres- 
bytery. 

The  letter  from  the  people  of  Patuxent,  in  answer  to  one  from  us  last  year, 
was  read  the  second  time  to  our  great  satisfaction. 

The  consideration  of  Mr.  Pierson's  letter,  referred  till  we  hear  from  the  peo- 
ple of  Woodbridge. 

The  Presbytery  having  taken  into  their  serious  consideration  the  affair  of 
Mr.  Grclston,  in  relation  to  the  people  of  Kent,  have  found  ground  to,  and  did 
censure  his  not  going  back  to  the  people  of  Kent,  according  to  his  promise  to 
them.  As  for  all  his  other  "sonduct  among  that  people,  they  themselves  in 
their  letter  to  us  commend  him. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  9  o'clock,  in  the  morning. 

Thursday,  at  9  o'cloch,  sederunt,  &c. 

The  affair  of  Kent  being  taken  into  the  Presbyteries  consideration,  from  a 
Christian  sense  of  the  want  of  the  ordinances  among  them,  at  present  have, 
for  their  encouragement,  appointed  Mr.  Davis,  Gillespie,  Wotherspoon,  and 
Evans,  to  preach  in  the  county  of  Kent  each  once  betwixt  this  and  the  next 
Presbytery ;  that  is  to  say  Mr.  Gillespie  on  the  third  Sabbath  of  October,  Mr. 
Wotherspoon  the  third  Sabbath  of  April,  Mr.  Davis  the  third  Sabbath  of  June, 
Mr.  Evans  the  third  Sabbath  of  May.  And  it  is  likewise  ordered,  that  Mr. 
Anderson  do  preach  to  the  said  people  of  Kent  once  in  every  month  till  the 
next  Presbytery,  provided  he  find  suitable  encouragement.  Appointed  also, 
that  a  letter  be  writ  to  the  people  of  Cedar-Creek  and  Kent  in  answer  to  theirs, 
by  Mr.  Andrews  and  Mr.  Hampton. 

A  call  from  the  people  of  South-Hampton,  on  Long-Island,  to  Mr.  Gelston, 
wherein  the  said  people  do  subject  themselves  to  us  in  the  Lord,  as  a  Presby- 
tery, being  presented  to  us  in  the  name  of  their  representatives,  we  did  tender 
it  to  the  said  Mr.  Gelston,  and  he  accepted  it.  Upon  which  the  Presbytery, 
understanding  that  our  brethren.  Masters  McNish  and  Pumry  had  prescribed 
him  a  popular  sermon  on  John  xiv.  6,  and  an  exegesis,  De  lihero  arhitrio,  to  be 
delivered  this  Presbytery,  if  the  Presbytery  thought  fit,  as  a  part  of  trial 
in  order  to  ordination,  did  appoint  him  to  deliver  the  popular  sermon  to- 
morrow. 

The  business  of  bringing  in  overtures  to  the  Presbytery,  referred  to  another 
sederunt. 

A  call  from  the  people  in  and  about  Lewis-Town,  to  Mr.  John  Thomson, 
being  by  William  Shankland,  commissioner  from  the  said  people,  laid  before 
us  and  read,  and  he  being  himself  absent  by  reason  of  sickness  ;  but  having  in 
a  letter  to  us  signified  his  willingness  to  submit  to  what  the  Presbytery  should 
think  expedient  for  that  people  and  his  own  good,  did  appoint  that  the  said  call 
be  tendered  to  Mr.  Thomson  by  Mr.  Hampton,  and  upon  his  acceptance,  the 
Presbytery  does  appoint  Masters  Davis,  Hampton,  Henry,  Wotherspoon,  An- 
derson, Gillespie,  Evans,  and  Bradncr,  to  take  his  trials,  and  upon  their  satis- 
faction to  proceed  to  ordination  upon  the  first  Wednesday  of  April  next ;  and 
that  the  ordination  sermon  be  preached  by  Mr.  Henry,  or  in  his  absence  by 
Mr.  Hampton. 

Adjourned  till  3  o'clock. 

At  3  o'cloch,  sederunt  ut  sxipi'a. 

Mr.  Powell's  absence  sustained  on  account  of  his  sickness,  which  he  signi- 
fied to  us  by  his  letter. 


1716.]  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  45 

The  aflfair  of  Woodbridgo  coming  into  consideration,  the  Presbytery  ordered 
that  3Ir.  McNish  and  31r.  Pumry  should  fully  discourse  Mr.  Piorson  and  the 
people  there,  concerning  the  causes  of  his  non-ordination  among  them,  and  to 
do  their  best  for  removing  any  obstacle  that  may  at  present  hinder  his  ordina- 
tion ;  and  if  the  Divine  Providence  shall  thereby  happily  remove  all  obstruc- 
tions, that  then  Mr.  McNish  and  Mr.  Pumry  shall  represent  the  same  unto  Mr. 
Andrews  and  other  neighbouring  ministers  of  the  Presbytery ;  and  the  Pres- 
bytery does  appoint,  that  in  case  all  the  said  obstructions  be  fairly  removed, 
upon  the  request  of  the  people,  with  the  concurrence  of  Mr,  Pierson,  that  then 
the  said  people  do  apply  to  Mr.  Andrews,  Mr.  Jones,  Mr.  Orr,  Mr.  Pumry, 
Mr.  Powell,  and  Mr.  Praduer,  for  the  ordination  of  the  said  IMr.  Pierson 
among  them,  and  that  they  ordain  him,  as  they  shall  upon  trial  find  satisfaction, 
and  do  appoint  that  the  ordination  sermon  be  preached  by  Mr.  Andrews  or  Mr. 
Powell,  as  they  shall  agree. 

Inquiry  was  made  according  to  a  former  appointment  of  the  ministers  and 
the  people's  representatives,  concerning  tiseir  mutual  affairs  betwixt  ministers 
and  people  in  their  respective  congregations. 

Adjourned  till  half  an  hour  after  eight  in  the  morning. 

Die  Veneris  at  half  an  hour  after  eight  dcloch,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Davis  came  this  day  to  us,  wherein  he  gave  reasons  for  his 
absence  at  this  Presbytery,  which  were  sustained. 

This  day  a  letter  from  the  people  of  Woodbridge  was  read  and  considered. 
The  Presbytery  are  very  well  satisfied  with  the  proposals  made  to  Mr.  Pier- 
son for  his  settlement  among  them,  and  do  judge  if  Mr.  Pierson  make  any 
other  or  higher  demands  upon  that  people,  his  demands  shall  be  accounted 
unreasonable,  and  the  people  are  not  to  be  blamed  for  refusing  them.  And 
in  that  case  it  is  recommended  to  the  people,  that  they  look  out  for  another 
minister.* 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  afternoon. 

At  3  o'clock,  sederunt  ut  sujjra. 

Mr.  Gelston's  popular  sermon  was  delivered,  and  after  remarks  thereupon,  it 
was  put  to  the  vote,  whether  it  should  be  accepted  of  as  a  part  of  his  trials  for 
ordination,  which  was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 

It  having  pleased  Divine  Providence  so  to  increase  our  number,  as  that,  after 
much  deliberation,  we  judge  it  may  be  more  serviceable  to  the  interest  of  reli- 
gion, to  divide  ourselves  into  subordinate  meetings  or  Presbyteries,  constituting 
one  annually  as  a  synod,  to  meet  at  Philadelphia  or  elsewhere,  to  consist  of  all 
the  members  of  each  subordinate  Presbytery  or  meeting  for  this  year  at  least : 
Therefore  it  is  agreed  by  the  Presbytery,  after  serious  deliberation,  that  the 
first  subordinate  meeting  or  Presbytery,  to  meet  at  Philadelphia  or  elsewhere, 
as  they  shall  see  fit,  do  consist  of  these  following  members,  viz :  Masters  An- 
drews, Jones,  Powell,  Orr,  Bradner,  and  Morgan.  And  the  second  to  meet  at 
New  Castle  or  elsewhere,  as  they  shall  see  fit,  to  consist  of  those,  viz  :  Masters 
Anderson,  McGill,  Grillespie,  Wotherspoon,  Evans,  and  Conn.     The  third  to 


*  Memorandum. 

Mr.  John  Pierson  having  performed  these  points  of  trial  assigned  him,  viz  :  preached 
a  popular  sermon  from  Tit.  iii.  8,  delivered  an  exegesis  on  that  question,  an  justificatio 
nostra  sit  ah  aterno  aut  in  tempore  prcestita,  answered  to  many  questions  touching  theo- 
logical matters,  and  also  discovered  his  skill  in  the  original  languages  ;  all  which  being 
done  to  satisfaction,  the  said  Mr.  Pierson  was  ordained  and  set  apart  to  the  -work  of  the 
ministry  at  Woodbridge,  on  the  29th  day  of  April,  1717,  by  Masters  Andrews,  Pridden, 
Morgan,  Orr,  and  Dickenson,  before  a  very  great  assembly. 


46  MINUTES  OF  THE  PRESBYTERY  OF  PHILADELPHIA.      [1716. 

meet  at  Snow-Hill  or  elsewhere,  to  consist  of  these,  viz  :  Masters  Davis, 
Hampton,  and  Henry.  And  in  consideration  that  only  our  brethren  Mr. 
McNish  and  Mr.  Pumry,  are  of  our  number  upon  Long-Island  at  present,  we 
earnestly  recommend  it  to  them  to  use  their  best  endeavours  with  the  neigh- 
bouring brethren  that  are  settled  there,  which  as  yet  join  not  with  us,  to  join 
with  them  in  erecting  a  fourth  Presbytery.  And  as  to  the  time  of  the  meet- 
ing of  the  respective  Presbyteries,  it  is  ordered  that  that  be  left  to  their  own 
discretion. 

Ordered,  That  a  book  be  kept  by  each  of  the  said  Presbyteries,  containing  a 
record  of  their  proceedings,  and  that  the  said  book  be  brought  every  year  to 
our  anniversary  Synod  to  be  revised. 

It  is  appointed  by  this  Presbytery,  that  the  affair  of  Mr.  Pumry,  with  rela- 
tion to  his  people  of  Newton,  on  Long-Island,  come  under  the  consideration  of 
the  first  Presbyterial  meeting  that  shall  be  upon  the  said  Long-Island ;  and  if 
there  shall  not  be  such  a  meeting  or  Presbytery  in  some  reasonable  time,  and 
if  the  said  Mr.  Pumry  have  not  his  grievances  redressed,  that  then  it  be  left 
to  Mr.  McNish  and  himself  to  determine  as  prudence  shall  direct,  and  be  ac- 
countable to  our  next  general  meeting  or  Synod. 

With  respect  to  session-books,  mentioned  in  our  last  year's  minutes,  it  is 
ordered,  that  they  be  brought  into  and  revised  by  the  respective  Presbyteries, 
to  which  they  shall  after  this  time,  according  to  our  preceding  appointment, 
belong. 

Adjourned  till  8  o'clock,  in  the  morning. 

At  8  o'clock,  sederunt  ut  sujyra. 

Our  next  meeting  being  appointed  as  a  Synod,  it  is  ordered  that  the  present 
moderator  open  the  same  by  preaching;  and  that  the  Moderator  of  the  last 
Synod  open  the  next  by  preaching  always  for  the  time  coming  upon  the  first 
Tuesday  of  our  meeting,  at  10  o'clock. 

That  the  matter  of  Mr.  Gelston's  further  trial  and  ordination,  be  entirely 
referred  to  Mr.  McNish  and  Pumry,  with  what  brethren  they  can  there  engage 
to  join  with  them  presbyterially  on  Long-Island. 

Ordered,  That  the  business  of  further  overtures  be  continued,  to  be  brought 
in  to  our  next  annual  Synod. 

Appointed  that  the  first  meeting  of  our  said  Synod  be  at  Philadelphia,  on 
the  third  Tuesday  of  September,  in  the  year  1717. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Tuesday  of  September,  in  the  year  1717. 


INTRODUCTORY    REMARKS. 


Notwithstanding  the  peculiar  difficulties  with  which  this  early  Presbytery 
had  to  contend,  and  to  which  allusion  is  made  in  their  records  and  correspon- 
dence, it  received  an  annual  accession  to  its  numbers,  and  the  growth  of  the 
infant  Church  became  each  year  more  promising.  It  will  be  perceived  that  at 
their  meeting  in  September,  1716,  the  Presbytery  had  become  so  much  en- 
larged, that  it  was  resolved  to  divide  it  into  four  subordinate  judicatories,  or 
Presbyteries,  which  should  be  constituent  members  of  an  annual  Synod,  which 
assumed  the  name  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia.  This  measure  seemed  to  be 
dictated  as  well  by  convenience,  as  by  a  regard  to  the  general  interests  of  the 
Church,  since  it  must  have  been  almost  impracticable,  when  the  facilities  for 
travelling  were  few,  and  the  stipends  of  the  ministerial  members  were  exceed- 
ingly limited,  to  assemble  them  from  several  diflPerent  provinces,  as  frequently 
as  the  interests  of  the  Church  might  require. 

The  records  of  these  subordinate  judicatories,  after  the  organization  of  the 
first  Synod,  although  highly  important  and  interesting  in  themselves,  do  not 
form  any  part  of  this  work.*  The  afiairs  of  the  Church  were  successfully  and 
happily  managed,  under  the  control  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  until  the 
rise  of  those  differences,  which  in  the  year  1741  resulted  in  an  extensive  and 
unhappy  schism.  The  cause  of  these  dissensions  was  not  diversity  of  senti- 
ment on  any  of  the  cardinal  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  for  both  parties  alike  ad- 
hered, in  good  faith,  to  the  Westminster  Confession  and  Catechisms ;  but  a  dif- 
ference of  opinion  on  measures,  which,  while  one  party  regarded  them  as  material 
to  the  progress  of  true  religion,  the  other  condemned  as  dangerous  innovations. 
The  history  of  the  schism  may  be  traced  in  the  records  which  follow.  These 
consist  of  the  records  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  from  the  year  1717  to  1758, 
including  the  period  of  the  schism,  and  extending  to  the  year  in  which  it  was 
healed  by  a  re-union  of  the  parties  ;  and  also  of  the  Synod  of  New  York,  which 
grew  out  of  the  schism,  from  the  year  1745  to  1758.  In  the  year  1758,  the 
Synods  of  Philadelphia  and  New  York  were  united,  and  constituted  the  su- 
preme judicatory  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  from  that  period,  until  the  year 
1789,  when  the  General  Assembly  was  organized. 

*  If  the  respective  Presbyteries  should  undertake  their  publication,  they  would  form 
a  valuable  contribution  to  our  ecclesiastical  history. 

(47) 


PART  SECOND. 


THE  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA, 

FROM   A.  D.  1717   TO    1758. 


At  a  Synod  held  at  Philadelphia,  which  began, 

Sq)temher  17th,  1717.     Post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers :  Messrs.  George  McNish,  moderator,  Jedidiah  Andrews,  James 
Anderson,  George  Gillespie,  Robert  Wotherspoon,  Malachi  Jones,  David 
Evans,  Samuel  Pumry,  John  Bradner,  Robert  Orr,  John  Thomson,  John  Pier- 
son,  Jonathan  Dickinson. — 13. 

Elders :  John  Snowden,  Alexander  White,  Elias  Naudain,  Peter  Watkins, 
Daniel  Howell,  John  Rodes. — 6. 

For  moderator  of  this  Synod  was  chosen  Mr.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  and  Mr.  Ro- 
bert "Wotherspoon  was  chosen  clerk. 

There  not  being  time  for  the  reading  of  the  last  year's  minutes  this  sederunt, 
adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Wednesday,  at  eight  dclocic,  sederunt  ut  supra,  post  preces. 

Mr.  Bradner's  excuse  for  his  absence  last  year  was  sustained. 

The  list  of  the  ministers  belonging  to  the  Synod  being  read,  it  was  found 
that  Mr.  Henry  and  Mr.  Powell  are  dead. 

The  minutes  concerning  Mr.  Morgan  being  read,  the  whole  affair  relating  to 
that  minute  was  referred  to  that  Presbytery  whereof  he  is  a  member. 

The  reasons  of  Mr.  Conn's  absence  were  by  letter  given,  and  sustained. 

Masters  Gillespie,  Wotherspoon,  and  Evans,  supplied  Kent  county  accord- 
ing to  appointment,  as  also  did  Mr.  Anderson. 

Mr.  Thomson  was  ordained,  according  to  appointment ;  Masters  Gillespie 
and  Bradner  absent  at  that  time ;  and  their  excuses  on  that  occasion  were  ac- 
cepted. 

Mr.  Pierson  was  ordained,  according  to  appointment,  at  Woodbridge,  on  the 
29th  of  April,  1717. 

The  brethren  belonging  to  Long  Island  have  done  their  endeavour  for  erect- 
ing a  Presbytery  there,  and  were  successful. 

Some  Presbyteries  being  defective  in  not  bringing  their  Presbytery  books,  it 
was  ordered  that  they  should  have  them  ready  against  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Synod. 

The  consideration  of  the  minute  made  last  year  with  respect  to  Mr.  Pumry, 
referred  to  next  sederunt. 

The  moderator  of  the  last  Synod  being  hindered  from  being  here  at  the  time 
appointed  by  the  last  year's  Synod,  he  was  appointed  to  preach  this  day  at  ten 
o'clock,  his  Synodical  sermon. 

Mr.  Gelston  was  ordained  at  Southampton,  April  the  17th,  1717,  by  Mas 
ters  McNish,  Philips,  and  Pumry,  according  to  appointment. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  afternoon. 
(48) 


1717.]  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA,  49 

At  three  o'clock,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

3Ir.  McNisb,  the  moderator  of  the  hast  Synod,  preached  according  to  ap- 
pointment, on  John  sxi.  17. 

Mr.  Pumry's  business  further  dchiyed. 

Sustained  Mr.  Hampton's  absence,  upon  the  account  of  a  necessity  he  lies 
under  to  go  to  his  native  country  for  the  recovery  of  his  health. 

31r.  John  Thomson  appointed  to  join  with  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle, 
till  such  time  as  there  is  a  competent  number  to  make  up  a  Presbytery  in  his 
neighbourhood. 

Mr.  Gelston's  letter,  containing  some  frivolous  excuses  for  his  absence,  was 
not  sustained. 

A  committee  for  overtures,  consisting  of  Masters  McNisb,  Andrews,  Jones, 
TJiomson,  and  Pierson,  was  appointed. 

Adjourned  tiU  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Thursday,  September  Idth,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

It  being  overtured  to  the  Synod  by  the  committee  appointed  for  overtures. 
That  it  is  to  be  proposed  to  the  several  members  of  the  Synod,  to  contribute 
something  to  the  raising  a  fund  for  pious  uses,  and  that  they  do  use  their  in- 
terest with  their  friends,  on  proper  occasions,  to  contribute  something  to  the 
same  purpose,  and  that  there  be  chosen  a  treasurer  to  keep  what  shall  be  col- 
lected, and  that  what  is  or  may  be  gathered,  be  disposed  of  according  to  the 
discretion  of  the  Synod;  the  overture  was  agreed  upon  and  pursued,  and 
Mr.  Andrews  is  to  be  treasurer  for  this  purpose  till  the  nest  Synod. 

As  to  the  affair  of  Mr.  Pumry,  a  letter  from  his  people  being  presented  to 
the  Synod  by  one  of  their  number,  representing  their  desire  of  Mr.  Pumry's 
continuance  among  them  as  their  pastor,  the  Synod  did  appoint  the  moderator, 
and  Mr.  Dickinson,  to  write  to  the  said  people,  and  show  the  letter  to  the 
Synod  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  3  o'clock,  afternoon. 

At  3  o'clock,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  Moderator  and  Mr.  Dickinson  brought  in  the  letter  for  the  people  of 
Newtown  according  to  appointment,  and  it  was  accepted. 

Mr.  Robert  Cross,  probationer,  lately  come  from  Ireland,  having  presented 
his  testimonials,  after  reading  thereof,  the  Synod  did  approve  of  the  same,  and 
recommended  him  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  for  further  direction. 

Adjourned  till  8  o'clock  to-morrow. 

20^/4  day  at  8  o'clock,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

This  day  a  call  from  the  Presbyterian  Congregation  of  New  York  being 
given  in  to  the  members  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  in  order  to  be  pre- 
sented to  Mr.  James  Anderson;  after  they  had  considered  of  the  same, 
together  with  Mr.  Anderson's  reasons  for  removal,  did  refer  the  whole  affair 
to  the  Synod. 

The  Synod  taking  into  consideration  the  abovesaid  business,  ordered,  that 
a  committee  of  their  number  be  appointed  to  receive  and  audit  the  reasons  of 
the  people  of  New  Castle,  if  they  have  any  to  offer,  against  the  removal  of 
Mr.  Anderson  to  New  York  or  any  other  place ;  and  that  the  said  committee 
do  fully  determine  in  that  affair.  Which  committee  is  to  consist  of  Messrs. 
McNish,  Gillespie,  Wotherspoon,  Evans,  Pumry,  and  Thomson,  and  to  meet 
on  Tuesday  next,  at  10  o'clock  in  the  morning  at  New  Castle,  and  that  there 
be  a  letter  writ  to  the  people  of  New  Castle  by  Masters  Jones,  Pumry,  and 
Bradner,  and  to  bring  it  against  the  next  sederunt. 
7 


50  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1718. 

Mr.  Pierson  having  asked  liberty  of  the  Synod  to  go  home,  it  was  granted 
him. 

Adjourned  till  3  o'clock,  afternoon. 

At  3  o'docJc  post  merid.  post preces  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  letter  that  was  appointed  to  be  writ  to  the  people  of  New  Castle,  was 
read  and  approven. 

The  aiFair  of  Andrew  Van  Dyke,  that  was  referred  from  the  Presbytery  of 
New  Castle  to  the  Synod,  came  under  consideration,  and  a  considerable  time 
being  spent  in  discoursing  upon  it,  it  was  determined  nemine  cmitradicente^ 
that  his  marriage  with  his  brother's  wife  or  widow  was  incestuous  and  unlawful, 
and  their  living  together  as  th®. consequence  of  that  marriage,  is  incestuous  and 
unlawful ;  and  that  so  long  as  they  live  together,  they  be  debarred  from  all 
sealing  ordinances,  and  that  Mr.  Wotherspoon  make  intimation  hereof  to  his 
congregation  in  what  time  and  manner  he  shall  think  convenient. 

Appointed  that  the  next  Synod  meet  at  Philadelphia,  on  the  third  Tuesday 
of  September,  1718. 

Memorandum,  That  this  day,  viz  :  the  twenty-third  of  this  instant,  Sep- 
tember, 1718,  according  to  appointment  of  Synod,  was  weighed  and  delivered 
into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  treasurer  for  the  time  being,  the  just 
sum  of  eighteen  pounds  one  shilling  and  six  pence,  for  which  he  obliges  him- 
self, his  heirs.  Executors,  and  Administrators,  to  be  accountable  to  the  Synod, 
unavoidable  emergencies  only  excepted^  as  witness  his  hand  and  seal,  the  day 
and  year  above  mentioned. 

Jedidiah  Andrews,  [l»  s.] 

Test.  John  Hampton. 

These  are  to  testify,  that  there  was  an  error  in  the  summing  up  the  money 
above  mentioned  in  the  memorandum,  by  exceeding  the  sum  expressed,  one 
pound,  five  shilling,  and  eight  pence. 

GrEORGE  McNiSH, 

1718. 

At  a  Synod  held  at  Philadelphia,  which  began, 

Septemher  the  IQtJi,  1718. 

Ministers  present :  Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  G-eorge  McNish,  John  Hamp- 
ton, James  Anderson,  Daniel  McGill,  George  Gillespie,  Malachi  Jones,  David 
Evans,  Samuel  Pumry,  John  Bradner,  Robert  Orr,  Hugh  Conn,  John  Thom- 
son, John  Pierson,  Samuel  Gelston,  Joseph  Morgan,  Jonathan  Dickinson, 
Henry  Hook. — 18. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Samuel  Davis,  Geo.  Philips,  Joseph  Lamb. — 3 

Elders  'present:  Messrs.  John  Snowden,  John  Gardner,  William  Williams, 
Archibald  Smith,  Edmund  Cropper,  Alexander  Bell. — 6. 

Three  being  nominated  by  the  moderator,  namely,  Messrs.  Malachi  Jones, 
Daniel  McGill,  and  James  Anderson,  out  of  whom  one  to  be  chosen  for 
moderator;  Mr.  Daniel  McGill  was  chosen;  and  Mr.  Samuel  Gelston  was 
chosen  clerk. 

Mr.  Robert  Wotherspoon  died  about  the  latter  end  of  May,  1718. 

The  book  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  being  called  for,  it  was  pre- 
sented. 

The  book  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  being  called  for  by  the  Synod, 
it  was  promised  to  produce  it  the  next  sederunt. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  Long-Island  being  called  for,  it  was  delayed  to  the 
next  sederunt. 

The  Synod  ordered  Masters  Anderson  and  Thomson  to  revise  the  Pres- 


1718.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  51 

bytery  book  of  Philadelphia,  and  Masters  Andrews  and  Jones  to  revise  the 
Presbytery  book  of  Xcw  Castle. 

This  Synod  being  further  informed  of  Mr.  Gelston's  absence  last  year,  do 
accept  his  reasons. 

The  aflair  concerning  the  fund,  referred  to  the  next  sederunt. 

The  committee  reported  the  case  concerning  Mr.  Anderson,  viz  :  that  they 
transported  him  from  New  Castle  to  New  York,  having  had  power  lodged  in 
them  by  the  Synod  to  determine  that  affair. 

Mr.  James  Anderson  reported  to  the  Synod,  that  Mr.  Wotherspoon  had  in 
due  time  observed  the  order  of  the  Synod  concerning  Andrew  Van  Dyke's  in- 
cestuous marriage  with  his  brother's  wife. 

Mr.  Andrews  preached  from  1  Cor.  iii.  11,  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  7br. 
1718,  at  the  opening  of  the  Synod. 

The  Synod  ordered  that  a  committee  of  bills  and  overtures,  should  be  ap- 
pointed to  meet  before  the  next  sederunt  of  the  Synod,  and  that  they  consider 
what  matters  have  been  orderly  proceeded  on,  and  what  are  suitable  to  be  by 
them  transmitted  to  the  Synod.  The  Synod  also  ordering,  that  in  any  case  of 
difficulty  coming  before  the  committee,  they  shall  take  the  advice  of  the  Synod. 
The  Synod  also  appoints  the  reverend  brethren.  Masters  Andrews,  Hampton, 
Anderson,  Gillespie,  and  the  Moderator,  to  be  members  of  the  said  committee, 
and  that  the  committee  meet  at  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning,  and  the  Synod 
at  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

The  Synod  concluded  with  prayer  and  adjourned  till  3  o'clock,  post  merid. 
to-morrow. 

17th  day  at  3  6'cloch,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  Presbytery's  book  of  New  Castle  was  produced  according  to  promise. 

The  Presbytery's  book  of  Long-Island  being  called  for,  it  was  delayed. 

The  affiiir  concerning  the  fund,  referred  till  the  next  sederunt. 

Mr.  William  Tennent's  affair  being  transmitted  by  the  committee  to  the 
Synod,  was  by  them  fully  considered,  being  well  satisfied  with  his  credentials, 
and  the  testimony  of  some  brethren  here  present,  as  also  they  were  satisfied 
with  the  material  reasons  which  he  off'ered  concerning  his  dissenting  from  the 
established  Church  in  Ireland ;  being  put  to  a  vote  of  the  Synod,  it  was  carried 
in  the  affirmative  to  admit  him  as  a  member  of  the  Synod.  Ordered,  that  his 
reasons  be  inserted  in  the  Synod  book  ad  fnturam  rei  memoriam.  The  Synod 
also  ordered  that  the  moderator  should  give  him  a  serious  exhortation  to  con- 
tinue steadfast  in  his  now  holy  profession,  which  was  done. 

The  reasons  of  Mr.  William  Tennent  for  his  dissenting  from  the  established 
Church  in  Ireland,  delivered  by  him  to  the  Picverend  Synod,  held  at  Philadel- 
phia, the  17th  day  of  September,  1718. 

Imprimis.  Their  government  by  Bishops,  Arch-Bishops,  Deacons,  Arch- 
Deacons,  Canons,  Chapters,  Chancellors,  Vicars,  wholly  anti-scriptural. 

2.  Their  discipline  by  Surrogates,  and  Chancellors  in  their  Courts  Ecclesi- 
astic, without  a  foundation  in  the  word  of  God. 

3.  Their  abuse  of  that  supposed  discipline  by  commutation. 

4.  A  Diocesan  Bishop  cannot  be  founded  jure  divino  upon  those  Epistles  to 
Timothy  or  Titus,  nor  anywhere  else  in  the  word  of  God,  and  so  is  a  mere  hu- 
man invention. 

5.  The  usurped  power  of  the  Bishops  at  their  yearly  visitations,  acting  all 
of  themselves,  without  consent  of  the  brethren. 

6.  Pluralities  of  benefices. 

Lastly.  The  Churches  conniving  at  the  practice  of  Arminian  doctrines  in- 
consistent with  the  eternal  purpose  of  God,  and  an  encouragement  of  vice.  Be- 
sides I  could  not  be  satisfied  with  their  ceremonial  way  of  worship.    These,  &c. 


52  MINUTES  OP  THE  [1718. 

have  so  affected  my  conscience,  that  I  could  no  longer  abide  in  a  church  where 
the  same  are  practised.     Signed  by 

William  Tennent. 

Mr.  Samuel  Young,  minister  of  the  gospel,  presenting  his  credentials  from  the 
Presbytery  of  Armagh,  met  at  Donaghmore,  in  the  county  of  Down,  in  the 
kingdom  of  Ireland,  to  this  Synod  ;  they  were  cordially  approved,  and  he  ad- 
mitted a  member  nemine  contradicente. 

The  Synod  adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning,  and  appointed  the 
committee  to  meet  at  eight,  and  then  concluded  with  prayer. 

18?7i  day  at  10  dcloch,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

Mr.  Pumry's  absence  was  excused. 

The  Presbytery's  book  of  Long-Island  being  called  for,  they  produced  their 
minutes. 

Masters  Pierson  and  Bradner  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery's  minutes 
of  Long-Island.  , 

Masters  Jones  and  Bradner's  absence  excused. 

Mr.  McNish  his  absence  excused. 

Mr.  Gillespie  reported  that  he  recommended  to  his  congregation  to  contribute 
to  the  public  fund,  and  that  he  received  subscriptions  for  six  pounds,  odd  money 
to  be  paid  against  next  Synod. 

The  Synod  having  considered  the  business  of  the  public  fund,  did  recommend 
it  to  the  several  ministers,  to  use  the  methods  that  according  to  their  discretion, 
should  seem  best  to  answer  the  pious  intention  of  it,  and  to  apply  their  utmost 
diligence  therein. 

Mr.  Jedidiah  Andrews  continued  treasurer  of  the  fund  till  next  Synod. 
And  it  is  further  ordered  by  the  Synod,  that  the  treasurer  for  the  time  being 
have  a  book,  wherein  the  Synod  shall  have  credit  for  the  several  sums  he  shall 
receive,  and  be  charged  debtor  for  what  disbursements  shall  be  made  by  the 
appointment  of  the  Synod,  and  that  some  of  their  number  whom  they  shall 
think  fit  to  appoint,  shall  examine  the  said  book  yearly,  and  transmit  the 
balance  into  the  Synod  book,  which  shall  be  subscribed  and  sealed  to  by  the 
said  treasurer,  for  which  he,  his  heirs,  executors,  and  administrators,  shall  be 
accountable  to  the  Synod,  excepting  in  case  of  unavoidable  emergencies  only  ; 
and  that  a  copy  of  the  treasurer's  obligation,  signed  and  sealed  by  him,  be  de- 
livered to  some  person  whom  the  Synod  shall  appoint. 

The  committee  met  as  appointed. 

The  Synod  adjourned  till  three  o'clock  precisely,  and  concluded  with 
prayer. 

At  3  d'cloch  post  merid.  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  business  concerning  the  fund  referred  till  to-morrow  morning ;  and  that 
a  collection  be  made  then  by  those  that  shall  be  ready. 

Masters  Dickinson  and  Young  appointed  to  write  a  letter  to  Mr.  Boyse,  min- 
ister in  Dublin,  to  be  communicated  to  the  Presbytery  there. 

Masters  Hampton,  McNish,  and  Anderson,  appointed  to  write  a  letter  to  the 
ministers  of  London,  as  also  another  letter  to  Mr.  Stirling,  principal  of  the 
University  of  Glasgow,  and  another  letter  to  the  Synod  of  Glasgow. 

Masters  John  Clement  and  William  Stewart,  probationers,  presented  their 
credentials  from  Britain  to  the  Synod,  which  were  considered  and  approved. 
As  also  a  call  from  Pocomoke,  being  presented  by  them  to  Mr.  John  Cle- 
ment, and  another  was  presented  from  Monokin  and  Wicomico,  to  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Stewart,  both  of  which  were  approven  by  the  Synod,  and  their  ordina- 
tion appointed  to  be  according  to  the  usual  methods,  and  performed  by  Masters 


1718.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  53 

Samuel  Davis,  Hampton,  and  Thomson,  and  such  of  the  Presbytery  of  New 
Castle  as  they  shall  think  fit  to  call  to  their  assistance,  when  those  people  and 
they  are  agreed  about  their  settlement  in  the  above  said  places. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  John  Hampton,  having  petitioned  this  Synod  for  a  dismission 
from  his  pastoral  relation  to  the  people  of  Snowhill,  they  considering  that  the 
said  Mr.  Hampton  was  not  able  to  perform  the  office  of  a  pastor  to  that  people 
without  apparent  hazard  of  his  life  through  bodily  indisposition  j  the  Synod, 
upon  mature  deliberation,  having  put  the  matter  to  vote,  it  was  carried  neniine 
rontradiccnte,  to  accept  of  his  demission,  and  to  declare  his  congregation  vacant, 
to  the  great  regret  of  the  Synod. 

The  Synod  adjourned  till  10  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning,  and  concluded  with 
prayer. 

\^th  day  at  10  o'clock,  post  preces  sederunt  tot  supra. 

The  letter  writ  by  Masters  Young  and  Dickinson  was  produced,  read,  and 
approved.* 

A  collection  was  made  for  the  fund  by  the  Synod,  according  to  appointment. 
Mv.  Dickinson  delivered  one  pound  twelve  shillings  from  his  congregation  of 
Elizabeth-town,  for  the  fund. 

Overtured,  whether  a  sum  out  of  the  fund,  not  exceeding  three  pounds,  be 
referred  to  three  persons  nominated  by  the  Synod,  to  be  disposed  of  according 
to  their  discretion,  suitable  to  the  design  of  the  fund,  and  that  this  shall  be  no 
precedent  for  the  future. 

The  said  overture  concerning  the  fund  being  voted,  was  carried  in  the  affirm- 
ative ;  and  Masters  Jones,  Andrews,  and  McNish,  were  appointed  by  the  Synod 
for  that  particular. 

Synod  adjourned  till  4  o'clock,  post  merid. 

*  A  Letter  from  the  Synod  to  the  Rev.  John  Boyse,  minister  in  Dublin,  to  be  commimi- 
cated  to  the  Presbytery  there. 

Philadelphia,  September  17th,  1718. 

Reverend  Brethren : — It  may  be  presumed  that  you  are  not  ■wholly  strangers  to  the 
circumstances  of  these  parts  ;  how  many  poor  souls  are  scattered  to  and  fro  in  this  wil- 
derness, under  awful  danger  of  perishing  for  lack  of  vision.  And  it  must  needs  be  a 
matter  of  great  satisfaction  to  you,  to  be  informed  of  the  earnest  breathings  of  many 
small  and  poor  places  among  us,  after  the  most  precious  privileges  of  gospel  ordinances, 
and  of  the  late  addresses  of  sundry  of  them  to  us  for  supply. 

But,  sirs,  the  paucity  and  poverty  of  these  people  render  them  utterly  incapable  to  sup- 
port the  ministry  among  them,  could  they  obtain  it ;  and  there  lies,  therefore,  upon  them 
a  deplorable  necessity  of  still  continuing  in  the  same  circumstances  of  darkness  that  they 
are  now  in,  which  may  render  both  themselves  and  posterity  miserable  Pagans,  unless 
some  methods  can  be  found  out  for  their  speedy  assistance  in  the  maintaining  of  such 
ministers  as  we  would  direct  them  to,  which  is  what  we  are  at  present  altogether  unable 
to  compass.  And  yet  in  faithfulness  to  our  great  Lord,  and  the  souls  of  these  poor  peo- 
ple, we  dare  not  but  use  our  utmost  essays,  to  strengthen  their  hands  in  this  day  of 
small  things,  lest  this  spark,  which  is  but  newly  kindled,  may  be  utterly  extinguished, 
which  gives  occasion  for  this  address  unto  you  for  your  charitable  assistance  in  so  mo- 
mentous an  affair. 

We  have  heard  of  the  liberality  of  many  gentlemen  and  others  of  our  persuasion  with 
you,  on  such  like  occasions,  and  dare  not,  therefore,  doubt  of  their  cheerful  compliance 
with  this  our  request,  when  you  have  communicated  these  circumstances  to  them. 

Thus  earnestly  petitioning  your  endeavours  for  the  relief  of  these  poor  people,  and 
your  answer  to  this  address,  we  conclude  with  recommending  you  and  your  religious 
concerns,  to  the  guidance  and  blessing  of  our  common  Lord.  Signed  in  the  name  and 
by  the  appointment  of  the  Synod,  &c. 

Be  pleased  to  direct  yours  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  minister,  at  Philadel- 
phia.— ^Letter  Book.^ 


54  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1718. 

The  Synod  met  at  four  o'clock,  and  adjourned  till  eight  o'clock,  to-morrow 
morning. 

20th  day  at  8  o'cloch,  sederunt,  &c. 

The  letter  to  the  ministers  of  London  was  read  and  approved. 

Referred  the  supplying  the  several  vacancies,  to  the  several  Presbyteries  to 
which  they  belong. 

The  Synod  recommended  it  to  Masters  Young  and  Tennent  to  apply  them- 
selves to  what  Presbytery  within  the  bounds  of  the  Synod  they  should  think 
convenient. 

The  Presbytery's  book  of  Pkiladelphia,  was  revised  and  approved  by  the 
Synod. 

Adjourned  till  5  o'clock,  2^ost  merid. 

Met  at  five  o'clock  and  adjourned  to  eight  o'clock,  22d  day. 

22c?  day  at  8  o^ clock,  post  preces  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  Synod  ordered  that  the  Presbytery  of  Long-Island  do  revise  their  min- 
utes, and  transcribe  them  into  an  orderly  book  against  the  next  Synod. 

The  Synod  ordered  that  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  do  revise  their  min- 
utes, and  transcribe  them  into  an  orderly  book  against  the  next  Synod. 

The  Synod  refers  the  writing  of  the  letters  to  Principal  Sterling  and  the 
Synod  of  Glasgow,  to  the  discretion  of  Mr.  McNish,  Hampton,  and  Ander- 
son. 

The  Synod  being  informed,  that  there  is  a  probability  of  Mr.  McNish  his 

*  To  the  much  honoured  and  very  reverend  Dissenting  Ministers  at  London. 

The  representation  of  their  unworthy  brethren,  naet  at  Philadelphia,  September  the 
16th,  1718. 

1.  They  represent,  that  though  it  has  pleased  God  to  afflict  them  much,  by  a  removal 
of  several  of  their  number  who  were  useful,  yet  it  has  also  pleased  the  same  gracious 
God,  daily,  rather  to  increase  than  decrease  their  number,  by  a  continual  supply  of  more 
than  has  been  taken  away,  which  to  them  is  some  comfortable  evidence,  that  God  has 
some  good  work  to  do  in  these  parts  of  the  world. 

2.  That  there  are  now  in  number  twenty-three  ordained  ministers  and  three  probation- 
ers, who  all  have  agreed  to  unite  their  endeavours  annually  at  Philadelphia,  for  spreading 
and  propagating  the  gospel  of  Christ  in  these  dark  parts  of  the  world,  viz  :  in  the  pro- 
vinces of  New  York,  the  Jerseys,  Pennsylvania  and  the  territories,  Maryland  and  Vir- 
ginia.    In  all  which,  excepting  the  last,  some  of  the  aforesaid  ministers  do  reside. 

3.  That  all  these  ministers  and  probationers,  aforesaid,  are  already  either  settled,  or 
have  prospect  of  settlement. 

4.  That  notwithstanding  there  are  still  many  vacancies,  who  either  cry  to  us  for  help, 
or  their  desolate  condition  and  the  seeming  good  disposition  of  some  among  them,  give 
us  ground  to  hope,  that  if  they  could  be  provided  with  able  and  faithful  ministers,  the 
happy  effect  of  it  would  soon  appear. 

5.  That  most  of  these  places  yet  to  be  planted  with  a  gospel  ministry,  are  incapable  at 
present  of  sufficiently  supporting  ministers  among  them,  and  therefore  crave  help  of  all 
well-disposed  Christians  every  where,  especially,  if  possibly  it  can  be,  of  the  city  of 
London. 

6.  That  we  ourselves  have  begun  a  small  fund  for  this  and  other  religious  purposes 
among  us,  but  alas  !  it  is  yet  so  small  that  little  or  nothing  can  be  done  by  it. 

7.  That  there  is  nothing  we  desire  more  than  the  honour  and  comfort  of  a  yearly  cor- 
I'espondence  with  you,  our  very  reverend  and  dear  brethren,  whom  we  so  much  esteem 
in  the  Lord,  if  it  were  but  to  have  your  countenance,  concurrence,  and  advice,  in  the 
great  and  common  work  of  our  Lord  and  his  kingdom. 

Lastly,  These  things  we  have  presumed  in  great  humility  to  lay  before  you,  hoping 
they  may  have  some  good  effect  to  the  glory  of  God,  good  of  his  Church,  your  satisfac- 
tion, and  our  comforts  and  refreshments,  which,  that  they  may  prove  so,  is  the  earnest 
prayer  of,  honourable  and  reverend  sirs,  yours  in  the  Lord. — \_Letter  Book.'\ 


1719.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  65 

going  to  Britain  upon  some  important  business,  and  considering  that  he  may 
do  some  service  to  the  common  interest  of  religion  in  these  parts  of  the  world  j 
that  he  may  the  better  succeed  iu  his  endeavours  to  serve  that  design,  the 
Synod  thinks  fit  that  he  be  enabled  by  the  Synod,  with  proper  recommenda- 
tions from  them.  The  Synod,  therefore,  for  his  encouraging  in  so  good  a 
design  and  undertaking,  do  appoint  for  a  committee  of  the  Synod,  Masters 
Jones,  Audrews,  Anderson,  Dickinson,  and  Pierson,  with  as  many  others  as 
can  attend  to  meet  at  Woodbridge,  at  such  a  time  as  the  above  said  Mr.  McNish 
shall  appoint,  he  giving  the  said  members  a  month's  notice,  giving  them  full 
power  to  concert  all  such  proper  methods  and  ways,  to  enable  Mr.  3IcNish  to 
undertake  and  act  for  us  and  in  our  name,  and  to  the  general  good  of  religion 
as  they  shall  judge  fitting.  It  is  also  appointed  that  the  said  committee  do 
furnish  the  said  Mr.  McNish  with  proper  credentials  and  all  such  instructions 
as  they  shall  think  fit  for  answering  the  end  abovesaid. 

The  Synod  appoints  the  management  of  the  funds  as  directed  by  a  preceding 
minute  to  Masters  Jones,  Hampton,  and  McNish,  and  to  make  report  to  the 
nest  Synod. 

The  Synod  adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  September,  at  10  o'clock, 
ante  merid.  1719. 

1T19. 

At  a  Synod  held  at  Philadelphia,  which  met 

September  the  IQth,  1719,  being  the  third  Wednesday  of  the  month. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  a  sermon  preached  by  Mr.  Daniel  McGill,  on 
Heb.  ii.  1. 

Post  j^reces  the  roll  was  called. 

Ministers  present:  Messrs.  Daniel  McGill,  Jedidiah  Andrews,  George  Gil- 
lespie, David  Evans,  John  Bradner,  Robert  Orr,  Hugh  Conn,  John  Thom- 
son, Robert  Cross. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Thomas  Wallice,  Thomas  Gordon,  Andrew  Wallice,  James 
Stoddert,  John  Snowden,  Dr.  John  Nicols. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  George  McNish,  John  Hampton,  Malachi  Jones, 
Samuel  Pumry,  John  Pierson,  Samuel  Gelston,  Joseph  Morgan,  Jonathan 
Dickinson,  Henry  Hook,  Samuel  Young,  William  Tennent,  John  Clement, 
William  Stewart,  Samuel  Davis,  George  Philips,  Joseph  Lamb,  James 
Anderson. 

Mr.  Andrews  was  chosen  clerk. 

Two  being  nominated  by  the  moderator,  namely,  Masters  John  Thomson, 
and  George  Gillespie,  out  of  whom  one  to  be  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Thomson 
was  chosen. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  Synod  ordered  to  be  read  over. 

The  appointment  of  the  Synod  with  respect  to  the  ordination  of  Masters 
John  Clement,  and  William  Stewart,  was  complied  with,  they  being  solemnly 
set  apart  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  by  the  Rev.  Masters  Samuel  Davis, 
John  Hampton,  and  John  Thomson,  at  Rehoboth,  in  Somerset  county,  in 
3Iaryland,  upon day  of  June,  1719. 

Ordered,  That  an  inquiry  be  made  about  the  letters  sent  to  Britain  and 
Ireland  the  last  year,  when  the  Synod  shall  be  more  full. 

The  whole  affair  concerning  the  Presbyteries'  books  referred  till  after- 
wards. 

The  aff"air  concerning  the  fund  deferred  till  afterwards. 

The  business  with  respect  to  Mr.  McNish  his  going  to  Britain,  mentioned 
in  the  last  year's  minutes,  was  dropt. 

The  moderator,  Masters  Andrews,  McGill,  and  Gillespie,  appointed  for  a 
committee  for  bills  and  overtures. 


66  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1719. 

The  committee  to  meet  to-morrow,  ante  meridiem,  at  eight  o'clock. 
Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  to-morrow,  ante  meridiem. 

17  day  at  ten  o^ clock,  post  preces,  sederunt,  &c. 

Masters  McNish,  Anderson,  and  Gelston,  gave  satisfactory  reasons  to  the 
Synod  for  their  not  attending  before  this  session. 

Mr.  Hampton  signified  his  inability  to  attend,  by  letter. 

Mr.  Jones  is  dangerously  sick.  Mr.  Pierson  sick,  as  likewise  Masters 
Young,  Clement,  and  Hook.  Mr.  Dickinson  necessarily  detained  by  his 
brother's  sickness.  _ 

Mr.  McNish  and  Mr.  Anderson  did  write  to  the  Synod  of  Grlasgow,  and  to 
the  Principal  of  the  college  there,  as  appointed. 

The  Presbytery  books  ordered  to  be  brought  in  next  sederunt. 

The  Synod  ordered  that  a  committee  should  be  chosen  to  inquire  and  in- 
spect into  the  affair  of  the  fund,  and  receive  what  money  shall  be  brought  in 
now,  and  consider  of  some  proper  methods  of  disposing  of  it  to  the  best  advan- 
tage for  answering  its  end. 

The  Synod  ordered  that  the  moderator.  Masters  McNish,  Anderson,  Stod- 
dert,  Conn,  Bradner,  and  Andrews,  be  the  members  of  the  said  committee. 

Whereas  there  was  a  petition  from  the  Presbyterian  congregation  of  New 
York  presented  to  the  Synod,  it  was  ordered  that  that  petition  should  be  deli- 
berated upon  by  the  above  committee,  and  their  sentiments  transmitted  to  the 
Synod. 

Ordered,  That  the  above  committee  relating  to  the  fund,  do  meet  at  five 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  post  meridiem. 

At  three  o'clock  post  m^eridiem,  post  pircces,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  book  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  was  not  produced  by  reason  of 
Mr.  Dickinson's  absence. 

Masters  Orr  and  Cross  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery's  book  of  Long 
Island. 

Masters  McNish  and  Anderson  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery's  book 
of  New  Castle. 

The  papers  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  relating  to  the  appeal  of  Abra- 
ham Emmitt,  and  his  two  sons,  voted  to  be  read. 

The  Synod  having  heard  all  the  papers  with  respect  to  Mr.  Emmitt's  ap- 
peal, deferred  the  full  consideration  thereof  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  seven  o'clock  precisely,  to-morrow  morning. 

18  day,  post  preces,  sedemnt  tit  supra,  at  seven  o'clock. 

It  was  overtured  to  the  Synod  by  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  of 
the  fund,  that  a  tenth  part  of  the  neat  produce  of  the  Grlasgow  collection  be 
given  to  the  Presbyterian  congregation  of  New  York  towards  the  support  of 
the  gospel  among  them,  and  that  a  letter  be  sent  to  them  from  the  Synod  re- 
lating to  their  circumstances ;  which  overture  was  approved  by  the  Synod,  and 
the  moderator  and  Mr.  Cross  were  appointed  to  write  said  letter,  which  letter 
is  to  be  brought  into  the  Synod  for  approbation. 

The  business  of  Mr.  Emmitt,  and  of  his  sons'  appeal  from  the  judgment 
of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  came  again  before  us^  arid  it  was  judged, 
nemine  contradicentr,  that  the  appeal  was  groundless.  And  the  Synod  docs 
hereby  approve  of  the  whole  proceedings  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle 
in  reference  to  that  whole  affair.  And  further,  if  in  any  thing  the  said  Pres- 
bytery have  failed  as  to  their  judgment  in  this  affair,  it  is  in  too  much  lenity 
towards  the  appellants. 


1719.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  67 

2.  That  our  Rev.  Brother,  Mr.  Gillespie,  is  falsely  and  groundlessly  charged 
by  the  appellants,  when  they  allege  of  him  an  insufficiency  as  to  ministerial 
abilities,  and  the  grounds  which  the  said  appellants  found  their  charge  upon 
are  altogether  inconclusive  and  false. 

And  further,  it  is  Ordered,  that  the  said  appellants  be  discharged  from  the 
participation  of  the  sealing  ordinances  of  Christ,  until  they  give  satisfaction  to 
the  minister  and  session  of  their  now  present  congregation  for  their  offensive 
carriage. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  post  meridiem. 

Post  Meridiem,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

It  being  overtured  by  the  committee  concerning  the  fund,  that  such  a  num- 
ber of  persons  as  the  Synod  thinks  fit  to  be  nominated,  shall  be  empowered  to 
receive  the  collection  of  the  Synod  of  Glasgow  and  Air,  if  it  arrives  safe  in 
goods,  and  put  them  into  the  hands  of  some  substantial  persons,  to  be  sold  to 
the  best  advantage  for  money,  and  to  account  with  said  persons  for  the  sale 
thereof,  and  receive  the  neat  produce  for  the  use  of  the  fund ;  and  likewise, 
after  receipt  thereof,  to  let  the  same  to  use  upon  good  security,  after  paying  to 
New  York  congregation  what  is  allowed  to  them.  This  overture  was  approved 
of  by  the  Synod.  And  the  Synod  appoints  that  if  the  said  goods  arrive  at 
New  York,  that  IMasters  McNish,  Anderson,  and  Tennent,  or  any  two  of  them ; 
or  in  case  the  said  goods  arrive  at  Philadelphia,  that  then  Masters  Andrews, 
Jones,  and  Cross,  or  any  two  of  them,  have  power  to  dispose  of  said  goods  as 
abovesaid.  And  that  the  two  parties  abovesaid,  or  a  majority  of  them,  concert 
together  about  the  letting  out  the  money  received  for  said  goods  to  interest,  for 
which  they  shall  be  accountable  to  the  Synod. 

Being  further  overtured  by  the  committee  that  a  letter  be  writ,  (a  copy  of 
which  to  be  given  to  every  minister  belonging  to  this  Synod,)  recommending  a 
yearly  collection  to  be  gathered  in  every  particular  congregation  for  pious  uses, 
to  be  sent  yearly  to  the  Synod  by  their  minister  or  elder,  it  was  approved.  And 
Mr.  Andrews  is  appointed  to  write  the  said  letter,  and  to  bring  it  into  the 
Synod  for  approbation. 

]\Ir.  McNish  added  to  the  committee  for  bills  and  overtures. 

The  committee  for  bills  and  overtures  appointed  to  meet  to-morrow  at  eight 
o'clock,  ante  meridiem. 

Mr.  Pumry's  letter  of  excuse  for  his  absence  was  read,  and  his  excuse  sus- 
tained. 

Masters  McNish,  Anderson,  and  Gillespie,  appointed  to  preach  here  next 
Sabbath  day. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

19  day.     Postpreces  sederunt  tit  s^qira. 

There  was  a  letter  sent  to  the  Synod  from  the  people  of  Patuxent,  which  the 
committee  does  overture  may  be  considered  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle 
and  correspondents,  and  it  was  approved. 

Overtured  that  Mr.  McGill  and  Mr.  Orr  have  synodical  testimonials,  they 
having  at  present  no  particular  pastoral  charges,  and  being  uncertain  how  and 
where  Providence  may  dispose  of  them ;  it  was  granted  them,  and  Mr.  Andrews 
is  appointed  to  write  said  testimonials,  and  to  bring  them  in  for  the  approbation 
of  the  Synod. 

The  Synod  appoints  the  committee  for  bills  and  overtures  to  write  a  letter  to 
the  people  of  Snow-hill,  in  answer  to  theirs  to  the  Synod. 

The  Synod  having  received  a  letter  from  the  people  of  Patomoke,  in  Vir- 
ginia, requesting  the  Synod's  care  and  diligence  to  provide  them  an  able  gospel 
minister  to  settle  among  them,  it  was  appointed  that  the  Bev.  Mr.  Daniel  Mc- 


58  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1719. 

Gill  should  go  and  preach  to  that  people  iu  order  to  settlement  upon  mutual 
agreement,  and  that  a  letter  be  writ  to  said  people  by  Masters  Conn  and  Cross, 
and  by  them  be  brought  into  the  Synod  for  approbation. 

The  committee  for  the  fund  appointed  to  meet  at  eight  o'clock,  ante  meri- 
diem, on  Monday  next. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  ante  vieridiem,  on  Monday  next. 

21  day.     According  to  appointmentj  post  preces,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  letter  to  be  sent  to  the  several  congregations  was  brought  in  by  Mr. 
Andrews,  and  approved.* 

Ordered,  That  an  authentic^copy  of  said  letter  be  given  to  every  Presbytery 
of  the  Synod,  signed  by  the  moderator  and  clerk. 

Overtured  by  the  committee  for  the  fund  that  the  widow  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
John  Wilson  is  considered  as  a  person  worthy  of  the  regard  of  this  Synod,  as 
to  her  present  circumstances,  and  it  is  proposed  that  four  pounds  be  now  given 
her  out  of  the  present  fund,  and  that  a  discretionary  power  be  lodged  with  Mr. 
Andrews,  if  he  sees  necessity  requires,  to  give  her  some  further  supply  out  of 
the  said  fund,  between  this  and  the  next  Synod,  not  exceeding  three  pounds, 
and  it  was  approved. 

It  is  appointed  by  the  Synod,  that  the  money  that  is  now  in  bank,  be  en- 
trusted to  the  trustees  of  the  Grlasgow  collection  afore  mentioned,  that  they  or 
three  of  them  shall  have  power  to  let  out  to  interest  said  money,  and  that  those 
that  let  out  said  money  shall  be  accountable  to  the  next  Synod. 

The  committee  for  bills  and  overtures,  appointed  to  meet  half  an  hour  after 
3  o'clock,  in  the  evening. 

Adjourned  till  4  o'clock,  post  merid. 

Post  merid.  according  to  ap>p>ointment,  post  j^i'eces  sederunt  ut  supra. 
There  was  brought  into  the  fund  during  the  sitting  of  this  Synod,  from  several 

*  The  letter  of  the  Synod  now  sitting  at  Philadelphia,  to  the  several  congregations  within 

the  bounds  of  the  Synod. 

September  22,  1719. 

Christian  Friends  : — Whereas  Divine  Providence,  which  is  the  Disposer  of  the  lot  of 
all  men,  has  planted  us  in  these  parts  of  the  world,  and  iu  such  a  station  whereiu  we  are 
obliged,  in  an  eminent  manner,  to  study  the  everlasting  welfare  of  the  souls  of  men. 
And  whereas,  to  our  great  grief  and  exercise,  we  see  many  smaller  places  of  lesser  ability 
to  maintain  and  support  the  interest  of  Christ  among  them,  by  the  ordinary  means  of 
salvation,  and  yet  desirous  thereof,  languishing  in  darkness  and  blindness,  and  in  great 
danger  of  utter  ruin  for  lack  of  vision ;  casting  in  our  minds  how  to  get  these  miserable 
people  relieved,  could  think  upon  no  other  way  than  by  using  our  utmost  interest  aud 
endeavour  to  have  such  a  fund  or  stock  of  money  raised  as  may  be  of  some  use  to  help 
those  distressed  places  and  people.  In  pursuance  of  which  design  we  have  addressed 
our  friends  iu  Britain  and  Ireland  not  altogether  without  success. 

And  forasmuch  as  it  seems  to  us  unreasonable  and  unjustifiable  to  apply  to  other 
places  in  this  affair,  and  ourselves,  who  are  more  immediately  concerned,  to  hold  our 
hands,  we  determined  to  request  the  charity  of  our  respective  congregations  in  the  pre- 
mises, that  they  would  yearly  make  a  collection  for  the  carrying  on  of  the  said  noble  and 
pious  design  of  planting  and  spreading  the  everlasting  gospel  iu  these  provinces. 

As  for  arguments  to  enforce  this  our  proposal,  the  thing  itself  is  of  such  consequence 
and  importance,  and  withal  so  needful,  that  we  need  not,  we  hope,  use  any  other,  only 
the  consideration  of  a  blessing  entailed,  in  this  and  the  other  world,  by  God's  gracious 
promises,  on  all  such  as  do  cheerfully  exert  themselves  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the 
good  of  souls,  together  with  the  honourable  examples  that  are  frequently  set  us  by  the 
good  people  of  our  own  nation  both  at  home  and  abroad.  So  recommending  you  to  the 
counsel  aud  blessing  of  the  Author  aud  liewarder  of  all  good  works,  we  subscribe  our- 
selves yours  in  the  truest  bonds  of  Christian  aliections. — \_LcUer  JJook.] 


1720.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  59 

persons,  tlie  sum  of  twcntj'-one  pounds,  seven  shillings  and  ten  pence;  be- 
sides a  bill  of  exchange  of  fourteen  pounds,  five  shillings  sterling  money,  from 
Mr.  Hampton,  together  with  sixteen  pounds,  fifteen  shillings,  Pennsylvania 
money,  that  was  before  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  the  treasurer 
of  the  fund. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

2'2d  da^,  accord hi</  to  appointment,  post  preces  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  letter  to  the  Presbyterian  congregation,  New  York,  was  brought  in  and 
approved. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  New  Castle,  was  revised  and  approved  by  the  Synod, 
unto  the  end  of  scssio  scp)thna  in  page  nineteen,  as  is  to  be  seen  in  the  margin 
of  said  book  in  the  above  said  page  nineteen. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbytery  of  Long-Island  get  a  new  well  ordered  book 
against  the  next  Synod,  and  that  they  leave  marginal  room  for  Synodical 
amendments. 

Mr.  3IcNish  reported,  that  of  the  sum  not  exceeding  three  pounds,  for  the 
disposing  of  which  Masters  McNish,  Jones,  and  Andrews,  had  a  discretionary 
power  lodged  in  them,  there  was  only  one  pound  ten  shillings  disposed  of. 

The  letter  to  the  people  of  Potomoke,  in  Virginia,  was  brought  in  and  ap- 
proved of. 

Letters  testimonial  were  given  to  Mr.  Daniel  McGill  and  Mr.  Kobert  Orr, 
according  to  appointment,  a  copy  of  which  is  ordered  to  be  kept  in  retentis. 

The  minutes  for  the  Synod's  this  year's  meeting,  were  read  and  approved. 

Appointed  that  the  meeting  of  the  next  Synod  be  the  third  Wednesday  of 
September  next,  at  Philadelphia. 

17S0. 

At  a  Synod  held  at  Philadelphia, 

September  22,  1720.     Post  preces,  the  roll  icas  called. 

Ministers  present :  Messrs.  Daniel  McGrill,  Jedidiah  Andrews,  George  Gil- 
lespie, George  McNish,  David  Evans,  John  Bradner,  Robert  Cross,  Malachi 
Jones,  Joseph  Morgan,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Henry  Hook,  Samuel  Young, 
William  Stewart,  John  Clement,  James  Anderson,  Joseph  Webb,  John 
Orme. 

Elders  present :  Messrs.  John  Nicols,  Caleb  Ward,  Benjamin  Armitage, 
Archibald  Edmundson,  Alexander  White,  James  Abraham,  Thomas  January, 
Christophel  Van  Sandt,  Jonathan  Smith,  John  Colwell,  Isaac  Piper,  Daniel 
Smith. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Hugh  Conn,  John  Thomson,  John  Hampton, 
Samuel  Purary,  John  Pierson,  Samuel  Gelston,  William  Tennent,  Samuel 
Davis,  George  Philips,  Joseph  Lamb. 

3Ir.  Malachi  Jones,  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  clerk. 

According  to  last  year's  appointment,  the  Synod  should  have  met  yesterday, 
but  were  hindered  by  bad  weather. 

]Mr.  John  Thomson,  who  was  moderator  last  year,  was  absent  by  reason  of 
sickness,  for  which  cause  the  Synodical  sermon  was  not  preached. 

Mr.  John  Pierson  sent  the  reason  of  his  absence  by  letter,  which  was  sus- 
tained. Mr.  Hugh  Conn  and  Mr.  William  Tennent,  sent  the  reasons  of  their 
absence  by  letter,  which  were  sustained. 

The  minutes  of  last  year  ordered  to  be  read. 

The  Moderator,  Masters  Andrews,  McGill,  l^oung,  Anderson,  and  Dickin- 
son, appointed  for  a  committee  for  bills  and  overtures. 


60  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1720. 

Mr.  Hampton  absent  by  reason  of  sickness. 

The  Presbytery  books  ordered  to  be  brought  in  next  sederunt. 

The  whole  affair  respecting  the  fund  continued. 

Mr.  Morgan  appointed  to  preach  to-morrow,  at  eleven  o'clock. 

Masters  Grillespie,  Dickinson,  and  Stewart,  appointed  to  preach  here  nest 
Lord's  day. 

Mr.  McGill  reported  to  the  Synod,  that  according  to  last  year's  appointment, 
he  went  to  Potomoke,  in  Virginia,  and  after  some  months'  continuance  there, 
put  the  people  into  church  order. 

The  said  Congregation  of  Potomoke,  in  Virginia,  have  sent  a  letter  to  the 
Synod,  manifesting  their  hearty  approbation  of  Mr.  ^IcGrill's  whole  conduct 
among  them,  and  desiring  his  settling  with  them  as  their  minister. 

The  affair  of  Potomoke  deferred  till  afterwards. 

An  inquiry  with  respect  to  what  the  respective  ministers  have  done  about  the 
annual  collections,  delayed. 

3Ir.  John  Orme  presented  to  the  Synod  his  testimonials  relating  to  his 
ordination  to  and  qualifications  for  the  gospel  ministry,  which  the  Synod 
was  satisfied  with ;  and  upon  his  desire,  he  was  received  a  member  of  the 
Synod. 

The  committee  for  bills  and  overtures,  appointed  to  meet  half  an  hour  after 
two  o'clock,  this  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  four  o'clock,  ^ost  merid. 

Sal/ an  hour  after  4  o'clock,  P.  M.postpreces  sederunt  ut  supra. 

Masters  Gillespie  and  Evans,  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of 
Philadelphia. 

Masters  3Iorgan  and  Hook,  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of 
New  Castle. 

Masters  Bradner  and  Stewart,  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of 
Long-Island. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  bills  and  overtures,  do  bring  in  an  overture 
for  the  better  settling  our  Presbyteries. 

The  affair  respecting  the  fund  further  continued. 

The  affair  of  Potomoke  further  continued. 

The  affair  of  collections  further  delayed. 

An  address  from  the  people  of  Gloucester  and  Pilesgrove,  supplicating  the 
advice  and  assistance  of  the  Synod,  for  the  settling  of  the  gospel  among  them, 
and  in  particular  with  relation  to  Mr.  James  Morehead,  that  has  lately  preached 
among  them,  was  read  and  considered. 

And  the  said  Mr.  Morehead,  offering  himself  to  be  admitted  a  member  of  the 
Synod,  and  producing  his  certificates,  which  being  viewed  and  deliberated  upon 
by  the  Synod,  were  unanimously  voted  not  valid  ;  and  more  especially  a  writing 
produced  by  him  as  a  testimonial  of  his  ordination.  This,  together  with  other 
reasons,  viz  :  his  irregular  and  factious  carriage  in  his  own  country,  (as  ap- 
peared by  his  own  confession,  and  the  personal  knowledge  of  several  members 
of  this  Synod,)  together  with  his  scandalous  and  disorderly  behaviour  since  he 
came  into  America,  (as  manifestly  appeared,)  has  caused  the  Synod  to  refuse 
him  admittance  into  their  number,  and  to  lay  a  charge  upon  all  their  members 
to  give  him  no  encouragement  as  a  minister,  but  to  advertise  all  as  they  have 
opportunity,  and  occasion  to  beware  of  him. 

Ordered,  That  an  extract  of  this  minute,  with  relation  to  Mr.  Morehead, 
signed  by  the  clerk,  be  given  to  every  Presbytery  belonging  to  this  Synod. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow,  at  eight  o'clock. 


X720.]  SYXOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  61 

2Sd  day  at  eiyJit  o'cloch,  postpreces  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  affiiir  respecting  the  fund  further  continued. 

Ordered,  That  the  affair  of  Potomoke,  be  considered  by  the  committee  for 
bills  and  overtures. 

The  affair  of  collections  further  delayed. 

The  letter  from  Gloucester  and  Pilesgrove  being  reviewed,  it  was  ordered 
that  Mr.  jMorgan  preach  at  Gloucester  next  Lord's  day,  and  he  carry  with 
him  an  extract  of  the  minutes  of  the  Synod  with  relation  to  Mr.  Morehead, 
and  read  it  to  that  congregation. 

Mr.  Hook  ordered  to  preach  at  Pilesgrove  the  next  Lord's  day  come  s' en- 
night,  and  carry  with  him  an  extract  of  the  minutes  of  this  Synod  with  rela- 
tion to  Mr.  Morehead,  and  read  it  to  the  congregation. 

Mr.  Andrews  appointed  to  write  a  letter  to  the  people  of  Gloucester  and 
Pilesgrove,  in  answer  to  theirs,  and  bring  it  in  to-morrow  morning. 

What  further  concerns  the  people  of  Gloucester  and  Pilesgrove,  referred  to 
the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Puiury,  by  way  of  excuse  for  his  absence  being  read,  was 
not  sustained.     Mr.  jlcXish  appointed  to  tell  him  so. 

The  committee  for  bills  and  overtures,  appointed  to  meet  at  three  o'clock, 
afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  half  an  hour  after  three  o'clock,  Post  meridiem. 

Half  an  hour  after  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  postpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  bills  and  overtures,  together  with  3Ir. 
McXish  and  Mr.  Bradner  added  to  them,  be  a  committee  about  the  affair  of 
the  fund. 

Ordered,  That  every  minister  of  this  Synod  do  their  diligence  to  obtain  what 
collection  they  can  from  their  respective  congregations  toward  the  fund,  as  was 
appointed  last  Synod. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Clement  came  into  consideration  and  is  continued. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

24  dai/,  at  8  o'clock,  post  preces,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  papers  sent  to  the  Synod  by  some  elders  of  the  church  at  Rehoboth, 
by  way  of  complaint  against  Mr.  Clement,  their  minister,  were  delivered  to 
said  Mr.  Clement,  to  be  perused,  and  answered  in  writing  the  next  3Ionday, 
at  ten  o'clock,  ante  meridiem. 

A  letter  from  James  Mitchell  read,  and  the  consideration  of  it  delayed 

The  supplication  of  Abraham  Emmitt  being  read,  is  deferred  till  the  next 
sederunt. 

An  address  from  some  people  in  and  about  Birmingham,  upon  Brandywine, 
read  in  the  Synod,  and  is  continued. 

The  letter  to  Gloucester  and  Pilesgrove  read  and  approved. 

Adjourned  till  3Ionday  morning,  at  ten  o'clock. 

26  day,  ten  o' clock  post  preces,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  affair  of  3Ir.  Clement  delayed. 

The  consideration  of  James  Mitchell's  letter  further  delayed. 
The  supplication  of  Abraham  Emmitt  delayed. 
The  address  from  Birmingham  delayed. 

The  affair  of  Xew  York  coming  under  consideration,  was  deferred  till 
afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  four  o'clock,  P.  M. 


62  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1720. 

P.  M.  four  o^ clock,  post  preces,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

After  a  full  bearing  and  long  reasoning  upon  the  case  represented  by 
Messrs.  Livingston  and  Smith,  touching  Mr.  Anderson's  settling  at  New 
York ;  the  question  was  put  whether  the  proceedings  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Long  Island,  in  the  settling  Mr.  Anderson  at  New  York,  were  regular  ?  And 
it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  by  a  great  majority. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Andrews  and  Mr.  Dickinson  write  a  letter  to  Messrs. 
Livingston  and  Smith,  &c. 

The  sentiments  of  the  Synod  concerning  two  sermons  read  before  them, 
preached  at  New  York  by  Mr.  Anderson,  and  complained  of  by  Messrs.  Liv- 
ingston and  Smith,  is,  that  they  could  wish  that  they  had  been  delivered  in 
softer  and  milder  terms  in  some  passages,  though  the  Synod  approves  of  the 
substance  of  the  sermons  as  orthodox  and  godly. 

Ordered,  That  the  moderator,  Mr.  Grillespie,  and  Mr.  Evans,  write  a  letter 
to  the  Presbyterian  congregation  at  New  York,  and  bring  it  into  the  Synod. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

27  day,  ten  o' clock,  post  preces,  sederunt  ut  supra. 
The  letter  to  Messrs.  Livingston  and  Smith,  &c.  read  and  approved. 
Mr.  Clement  brought  his  answer  in  writing  to  the  papers  sent  to  the  Synod 
from  Rehoboth,  which  being  considered,  was  further  delayed. 
Adjourned  till  four  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Four  o'cloch,  P.  M.      Postpreces  sederunt  ut  supra. 

Overtured,  That  a  committee  be  sent  to  Rehoboth,  with  full  power  from 
the  Synod  to  act  in  their  names,  and  by  their  authority,  in  the  affair  between 
Mr.  Clement  and  that  people,  and  that  Mr.  Clement  be  suspended  from  the 
exercise  of  his  ministry,  until  the  determination  of  that  committee.  This 
overture  was  carried  by  vote  in  the  affirmative,  nemine  contradicente. 

Ordered,  That  Masters  McNish,  McGill,  Thomson,  Stewart,  Gillespie,  and 
Hook,  or  any  three  of  them,  be  a  committee  for  said  purpose,  and  to  meet  at 
said  place  the  fourth  Friday  of  October  next. 

Ordered,  That  each  of  the  mentioned  ministers  carry  an  elder  with  him  if 
he  can. 

Ordered,  That  an  extract  of  this  minute  be  given  to  said  committee. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

28<A  day.     Nine  o'cloch.     Post preces,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  Synod  having  received  letters  from  Snowhill,  by  way  of  complaint 
against  Mr.  Samuel  Davis,  have  appointed  Masters  McNish,  McGill,  Hamp- 
ton, Thomson,  Stewart,  Gillespie,  and  Hook,  or  any  three  of  them,  to  be  a 
committee  to  go  to  Snowhill,  with  full  power  to  hear,  examine,  and  deter- 
mine about  the  complaints  made,  or  to  be  made,  against  the  said  Mr.  Davis. 
Which  affiiir  is  to  be  determined  by  said  committee,  before  the  committee  ap- 
pointed in  the  business  of  ]\Ir.  Clement  return  home. 

Upon  a  motion  of  an  interloquitur  of  the  ministers  of  the  Synod,  by  Mr. 
McNish,  Ordered,  That  the  ministers  meet,  pursuant  to  said  motion,  at  three 
o'clock,  P.  M. 

The  consideration  of  James  Mitchell's  letter  further  delayed. 

Adjourned  till  six  o'clock,  P.  M. 


2^th  day,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  31.     Postpreces,  sederunt  ut  supra. 
The  Synod  being  necessarily  hindered  from  sitting  at  the  time  appointed, 
ive  deferred  their  meeting  until  now. 
The  interloquitur  of  the  ministers  of  the  Synod  was  held  according  to  ap- 


1720.]  SYNOD  OP  PIIILADELPHIA.  63 

pointment.  Another  interloquitur  appointed  to  be  held  at  tlircc  o'clock,  post 
meridiem. 

The  Synod  being  addressed  by  letters  from  Abraham  Emmitt,  senior,  Abra- 
ham Emmitt,  junior,  and  Josias  Emmitt,  petitioning  their  reconsideration  of 
the  case  between  Mr.  Gillespie  and  them ;  the  Synod,  upon  serious  considera- 
tion, find  reason  to  confirm  their  former  sentence,  any  reasons  now  offered  to  the 
contrary  by  said  Emmitts  notwithstanding.  And  it  is  ordered  by  the  Synod, 
that  the  said  Emmitts  be  still  discharged  from  the  participation  of  sealing  ordi- 
nances until  they  give  this  following  satisfaction,  viz.  that  they  own  their  fault 
before  the  session,  in  uttering  defimatory  speeches  against  the  ministerial 
abilities  of  3Ir.  George  Gillespie,  and  shall  manifest  their  sorrow  for  having 
done  so. 

There  being  an  overture  brought  from  the  committee  for  bills  and  overtures 

that  ten  pounds  out  of  the  fund  be  given  for  the  encouragement  and  support 

of  such  ministers  as  shall  preach  to  the  people  of  Gloucester  and  Pilesgrove, 

to  be  disposed  of  at  the  discretion  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  or  any 

<  two  of  them,  it  was  agreed  to  by  the  Synod. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McGill  and  Mr.  Young  write  a  letter  to  the  Synod  of 
Glasgow  and  Ayr,  and  another  to  Mr.  Stirling,  principal  of  the  college  of  Glas- 
gow, in  answer  to  theirs,  representing  the  hearty  thanks  of  this  Synod  for  their 
kindness  to  the  interest  of  religion  in  these  wilderness  parts. 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  two  years  ago  by  this  Synod  to  the  ministers  of  Lon- 
don, be  transcribed  and  directed  severally  to  Dr.  Calamy,  Mr.  John  Nesbitt, 
and  Mr.  James  Anderson,  with  a  short  postscript  to  each. 

Adjourned  till  four  o'clock,  post  meridiem. 

Four  o'chch,  P.  M.     Post  preces,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

The  interloquitur  of  the  ministers  of  the  Synod  was  held  according  to  ap- 
pointment, with  relation  to  an  affair  respecting  Mr.  Robert  Cross,  referred  to 
the  Synod  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

30<A  day.     Post  preces,  sederunt  ut  supra,  at  eight  o'clock. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Robert  Cross  transmitted  from  the  interloquitur  of  the 
Synod,  came  into  consideration  before  the  Synod,  wherein  the  charges  of  for- 
nication laid  against  him,  with  its  aggravations,  were  fully  heard  and  consid- 
ered with  great  deliberation,  and  also  charged  upon  him  by  the  moderator,  in 
the  face  of  the  Synod,  and  before  several  other  discreet  persons  who  were 
desired  to  be  present.  And  the  said  Mr.  Robert  Cross  did,  with  great  seri- 
ousness, humility,  and  signs  of  true  repentance,  confess  the  charge  laid  against 
him,  and  in  all  respects  did  so  behave  himself  as  was  universally  satisfactory 
to  the  Synod,  and  the  other  persons  present. 

Overtured,  That  Mr.  Cross  be  suspended  by  act  of  the  Synod  four  Sabbaths, 
and  at  the  expiration  of  said  time  he  have  liberty  again  to  preach  the  gospel. 
And  that  at  the  desire  of  the  congregation  of  New  Castle,  or  their  re- 
presentatives in  their  name,  he  may  be  again  restored  to  the  exercise  of  his 
ministry  in  that  place,  by  a  committee  of  the  Synod,  and  that  the  said  com- 
mittee meet  at  said  place  at  least  three  days  before  the  expiration  of  the  said 
time. 

This  overture  was  agreed  to  by  the  Synod. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jones,  Mr.  Andrews,  Mr.  Young,  Mr.  McGill,  Mr. 
Evans,  or  any  three  of  them,  be  the  said  committee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McGill  preach  the  second,  Mr.  Young  the  third,  Mr 
Hook  the  fourth  Sabbath  in  next  month,  at  New  Castle. 

Adjourned  till  four  o'clock,  post  meridiem. 


64  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1721. 

Four  o'docJc,  P.  31.     Post  preces,  sederunt  ut  supra. 

Mr.  McGill  appointed  to  preach  at  Kent  county,  and  to  the  people  at  Bir- 
mingham, on  Brandywine,  or  to  either  or  both  of  them  as  he  in  Christian  pru- 
dence shall  find  occasion. 

The  letter  to  the  congregation  at  New  York  was  read  and  approved. 

Overtured,  That  a  commission  of  the  Synod  be  appointed  to  act  in  the  name, 
and  with  the  whole  authority  of  the  Synod,  in  all  affairs  that  shall  come  before 
them,  and  particularly  that  the  whole  of  the  fund  be  left  to  their  conduct,  and 
that  they  be  accountable  to  the  Synod ;  which  overture  was  approved  by  the 
Synod. 

blasters  Jones,  Andrews,  McNish,  Anderson,  ^  Dickinson,  and  Evans,  ap- 
pointed for  said  commission,  ajiy  three  whereof  to  be  a  quorum. 

The  Presbytery  books  were  each  of  them,  according  to  appointment,  revised 
and  approved  by  the  Synod. 

The  business  concerning  the  regulation  of  Presbyteries,  deferred  till  the  next 
Synod. 

The  letters  to  Glasgow  read  and  approved.  ' 

Mr.  Gillespie  entered  his  protest  and  dissent  against  the  procedure  of  the 
Synod  with  respect  to  the  affair  of  Ptobert  Cross. 

The  Synod  adjourned  until  the  third  Wednesday  of  September  next,  then  to 
meet  at  Philadelphia.* 

1731. 

At  a  Synod  held  at  Philadelphia, 

September  2^tli,  1721.     Posi  preces  sedey'unt 

Ministers  :  Messrs.  Daniel  McGill,  Jedidiah  Andrews^  George  Gillespie, 
George  McNish,  Malachi  Jones,  David  Evans,  Joseph  Morgan,  Jonathan 
Dickinson,  James  Anderson,  Joseph  Webb,  John  Orme,  William  Tennent, 
John  Thomson,  Samuel  Gelston,  Samuel  Pumry,  Hugh  Conn,  Henry  Hook, 
Samuel  Davis,  John  Pierson,  Robert  Cross,  William  Stewart. 

Messrs.  John  Bradner,  John  Clement,  George  Philips,  and  Joseph  Lamb, 
were  absent. 

Elders  present :  Messrs.  Robert  Gordon,  John  Snowden,  Robert  Finney, 
John  David,  John  Gardner,  Johannes  Vandegrift,  Robert  Ogden,  Thomas 
Odell,  and  Ephraim  Sealy. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  David  Evans  was 
chosen  clerk. 

The  Synod  to  their  great  sorrow  found  that  our  reverend  brethren,  Mr. 
Samuel  Young  and  Mr.  John  Hampton  were  dead. 

*  Mr.  Archibald  Edmuudson. 

Philadelphia,  October  the  6th,  1720. 
Sir : — Mr.  McGill  having  reported  to  me  and  some  others  that  were  left  as  a  com- 
mittee of  the  Synod,  that  there  was  some  diiference  between  his  apprehensions  and  those 
of  the  people  of  Marlborough  congregation,  respecting  about  half  a  year's  time  that  was 
spent  between  the  time  of  his  having  accepted  the  call  in  England  and  his  entering  into 
actual  service  among  you  ;  and  desiring  our  opinion,  whether  it  were  not  right  for  him  to 
expect  pay  for  that  time,  because  he  had  then  laid  by  all  business  that  could  be  advan- 
tageous to  him,  besides  was  rather  more  expensive  to  him  than  the  same  space  of  time 
was  when  actually  settled  in  business  ;  we  could  not  but  give  it  as  our  opinion,  that  he 
might  justly  expect  to  be  paid  for  that  time,  and  the  other  members  left  it  with  me  to 
acquaint  you  with  our  sentiments  of  the  matter.  I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servant.  A. 
— [Letter  Book.] 

[Many  of  the  letters  referred  to  in  the  Minutes  are  not  to  be  found  in  the  Letter  Book, 
'  and  the  foregoing  is  the  last  memorandum  recorded.] 


1721.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  65 

Mr.  Jones,  moderator  of  the  last  Synod,  preached  a  Synodical  sermon  from 
1  Cor.  iv.  2. 

Appointed  that  the  committee  for  bills  and  overtures  be  Masters  Jedidiah 
Andrews,  George  McNish,  and  Daniel  McGill. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  Synod  ordered  to  be  read. 

New  complaints  being  made  by  some  of  the  members  concerning  James 
3Iorehead,  who  was  disowned  by  the  Synod  last  year,  which  affair  is  deferred 
till  afterwards. 

Mr.  Samuel  Pumry  gave  satisfactory  reasons  to  the  Synod  for  his  absence 
last  year. 

Ordered,  That  the  members  of  the  Sjmod  be  inquired  of  to-morrow  morn- 
ing, what  collection  they  have  made  towards  the  fund. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hugh  Conn  shall  preach  here  next  Friday,  at  eleven 
o'clock. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  bills  and  overtures  do  meet  to-morrow 
morning,  at  seven  o'clock. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  9  o'clock. 

21st  day.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra,  at  nine  d clock. 

The  affair  of  the  committee  with  relation  to  Mr.  Clement,  deferred. 

Mr.  Gillespie  reported  that  the  Emmitts  gave  satisfaction  to  him  and  his  ses- 
sion, according  to  the  order  of  the  Synod  last  year. 

The  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  reported  that  they  had  paid  Mr.  Clement 
five  pounds  of  the  ten  pounds  that  was  left  to  them  last  year  to  be  disposed 
of  at  their  discretion,  for  the  encouragement  of  the  gospel  at  Gloucester  and 
Pilesgrove. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  upon  the  account  of  Mr.  Cross,  met 
according  to  appointment,  and  the  representatives  of  the  congregation  of  New 
Castle,  reporting  that  the  generality  of  said  congregation  were  for  continuing 
Mr.  Cross  as  their  pastor ;  the  said  committee  restored  him  unto  the  exercise 
of  his  pastoral  office  there. 

Mr.  McGill  performed  the  order  of  the  Synod  last  year  to  their  satisfac- 
tion. 

Ordered,  That  the  commissioners  of  the  Synod,  do  bring  in  an  account  to- 
morrow morning  of  what  they  have  done  in  the  Synod's  name,  since  last 
meeting. 

Appointed  that  the  committee  for  bills  and  overtures  be  also  a  committee  for 
the  fund ;  and  Messrs.  Jones,  Ande-son,  Thomson,  and  the  moderator,  be 
added  to  them. 

Appointed  that  Mr.  Pierson  and  Mr.  Webb,  do  revise  the  Presbytery  book 
of  New  Castle. 

Appointed  that  Mr.  Conn  and  Mr.  Cross,  do  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of 
Philadelphia. 

Appointed  that  Mr.  Orme  and  Mr.  Gillespie,  do  revise  the  Presbytery  book 
of  Long-Island. 

The  business  with  respect  to  the  regulation  of  Presbyteries  deferred  from 
last  to  this  Synod,  further  delayed. 

The  affair  relating  to  James  Morehead,  further  delayed. 

It  being  inquired  what  collections  for  the  fund  were  made,  it  was  found 
that  Masters  Andrews,  McNish,  the  Moderator,  Webb,  Orme,  Conn,  Thom- 
son, and  Gelston,  have  brought  collections  from  their  respective  congregations, 
which  they  are  ordered  to  deliver  to  the  committee  for  the  fund,  and  the 
remaining  ministers  having  given  their  reasons  why  they  obtained  no  collec- 
tions, they  were  sustained. 
9 


66  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1721. 

Ordered,  That  the  ministers  of  this  Synod  shall  continue  their  diligence  to 
obtain  collections  for  the  fund  as  afore  appointed. 

The  committee  for  bills  and  overtures,  appointed  to  meet  at  half  an  hour 
after  two  o'clock,  post  merid. 

Adjourned  till  half  an  hour  after  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

P.  31.  half  an  hour  after  three  o'clock. 
The  whole  affair  relating  to  Mr.  Clement  deferred. 
The  consideration  of  the  regulation  of  Presbyteries  further  delayed. 
The  affair  relating  to  Mr.  Morehead,  further  delayed. 
Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  posi  merid.  to-morrow. 

V 

22d  day  at  three  d'cloch,  post  merid.  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  relating  to  Mr.  Clement  further  delayed. 

The  consideration  of  the  regulation  of  Presbyteries  further  delayed. 

The  affair  of  James  Morehead  was  reassumed,  and  he  presenting  himself 
before  the  Synod,  it  was  by  the  moderator  inquired  of  him,  whether  he  would 
submit  to  the  Synod  or  not,  which  he  refusing,  the  moderator,  in  the  name  of 
the  Synod,  solemnly  admonished  him  not  to  exercise  the  work  of  the  minis- 
try, upon  pain  of  the  highest  church  censure  in  case  of  continued  contumacy. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  the  people  of  White-clay  creek,  in 
answer  to  their  letter  to  the  Synod,  and  that  Masters  John  Orme  and  Robert 
Cross  do  write  said  letter. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Thomson  preach  at  White-clay  creek,  and  read 
the  above  said  letter  to  said  people,  together  with  all  the  conclusions  of  the 
Synod  relating  to  the  above  said  Morehead. 

Ordered,  That  Masters  Orme,  Cross,  and  McGill,  do  preach  here  next 
Lord's  day. 

The  committee  for  bills  and  overtures,  to  meet  at  eight  o'clock,  ante  merid. 
to-morrow. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.  to-morrow. 

23(^  day  at  ten  dcloch^  A.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
The  affair  of  Mr.  Clement  was  reassumed,  and  with  reference  thereunto  it 
was  proposed,  whether  it  should  be  presently  taken  into  consideration  of  the 
Synod,  which  was  carried  affirmatively.  Whereupon  the  Synod  having 
diligently  inquired  into  the  conversation  of  the  said  Mr.  Clement,  from  the 
time  of  the  committee  appointed  to  sit  at  Rehoboth  last  fall,  do  find  incontes- 
table proof  from  several  evidences  who  appeared  before  the  Synod,  that  in  the 
general,  the  carriage  of  the  said  Mr.  Clement,  had  been  unbecoming  a  gospel 
minister.  And  more  particularly  it  was  proved  before  us,  that  he  had  been 
grossly  disingenuous  in  the  pretended  satisfaction  he  had  given  to  the  said 
committee,  by  his  saying,  that  the  confession  of  his  immoralities,  and  tht 
satisfaction  he  had  made  to  them,  was  because  he  knew  no  other  way  to  get 
out  of  their  clutches.  It  also  appeared  by  good  evidence,  that  the  said  Mr. 
Clement,  had  been  diverse  times  overtaken  with  drink,  and  chargeable  with 
very  abusive  language,  and  quarrelling,  and  of  stabbing  a  man.  Whereupon 
the  Synod  seriously  considering  the  premises,  do,  in  regard  to  the  honour  of 
God  and  edification  of  his  people,  as  well  as  for  preventing  the  bad  influence 
of  his  ill  example,  as  also  his  own  conviction  and  reformation,  suspend  the 
said  Mr.  Clement  from  the  exercise  of  all  and  every  part  of  his  ministerial 
function,  till  the  next  meeting  of  the  Synod  at  this  place. 

Ordered,  Th^t  Mr.  Jedidiah  Andrews  do  write  a  letter  to  said  Mr.  Clement 
it  his  leisure,  in  which  an  extract  of  this  minute  is  to  be  inclosed. 


1721.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  67 

The  committee  for  bills  and  overtures  to  meet  at  eight  o'clock  on  Monday 
next,  A.  M. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  Monday  next,  A.  M. 

September,  25(7i  dau  at  ten  dcloclc,  according  to  o^^pointmcnt,  post  preces  sc- 
Jcrinit  qui  sujjni. 

Mr.  Samuel  Davis  gave  the  reasons  of  his  several  years'  absence,  which  rea- 
sons were  sustained. 

The  consideration  of  the  regulation  of  Presbyteries  further  delayed. 

The  letter  to  the  people  of  Whiteclay  creek  was  brought  in,  read,  and  ap- 
proved. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  precisely,  P.  M. 

Three  o'cIocJc,  P.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt,  &c. 

The  consideration  of  the  regulation  of  Presbyteries  deferred  lit  supra. 

3Ir.  Gillespie  proposing  to  the  Synod  a  review  of  their  last  year's  minutes 
with  relation  to  Mr.  Robert  Cross,  in  order  that  they  might  be  altered  or  an- 
nulled, it  was  voted  the  said  minutes  should  not  be  annulled  or  altered. 

The  question  being  put  whether  answers  in  writing  should  be  made  by  the 
Synod  to  Mr.  Gillespie's  protestations  and  objections  against  the  procedure  of 
the  Synod  with  relation  to  Mr.  Robert  Cross  his  affair,  and  it  was  carried  in 
the  negative. 

JMr.  Pierson  appointed  to  preach  here  to-morrow  night. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow,  A.  M, 

IQth  dar/,  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
The  overture  brought  in  upon  Mr.  Gillespie's  second  paper  deferred. 
Adjourned  till  three  o'clock  precisely,  P.  M. 

At  three  o'clocJe,  P.  M.  post  preces  sederunt,  &c. 

The  overture  brought  in  upon  Mr.  Gillespie's  second  paper,  further  de- 
layed. 

A  reference  from  the  Presbytery  of  Long-Island  being  made  to  this  Synod, 
as  to  a  further  cognoscing  on  the  affair  of  the  trustees  of  New  Haven  college, 
their  sending  missionaries  to  erect  a  new  separate  congregation  in  New  York ; 
and  we  having  inspected  into  the  conduct  of  the  said  Presbytery  in  that  affair, 
though  we  cannot  see  how  their  conduct  can  be  disapproved ;  yet  considering 
that  the  gentlemen  trustees  have,  by  a  letter,  desired  a  conference  with  some 
of  our  Synod  upon  that  and  other  affairs,  we  now  defer  giving  our  Synodical 
judgment  thereon,  that  so  we  may  not  hinder  their  desired  amicable  conference 
with  us,  in  case  any  such  conference  be  appointed. 

A  letter  from  the  trustees  of  the  college  of  New  Haven  being  read,  wherein 
they  have  desired  that  this  Synod  would  send  some  of  their  number  to  meet 
and  amicably  treat  with  them  about  the  great  affairs  of  religion  in  general,  and 
about  the  unhappy  difference  at  New  York  in  particular ;  the  Synod  in  an- 
swer to  those  great  and  good  ends,  do  appoint  the  Presbytery  of  Long-Island, 
or  as  many  of  their  number  as  the  said  Presbytery  shall  nominate  and  appoint 
to  meet,  and  christianly  confer  with  the  said  trustees  upon  the  foresaid  arti- 
cles, at  Stanford,  on  the  25th  day  of  October  next,  and  that  a  letter  be  written 
in  answer  to  theirs. 

Ordered,  That  Masters  Andrews,  McGill,  and  Thomson,  do  write  said  letter, 
and  bring  it  in  to-morrow  afternoon. 

The  committee  for  bills  and  overtures  to  meet  at  eight  o'clock,  to-morrow 
morning. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 


68  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1722. 

21  ih  day.     At  ten  o'clock.     Post  preces  sederunt,  &c. 
The  overture  brought    in  upon  Mr.  Gillespie's    second  paper  further  de- 
layed. 

-   Ordered,  That  each  minister  of  this  Synod  do  pay  a  shilling  to  the  door- 
keeper. 

An  overture  being  brought  in  from  the  committee  of  bills  and  overtures, 
that  Mrs.  Wilson  should  have  of  the  fund  four  pounds  ten  shillings,  Mr. 
Evans  two  pounds  ten  shillings,  the  said  overture  was  approved  by  the  Synod. 
The  people  of  Birmingham  addressing  the  Synod  for  a  supply  of  preach- 
ing the  gospel  unto  them,  that  matter  was  referred  to  the  Presbytery  of  New 
Castle. 

Adjourned  till  3  o'clock,  P.  ^I. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.      Post  j^reces,  sederunt  qui  supra. 
Whereas  in  page  thirty-three  of  the  Presbytery  (now  Synod,)  book,  there  is 
a  minute  relating  to  Mr.  Pierson's  settlement  at  Woodbridge,  the  Synod  at  his 
instance,  do  declare  their  approbation  of  his  conduct  in  settling  there. 

The  overture  upon  Mr.  Gillespie's  second  paper  was  reassumed,  which  was 
as  foUoweth,  viz. 

As  we  have  been  for  many  years  in  the  exercise  of  Presbyterian  government 
and  Church  discipline,  as  exercised  by  the  Presbyterians  in  the  best  reformed 
Churches,  as  far  as  the  nature  and  constitution  of  this  country  will  allow,  our 
opinion  is,  that  if  any  brother  have  any  overture  to  offer  to  be  formed  into  an 
act  by  the  Synod,  for  the  better  carrying  on  in  the  matter  of  our  government 
and  discipline,  that  he  may  bring  it  in  against  next  Synod. 

This  overture  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  by  a  majority  of  votes,  and  or- 
dered by  vote  to  be  recorded. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Mr.  Malachi  Jones,  Mr.  Joseph  Morgan,  Mr.  John 
Pierson,  Mr.  David  Evans,  and  Mr.  Joseph  Webb,  entered  their  protestation 
against  the  above  mentioned  act,  and  the  recording  of  it,  and  gave  in  the  rea- 
sons of  their  protest,  which  are  in  retentis. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McGill  and  Mr.  McNish  draw  up  answers  to  the  above- 
said  protest. 

The  Presbytery  books  were  each  of  them,  according  to  appointment,  read 
and  approved  by  the  Synod. 

The  letter  to  the  trustees  of  New  Haven  college  was  read  and  approved. 
Ordered,  that  Mr.  Jedidiah  Andrews  do  sign  said  letter  in  the  name  of  the 
Synod. 

The  affair  of  the  regulation  of  Presbyteries,  and  the  letters  from  Southamp- 
ton and  New  York,  deferred  till  next  Synod. 

Overtured,  That  a  commission  of  the  Synod  be  appointed  to  act  in  the  name, 
and  with  the  whole  authority  of  the  Synod,  in  all  affairs  which  shall  come  be- 
fore them,  and  particularly  that  the  whole  affair  of  the  fund  be  left  to  their 
conduct,  and  that  they  be  accountable  to  the  Synod. 

Which  overture  was  approved  by  the  Synod,  and  Masters  George  McNish, 
Jedidiah  Andrews,  James  Anderson,  Samuel  Pumry,  Malachi  Jones,  and 
Robert  Cross,  were  appointed  for  said  commissioners,  any  three  of  them  to  be 
a  quorum. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  in  September  next,  and  then  to  meet  at 
Philadelphia,  at  two  o'clock,  j^ost  meridicyn. 

1722. 

At  a  Synod  held  at  Philadelphia, 

September  20th,  1722. 
(The  paucity  of  the  members  present  was  the  reason  why  they  did  not  con- 
stitute yesterday,  according  to  appointment.) 


1722.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  69 

Postpreces  sederunt 

Ministers :  Messrs.  John  Orme,  John  Thomson,  Samuel  Gelston,  Samuel 
Pumry,  Hugh  Conn,  Henry  Hook,  Robert  Cross,  William  Stewart,  John 
Bradner,  Moses  Dickinson,  Daniel  McGill,  Jedidiah  Andrews,  George  Gilles- 
pie, George  McNish,  Malachi  Jones,  David  Evans,  Joseph  Morgan,  Jonathan 
Dickinson,  James  Anderson. 

Messrs.  Joseph  Webb,  William  Tennent,  Samuel  Davis,  John  Pierson, 
John  Clement,  George  Philips,  Joseph  Lamb,  ministers,  were  absent. 

Elders  present  were :  Messrs.  John  Budd,  John  Gardner,  Joseph  Charles- 
worth,  James  Parry,  Joseph  Woodroof,  Edward  Holmes,  David  Miller, 
Piiehard  Wallis,  and  Enoch  Armitage. 

31r.  John  Thomson  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  David  Evans  was  chosen 
clerk. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  Synod  ordered  to  be  read. 

Mr.  John  Bradner  gave  his  reasons  for  his  absence  last  year,  which  were 
sustained. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  the  moderator  of  the  last  Synod,  preached  a 
synodical  sermon,  from  2  Tim.  iii.  17. 

Masters  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  George  McNish,  Robert 
Cross,  with  the  moderator,  are  appointed  for  a  committee  for  bills  and  over- 
tures ;  and  it  is  recommended  to  all  the  rest  of  the  members  of  the  Synod  to 
attend  upon  said  committee  as  they  can  and  see  cause. 

And  it 's  agreed  by  the  Synod,  that  if  any  matter  of  difl&culty  happen  to  be 
referred  from  any  of  our  respective  Presbyteries  to  the  Synod,  they  may  as 
they  think  meet,  either  bring  it  immediately  to  the  Synod  or  to  the  aforesaid 
committee. 

Mr.  Alexander  Hutchinson,  probationer,  producing  sufficient  credentials 
from  the  Presbytery  of  Glasgow  was  approved. 

Appointed,  That  Mr.  Samuel  Pumry  preach  here  to-morrow,  at  eleven 
o'clock  in  the  morning.  And  Mr.  McNish,  and  Mr.  Alexander  Hutchinson, 
to  preach  here  next  Sabbath  day ;  and  Mr.  Robert  Cross  on  the  next  Sabbath 
night ;  and  Mr.  James  Anderson  on  the  next  Monday  night. 

Appointed,  That  the  committee  for  bills  and  overtures  be  also  a  committee 
for  the  fund,  and  that  Mr.  Hugh  Conn,  and  Mr.  James  Anderson,  be  added 
to  them. 

Appointed,  That  the  committee  for  overtures  do  meet  to-morrow,  at  eight 
o'clock,  ante  meridiem. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Joseph  Webb,  containing  the  reasons  of  his  absence 
from  the  Synod,  was  produced  by  Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  and  the  reasons 
were  sustained. 

One  Mr.  Robert  Laing,  a  minister  of  the  gospel  from  Great  Britais,  being 
arrived  in  Maryland,  and  as  he  was  coming  to  this  Synod  was  taken  sick  by 
the  way,  whose  credentials  from  Great  Britain  were  produced  at  this  Synod 
and  approved,  and  he  recommended  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  for  fur- 
ther direction. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

At  three  o'clock,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Appointed,  That  Mr.  Joseph  Morgan,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Pumry,  do  revise 
the  Presbytery  book  of  New  Castle. 

Appointed,  That  Mr.  Malachi  Jones,  and  Mr.  Hugh  Conn,  do  revise  the 
Presbytery  book  of  Long  Island. 

Appointed,  That  Mr.  George  Gillespie,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Gelston,  do  revise 
the  Presbytery  book  of  Philadelphia. 

It  being  inquired  what  collections  for  the  fund  were  made,  it  was  found 


70  MItTOTES  of  the  [1722 

that  Mr.  George  McNish,  Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  and  Mr.  William  Stewart, 
have  brought  collections  from  their  respective  congregations,  which  they  arc 
ordered  to  deliver  to  the  committee  for  the  fund,  and  the  rest  of  the  ministers 
having  given  their  reasons  why  they  brought  no  collections,  their  reasons  were 
sustained. 

The  aifair  concerning  the  regulation  of  Presbyteries  coming  under  consider- 
ation, it  was  ordered,  that  Mr.  William  Stewart  do  join  to  the  Presbytery  of 
New  Castle. 

Mr.  John  Thomson  preached  at  Whiteclay  Creek,  &c.  according  to  appoint- 
ment. 

Mr.  Andrews  writ  the  letter,  and  also  an  extract  of  the  last  Synod's  minute 
relating  to  Mr.  Clement,  to  hiVn,  which  were  delivered  to  him  by  Mr.  Thom- 
son, and  the  said  Mr.  Clement  not  appearing  at  this  Synod,  his  suspension  is 
continued  till  he  gives  satisfaction  to  the  Synod.  And  it  is  by  the  Synod  re- 
commended to  all  our  Presbyteries,  that  if  they,  or  any  of  them,  before  the 
next  Synod,  do  hear  that  the  said  Mr.  Clement  does  any  where  ofl&ciate  as  a 
minister,  they  shall  write  to  the  people  he  officiates  among,  to  inform  them  of 
the  said  Mr.  Clement's  lying  under  the  censure  of  the  Synod. 

The  Presbytery  of  Long  Island  report  that  they  fulfilled  the  appointment  of 
the  Synod  with  respect  to  the  conference  with  the  trustees  of  New  Haven  col- 
lege, the  particular  account  of  which  conference  is  delayed  till  to-morrow. 

Ordered,  That  every  minister  of  this  Synod  give  a  shilling  to  the  door- 
keeper. 

Mr.  McNish  hath  fulfilled  the  appointment  of  the  last  year's  Synod  in  an- 
swering the  protest  of  Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Mr.  Malachi  Jones,  &c. ;  a 
further  inquiry  into  which  affair  is  delayed. 

Ordered,  That  the  commission  of  the  Synod  do  bring  in  an  account  of  all 
their  proceedings  since  the  last  Synod,  to-morrow. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  post  meridiem,  to-morrow. 

21  day.     At^  o'clock,  P.  M.  j)ost  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  relating  to  the  conference  with  the  trustees  of  New  Haven  Col- 
lege deferred  till  to-morrow. 

The  affair  relating  to  Mr.  Dickinson,  Mr.  Jones,  Mr,  Morgan,  &c.  their 
protest  deferred  till  afterwards. 

The  affair  relating  to  the  account  from  the  commission  of  the  Synod  deferred 
till  afterwards. 

The  affair  relating  to  Mr.  John  Walton,  transmitted  from  the  committee, 
now  comes  under  consideration,  a  representation  whereof  is  contained  in  his 
supplication,  which  we  have  in  retentis. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  supplication  of  Mr.  Walton  be  read ;  Masters  Jona- 
than Dickinson,  Moses  Dickinson,  Malachi  Jones,  Joseph  Morgan,  James 
Anderson,  and  John  Budd,  with  Mr.  Walton,  being  first  removed,  while  the 
whole  management  of  this  affair  shall  last. 

The  Synod  having,  with  much  seriousness  and  deliberation,  considered  the 
whole  affair,  and  all  the  particular  branches  of  it,  came  to  the  following  con- 
clusion : 

That  however  they  judge  the  Presbytery  of  Maidenhead's  proceeding  to 
suspend  Mr.  Walton,  being  absent,  unheard,  the  evidences  not  being  con- 
fronted, especially  their  proceeding  to  publish  the  said  suspension,  with  the 
reason  thereof,  at  Croswicks,  before  the  matter  was  judicially  cleared,  was 
not  regular ;  yet  the  charge  with  which  Mr.  Walton  is  charged  being  after- 
wards sufficiently  proved,  was  just  ground  of  suspension  if  the  Presbytery 
had  been  more  deliberate,  and  the  matter  of  charge  against  him  formally  made 
appear  before  the  inflicting  the  censure,  as  it  was  afterwards.     And  further, 


1722.]  SYNOD  Of  PHILADELPHIA.  71 

the  Synod  judgeth  that  IMr.  "Walton's  behaviour  towards,  and  treatment  of  the 
said  Presbytery  in  many  of  his  expressions,  particularly  those  contained  in  his 
address  to  the  Synod,  wherein  he  designs  them  in  general  and  particular,  with 
diminutive  and  deriding  titles,  and  speaks  of  them  and  their  proceeding  with 
an  air  of  disdain,  was  very  abusive  and  insolent,  and  every  way  unsuitable  and 
unbecoming  for  any  private  Christian,  and  much  more  a  candidate  for  the  min- 
istry to  use  towards  ministers  of  the  gospel,  whose  universal  character  hitherto 
hath  been  without  blemish. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  precisely  to-morrow,  A.  M. 

22c?  day  at  8  o'clock,  according  to  appointment,  post  preces  sederunt  qui 
supra. 

The  affair  relating  to  the  conference  with  the  trustees  of  New  Haven  Col- 
lege; also  the  aifair  relating  to  Mr.  Dickinson,  Mr.  Jones,  &c.  their  protest; 
also  the  aff"air  relating  to  the  commission  of  the  Synod,  deferred  till  after- 
wards. 

A  further  consideration  of  Mr.  Walton's  business  delayed  till  next  Mon- 
day. 

A  reference  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  held  at  Cohanzy  pro  re  nata, 
being  made  to  this  Synod,  comes  now  under  our  consideration ;  and  after  a 
long  and  patient  hearing  of  both  parties,  and  considerable  deliberation  being 
had  upon  the  same,  it  was  universally  agreed,  that  a  committee  be  chosen  to 
consider  further  upon  the  particulars  of  that  affair,  and  to  bring  in  overtures 
upon  every  particular  of  it  against  next  Monday  morning.  The  members  of 
the  said  committee  to  be  Masters  George  McNish,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Moses 
Dickinson,  Jedidiah  Andrews,  John  Budd,  Samuel  Gelston,  Samuel  Pumry, 
James  Anderson,  together  with  all  the  members  of  the  Presbytery  at  Cohanzy, 
2^-0  re  nata,  together  with  Mr.  McGill ;  which  committee  is  to  meet  at  four 
o'clock,  this  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock,  on  Monday  morning. 

At  8  o'chch  on  Monday ,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affiair  relating  to  the  conference  with  the  trustees  of  New  Haven  Col- 
lege ;  also  the  affair  relating  to  Mr.  Dickinson,  &c.  and  the  protest ;  and  also 
the  affair  relating  to  the  commission  of  the  Synod,  deferred  till  afterwards. 

The  committee  on  the  affair  of  Mr.  Hook,  not  having  finished  what  was  com- 
mitted to  them,  the  said  business  is  deferred  till  afterwards. 

The  business  of  Mr.  Walton  reassumed. 

Mr.  Walton  being  called  in,  and  lai-gely  discoursed  with  again  respecting  his 
case,  he  not  being  satisfactory  in  his  expressions,  the  Synod  appointed  two  of 
their  number,  silicet  the  moderator  and  Mr.  McNish,  to  confer  with  him  pri- 
vately, and  make  report  to  the  Synod. 

The  brethren  appointed  to  confer  with  Mr.  Walton,  report,  that  his  carriage 
with  them  was  much  as  before  the  Synod.  Whereupon  the  Synod  concluded 
to  allow  him  till  four  o'clock  this  afternoon  to  consider  further  of  his  affair, 
and  that  then  he  deliver  his  mind  to  the  Synod  in  writing  as  fully  as  he 
thinks  fit. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

At  3  d clock,  P.  M.  jjost  p>reces  sederunt  qui  swpra. 

The  affairs  deferred  the  last  sederunt,  further  deferred. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Walton  reassumed. 

The  said  Mr.  Walton  gave  in  an  additional  acknowledgment  of  his  misde- 
meanours in  writing,  which  being  read,  the  question  was  put,  whether  it  was 
satisfactory  pro  tanto,  and  it  was  resolved  in  the  affirmative. 


72  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1722. 

The  Synod  after  long  and  free  debate  upon  the  whole  of  Mr.  Walton's 
affair,  do  order  and  appoint  as  followeth;  that  the  said  Mr.  Walton  is  sus- 
pended from  preaching  in  any  place  for  three  Sabbaths  next  ensuing,  and  that 
his  acknowledgment  and  confession  given  in  this  day  to  the  Synod,  so  far 
only  as  it  concerns  his  miscarriages  committed  at  Newark,  shall  in  his  own 
words  be  read  publicly  in  open  congregation  on  the  last  of  the  three  Sabbaths ; 
where  it  is  ordered  that  Mr.  Walton  shall  be  present  and  own  the  said  ac- 
knowledgment and  confession  given  in  to  us  before  the  congregation  then  and 
there  assembled ;  which  done,  the  minister  appointed  to  preach  that  day,  shall 
authoritatively  take  off  the  suspension.  Mr.  Pumry  is  appointed  to  preach  at 
Newark  the  said  Sabbath.  Mr.  deorge  Gillespie,  Mr.  David  Evans,  Mr.  John 
Orme,  and  Mr.  John  Gardner,  dissented  against  the  limited  suspension  of  Mr. 
John  Walton. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

At  eight  o'doclc,  A.  M.  according   to   appointment,  post  preces  sederunt  qui 

supra. 
The  affairs  deferred  the  last  sederxint,  further  deferred. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  pos«  merid.  that  the  committee  might  have  time 
to  complete  the  overtures  upon  the  affair  of  Cohanzy. 

At   3    o'clock,    P.   M.  according  to  appointment,  post  preces  sederunt  qui 

sxpra. 
The  affair  of  Mr.  Hook  reassumed. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  overtures  upon  the  several  articles 
alleged  against  Mr.  Hook,  brought  in  their  overtures,  which  are  as  follows. 

1.  Overtured,  That  inasmuch  as  the  first  crimination  against  Mr.  Hook  is 
of  several  years  date ;  and  by  the  confession  of  the  parties  offended,  long  since 
satisfied  for,  and  as  appears  to  us  from  an  ill  motive,  that  it  be  therefore  re- 
jected, which  overture  was  approved  of  by  the  Synod. 

2.  Overtured,  That  the  Synod  disapprove  of  Mr.  Fithian's  publicly  charging 
Mr.  Hook  with  a  lie  relating  to  a  bargain  of  a  horse,  not  only  without  evi- 
dence, but  when  the  evidences  he  produced  witnessed  against  him ;  which  over- 
ture was  approved  of  by  the  Synod. 

3.  Overtured,  That  Mr.  Hook  is  chargeable  with  falsehood,  and  a  very  un- 
natural and  uncharitable  construction  of  Mr.  Sealy's  letter,  in  representing  him 
as  saying,  that  Mr.  Hook's  fingers  and  toes  were  cut  off  in  Ireland  for  stealing. 
Which  overture,  by  a  majority  of  votes,  was  approved  by  the  Synod. 

4.  Overtured,  That  Mr.  Hook  cannot  be  charged  with  a  lie  respecting  the 
shooting  match,  inasmuch  as  he  might  truly  say,  he  did  not  inform  the  justi- 
ces, but  only  admonished  them  of  their  duty.  Approved  by  a  majority  of  votes 
of  the  Synod. 

5.  Overtured,  That  Mr.  Hook  was  chargeable  with  folly  and  levity  unbe- 
coming a  gospel  minister  in  the  sham  marriages  alleged.  Approved  by  the 
Synod. 

6.  Overtured,  That  Mr.  Hook  might  have  been  asleep,  notwithstanding  of 
what  appears  by  Joseph  Brooks  and  Benjamin  Davis  their  evidences  ',  there- 
fore, after  long  and  mature  deliberation  upon  it,  we  left  it  doubtful.  Which 
was  approved  by  the  Synod. 

7.  As  to  the  charge  of  obscene  actions  expressed  in  Ephraim  Sealy's  depo- 
sition, Mr.  Hook  hath  confessed  the  whole  with  much  seeming  sorrow,  and 
grief  before  the  Synod.  Upon  the  whole,  Mr.  Hook  being  called  in  and  by 
the  moderator  desired  to  declare  his  thoughts  concerning  the  other  articles  of 
which  he  was  concluded  guilty  by  the  Synod,  he  made  an  acknowledgment 
as  to  every  particular,  and  professed  a  sincere  sorrow  and  repentance  for  the 


1722.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  73 

same.  "Which  together  with  the  acknowledgment  by  him  before  made,  with 
relation  to  the  article  contained  in  Ephraim  Sealy's  evidence,  was  accepted  by 
the  Synod  as  a  satisfactory  evidence  of  his  sincere  repentance.  Upon  which 
the  Synod  spent  a  considerable  time  in  debating  and  deliberating  upon  the 
kind  and  degree  of  censure  to  be  inflicted  upon  Mr.  Hook  for  the  abovesaid 
oft'ences.  At  last  the  question  was  proposed,  suspend  or  not.  The  resolution 
of  which  is  deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow,  ante  merid. 

At  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  accordimj  to  appointment,  post  preces  sederunt  qui 
snpra. 

The  aflairs  deferred  the  last  sederunt  deferred  further. 

The  above  uieutioned  question  relating  to  the  suspension  or  non-suspension 
of  Mr.  Ilook,  being  proposed,  it  was,  by  a  great  majority  of  votes  carried  in 
the  affirmative.  It  being  again  questioned,  whether  his  suspension  should  be 
limited  or  indefinite,  it  was  by  a  majority  of  votes  carried  indefinite. 

Upon  the  whole,  the  Synod  have  appointed,  that  Mr.  Daniel  McGill,  Mr. 
Jedidiah  Andrews,  Mr.  James  Morgan,  and  Mr.  Robert  Cross,  do  meet  at 
Fairfield  meetiug-house  upon  the  third  Thursday  of  October  next  ensuing, 
and  then  and  there  they  or  any  one  of  them,  have  power  to  take  off  the  sus- 
pension, if  no  sufficient  reason  to  the  contrary  appears.  And  further,  it  is 
ordered  that  one  of  the  said  ministers  do  preach  at  the  said  meeting-house, 
and  also,  that  the  said  ministers  do  publicly  read  a  full  extract  of  the  Synod's 
minutes  relating  to  Mr.  Hook,  and  that  Mr.  Hook  make  his  public  acknow- 
ledgment viva  voce  or  in  writing,  as  he  thinks  fit,  in  order  to  his  being  absolved 
as  aforesaid. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  according  to  appoinment,  post  preces  sederunt  qui 
sujrra. 

The  Presbytery  of  Long-Island  gave  in  their  report  to  the  Synod,  that  a 
committee  of  their  Presbytery  met  a  number  of  the  trustees  of  New-Haven 
college,  according  to  the  appointment  of  the  Synod,  and  have  given  a  large 
account  in  writing,  of  their  proceedings  with  said  trustees,  whereby  the  Synod 
is  convinced  that  they,  though  without  the  desired  success,  have  done  what 
they  could  relating  to  the  union  with  Connecticut  ministers,  and  removing 
those  differences  between  them  and  our  Presbytery  of  Long-Island,  by  the 
irregular  division  of  the  congregation  at  New  York,  and  the  trustees  sending 
missionaries  to  preach  there.  Upon  the  whole,  the  Synod  approves  of  the  con- 
duct of  the  Presbytery  of  Long-Island  in  the  whole  affair  as  it  was  managed 
by  them,  both  since  last  Synod  and  formerly. 

Mr.  Hook  desiring  to  be  joined  to  New  Castle  Presbytery,  it  was  granted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Pierson  do  supply  Mr.  Pumry's  congregation  that 
Sabbath  in  which  Mr.  Pumry  is  to  be  at  Newark  about  Mr.  Walton's  business; 
and  that  on  the  same  day  3Ir.  Webb  supply  Mr.  Pierson's  people. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  &c.  his  protest  reassumed. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock,  to-morrow,  ante  merid. 

At  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.  according  to  appointment,  post  preces  sederunt  qui 
supra. 

The  brethren  who  entered  their  protestation  against  the  act  for  allowing  any 
brother  or  member  of  this  Synod,  to  bring  in  any  overture  to  be  formed  into 
an  act  by  the  Synod,  for  the  better  carrying  on  in  the  matters  of  our  govern- 
ment and  discipline,  &c.  The  said  brethren  protestants  brought  in  a  paper 
of  four  articles,  testifying  in  writing  their  sentiments  and  judgment  concerning 

10 


74  MIXUTES  OF  THE  [1722. 

church  government,  which  was  approved  by  the  Synod,  and  ordered  by  the 
Synod  to  be  recorded  in  the  Synod  book.  Likewise  the  said  brethren  being 
willing  to  take  back  their  protestation  against  said  act,  together  with  their  rea- 
sons given  in  defense  of  said  protest ;  the  Synod  doth  hereby  order  that  the 
protest,  together  with  the  reasons  of  it.  as  also  the  answers  at  the  appointment 
of  the  Synod  given  in  to  the  reasons  alleged  by  Mr.  Daniel  McGill  and  ^Ir. 
George  McXish,  be  all  withdrawn ;  and  that  the  said  act  remain  and  be  in 
all  respects  as  if  no  such  protest  had  been  made.  The  articles  are  as  fol- 
io weth. 

1.  We  freely  grant,  that  there  is  full  executive  power  of  church  govern- 
ment in  Presbyteries  and  Synods,  and  that  they  may  authoritatively,  in  the 
name  of  Christ,  use  the  keys  vof  church  discipline  to  all  proper  intents  and 
purposes,  and  that  the  keys  of  the  church  are  committed  to  the  church  officers 
and  them  only. 

2.  "We  also  grant,  that  the  mere  circumstantials  of  church  discipline,  such 
as  the  time,  place,  and  mode,  of  carrying  on  in  the  government  of  the  Church, 
belong  to  ecclesiastical  judicatories  to  determine  as  occasions  occur,  conform- 
able to  the  general  rules  in  the  word  of  God,  that  require  all  things  to  be  done 
decently  and  in  order.  And  if  these  things  are  called  acts,  we  will  take  no 
offence  at  the  word,  provided  that  these  acts  be  not  imposed  upon  such  as 
conscientiously  dissent  from  them. 

3.  We  also  grant,  that  Synods  may  compose  directories,  and  recommend 
them  to  all  their  members,  respecting  all  the  parts  of  discipline,  provided  that 
all  subordinate  judicatories  may  decline  from  such  directories  when  they  con- 
scientiously think  they  have  just  reason  so  to  do. 

4.  We  freely  allow  that  appeals  may  be  made  from  all  inferior  to  superior 
judicatories,  and  that  superior  judicatories  have  authority  to  consider  and  de- 
termine such  appeals. 

;Malachi  Jones, 
Joseph  Morgan, 
Jonathan  Dickinson, 
David  Evans. 

The  Synod  was  so  universally  pleased  with  the  abovesaid  composure  of  their 
difference,  that  they  unanimously  joined  together  in  a  thanksgiving  prayer, 
and  joyful  singing  the  one  hundred  and  thirty-third  psalm. 

The  supplications  of  the  people  of  Xew  Castle,  and  the  people  of  Tree 
Dyffryn,  referred  from  the  committee  for  bills  and  overtures  to  the  Synod, 
referred  to  the  commission  of  the  Synod. 

A  representation  being  made  by  some  of  our  members  of  the  earnest  desires 
of  some  Protestant  dissenting  families  in  Virginia,  toorether  with  a  comfortable 
prospect  of  the  increase  of  our  interest  there,  the  Synod  have  appointed  that 
Mr.  Hugh  Conn,  Mr.  John  Orme,  and  Mr.  William  Stewart,  do  each  of  them 
severally  visit  said  people,  and  preach  four  Sabbaths  to  them,  between  this  and 
the  next  Synod. 

Some  members  expressing  their  fears  lest  3Ir.  John  Walton  should  not  be- 
have himself  orderly,  the  Synod  do  appoint  that  Mr.  George  McXish,  'Mr. 
James  Anderson,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Pumry,  or  any  two  of  them,  do,  in  the 
Synod's  name,  judicially  deal  with  him,  upon  information,  as  they  shall  see 
proper. 

The  Presbytery  books  of  Philadelphia  and  Long  Island  were  brought  in,  and 
approved  by  the  Synod. 

The  commission  of  the  Synod  appointed  last  year,  continued  with  the  same 
powers  until  the  next  Synod. 

The  review  of  the  minutes  of  this  present  Synod,  and  all  the  affairs  of  the 
fund,  with  whatever  emergencies  may  occur,  referred  to  the  said  commission. 


1723.]  STXOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  75 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  September  next,  and  then  to  meet  at 
Philadelphia,  at  two  o'clock,  afternoon.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1723. 

Philadelphia,  September  the  ISiA,  1723. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  appointment,  ubi posipreces  sederunt,  (Mr.  Jones 
being  moderator,  pro  tempore,  and  Mr.  Cross  clerk.) 

Ministers  present :  Messrs.  Daniel  McGill,  Malachi  Jones,  Jedidiah  Andrews, 
James  Anderson,  George  Gillespie,  Hugh  Conn,  David  Evans,  William  Stew- 
art, Henry  Hook,  Robert  Cross,  Thomas  Evans,  Alexander  Hutchinson,  Jona- 
than Dickinson,  John   Pierson,  Robert  Laing. 

Elders  :  Messrs.  John  Budd,  John  Gardner,  James  Abraham,  Robert  Wil- 
son, David  Evans,  Esq'r.,  Peter  Bushel. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Thomson,  Onne,  Moses  Dickinson,  Webb,  Pumry, 
Gelston,  Tennent,  Morgan,  Davis,  Bradner,  Philips,  Lamb. 

Adjourned.  tiU  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

19  day.     At  eight  o'clock',  according  to  appointment, post preces  sederunt,  qui 

supra. 

Mr.  Bradner,  Mr.  Orme,  and  Mr.  Webb,  giving  reasons  of  their  absence  by 
letter,  their  reasons  were  sustained. 

Messrs.  James  Anderson,  Hugh  Conn,  George  Gillespie,  and  Robert  Cross, 
being  put  upon  the  Leet  in  order  to  the  choice  of  a  moderator,  Mr.  James  An- 
derson was  chosen,  and  Mr.  Cross  was  chosen  clerk. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  Synod  be  read. 

Mr.  Thomson,  the  moderator  of  the  last  Synod,  being  absent  by  reason  of 
sickness,  Mr.  Andrews  Of>ened  the  Synod  by  preaching  a  synodical  sermon  from 
Prov.  si.  30. 

Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Daniel  McGill,  Hugh  Conn, 
Robert  Cross,  with  the  moderator,  are  appointed  for  a  committee  for  bills  and 
overtures ;  and  it  is  recommended  to  all  the  rest  of  the  members  of  the  Synod 
to  attend  upon  the  said  committee  as  they  can  and  see  c-atise. 

Mr.  3Ialachi  Jones,  and  Mr.  David  Evans,  dissent  from  appointing  any  com- 
mittee for  bills  and  overtures. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson  appointed  to  preach  to-morrow  night.  3Ir.  Stewart 
next  Sabbath  in  the  forenoon,  Mr.  Hutchinson  in  the  afternoon,  and  ^Mr.  Crc>S5 
at  night. 

Agreed  that  the  committee  for  bills  and  overtures  be  also  a  committee  for  the 
fund. 

3Ir.  Jones  and  Mr.  Pierson  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of  Xew 
Castle  \  and  Mr.  Gillespie  and  31r.  Stewart  that  of  Long  Island.  The  Presby- 
tery book  of  Philadelphia  was  forg^Dt  to  be  brought  hither. 

It  being  inquired  what  collections  were  made  for  the  fond,  it  was  found  that 
Messrs.  Jones  and  Anderson  have  done  somewhat  in  that  affair,  as  likewise  the 
congregation  at  Xewark,  per  Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  which  they  are  ordered 
to  deliver  to  the  committee  of  the  fund.  And  the  rest  of  the  ministers  having 
given  their  reasons  why  they  brought  no  collections,  the  same  were  sustained  ; 
and  it  is  recommended  to  all  the  members  of  the  Synod  to  use  their  diligence  to 
bring  collections  to  the  next  Synod. 

C>rdered,  That  the  commission  of  the  Synod  do  bring  in  an  aceotmt  of  all 
their  proceedings  to-morrow  morning. 

The  Synod  having  inquired  what  was  done  in  the  afeir  relating  to  Mr.  Wal- 
ton, found  that  Mr.  Pumry  did  not  go  to  Newark  as  appointed,  by  reason 
of  sickness,  as  likewise  that  3Ir.  Walton,  (without  any  authority.)  read  his  ac- 
knowledgment and  absolved  himself.  Upon  which  the  Sync-d,  having  con- 
sidered the  whole  af^,  put  it  to  vote  whether  the  suspension  was  taken  off, 


76  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1723. 

and  it  was  carried  in  the  negative.     And  the  Synod  does  further  appoint  the 
Presbytery  of  Long  Island,  together  with  Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Mr.  Morgan, 
and  Mr.  Pierson,  to  be  a  committee  to   transact  in  the  whole  affair  relating  to 
Mr.  Walton,  and  to  remove  or  continue  the  suspension  as  they  shall  see  cause. 
Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  post  meridiem. 

Hwa  tertia  post  meridievi, post ^ireces  sederunt,  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  approves  of  the  conduct  of  the  committee  in  absolving  Mr. 
Hook. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Conn,  John  Orme,  and  William  Stewart,  fulfilled  their  ap- 
pointments with  respect  to  Virginia. 

The  Presbytery  of  -New  Castle  having  referred  a  case  to  the  Synod  with  re- 
spect to  Mr.  Robert  Laing,  upon  whom  they  passed  the  censures  of  rebuke,  sus- 
pension, and  deposition,  for  violating  the  Lord's  day,  by  washing  himself  in  a 
creek,  and  for  his  indiscreet  carriage  to  the  Presbytery  at  the  time  of  his  re- 
buke, the  Synod,  after  mature  deliberation  upon  that  affair,  with  the  concurring 
circumstances,  particularly  Mr.  Laing's  indisposition  at  that  time,  and  expecta- 
tion of  service  from  that  action,  do  judge  those  censures  of  suspension  and  de- 
position were  too  severe,  and  do  therefore  repeal  them;  although  we  can't  but 
judge  Mr.  Laing  guilty  of  several  very  unbecoming  imprudencies,  worthy  of  re- 
buke, relating  to  that  affair.  Mr.  Robert  Cross  and  Mr.  Thomas  Evans,  mem- 
bers of  that  Presbytery,  did  not  agree  to  the  sentence  of  deposition  when 
it  was  passed. 

A  letter  from  the  people  of  Virginia  being  read,  the  consideration  of  it  was 
deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  at  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  ante  meridiem,  to-morrow. 

20  day.     Hora  nona  ante  meridiem,  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  Virginia  reassumed.  The  Synod  having  seriously  considered 
said  affair,  do  appoint  Mr.  Hugh  Conn,  Mr.  John  Orme,  and  Mr.  William 
Stewart,  each  of  them  to  preach  four  Lord's  days  before  next  Synod  to  that 
people,  and  it  is  recommended  to  Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson  to  preach  to  said 
people  before  next  Synod,  some  Sabbath  days,  and  in  case  he  goes  thither, 
that  then  Mr.  Pierson,  Mr.  Webb,  and  Mr.  3Ioses  Dickinson,  do  supply  his 
congregation  with  preaching. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jones  and  Mr.  Andrews  write  a  letter 
to  the  people  of  Virginia. 

And  it  is  further  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hutchinson  supply  Mr.  Stewart's  con- 
gregation two  Sabbaths  during  his  absence  in  Virginia. 

And  it  is  Ordered,  That  a  letter  of  address  be  writ  to  the  Grovernor  of  Vir- 
ginia, by  Messrs.  Dickinson  and  Cross,  and  that  the  said  letter  to  the  people  of 
Virginia,  and  also  this,  be  brought  into  the  Synod  for  approbation. 

A  letter  from  the  ministers  of  Connecticut  to  this  Synod,  desiring  a  con- 
ference with  some  of  the  ministers  of  this  Synod,  in  order  to  the  healing  of 
those  divisions  in  the  Presbyterian  congregation  in  New  York,  being  read 
and  maturely  considered,  it  was  ordered,  that  a  letter  be  writ  to  the  ministers 
of  Connecticut  in  answer  to  theirs,  to  thank  them  for  their  concern  about  the 
interest  of  religion  in  New  York,  and  their  proposing  a  conference  with  some 
of  us  in  order  to  heal  the  division  in  the  Presbyterian  congregation  there,  and 
to  signify  our  hearty  concurrence  with  their  proposal.  And  withal  to  signify 
our  apprehensions  that  the  place  proposed  for  a  conference,  is  not  so  likely 
to  answer  the  good  intentions  expressed  in  their  letter  as  New  York  would  be, 
and  therefore  to  desire  them  to  send  some  of  their  number  to  meet  with  some 


1728.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  77 

of  ours  there,  on  the  twenty-third  of  October  next.  Messrs.  Andrews,  Dickin- 
son, Morgan,  Philips,  Cross,  and  McGill,  appointed  to  meet  the  said  minis- 
ters at  New  York,  at  the  time  before  mentioned,  and  are  empowered  to  act  in 
the  name  and  with  the  full  power  of  the  Synod,  in  the  affair  proposed.  But 
if  the  said  Connecticut  ministers  decline  coming  to  New  Y^ork  at  the  time 
mentioned,  the  aforemcutioncd  members  of  the  Synod  are  empowered  to 
meet  them  at  any  other  time  and  place  for  the  said  purpose,  as  they  shall 
think  reasonable.  And  if  the  good  ends  proposed,  relating  to  New  York,  be 
at  the  conference  happily  accomplished,  the  Synod  recommends  it  to  those 
of  their  members  afore  appointed  for  said  conference,  to  treat  with  said  minis- 
ters of  Connecticut  about  an  union  with  us,  and  empower  them  to  concert  and 
conclude  upon  any  methods  that  may  conduce  to  that  end.  Mr.  McGill  and 
Mr.  Conn  appointed  to  write  the  abovesaid  letter. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  post  merid.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Hordi,  iertiOf  post  merid.  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  according  to  an  overture  of  the  committee,  resolved  themselves 
into  an  interloquitur,  to  consider  a  case  of  conscience  proposed  by  George 
Williamson,  with  respect  to  his  call  to  the  ministry,  and  after  having  heard 
the  same,  desired  a  further  consideration  of  it  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

1\st  day.     Hora  octava,  ante  merid.  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  said  George  Williamson  reassumed. 

The  ministers  of  the  Synod  having  seriously  and  deliberately  considered 
the  above  case,  do,  nemine  contradicente,  agree  in  judgment,  that  the  said 
person  has  not  any  regular  call  that  way ;  for  though  we  are  satisfied  as  to  his 
piety  and  godly  life,  yet  we  think  he  wants  necessary  qualifications  required 
in  the  word  of  God  for  a  gospel  minister,  and  therefore  advise  him  to  continue 
in  the  vocation  wherein  he  is  called,  and  endeavour  to  be  useful  as  a  private 
Christian. 

The  letter  to  the  people  of  Virginia  was  read  and  approved. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  Long-Island  revised  and  approved. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  New  Castle  revised  and  approved. 

The  commission  of  the  Synod  having  rendered  an  account  of  their  acting  in 
the  name  of  the  Synod,  it  was  approved. 

Adjourned  till  four  o'clock,  jyost  merid. 

Hard  tertia,  post  merid.  sederunt  qui  supra. 

A  letter  to  the  Governor  of  Virginia  was  read  and  approved. 

Upon  a  supplication  from  the  congregation  of  Tree-Dyffrin,  for  some  thing 
from  the  fund,  it  was  overtured  by  the  committee,  that  five  pounds  be  given  to 
said  people,  which  overture  was  approved  by  the  Synod. 

From  a  like  supplication  from  the  people  of  Octararo  and  Hanover,  it  was 
overtured  that  three  pounds  be  given  to  each  of  them  ;  this  overture  was  agreed 
to ;  as  likewise  to  give  three  pounds  to  Mrs.  Wilson,  and  one  pound  to  Mr. 
Andrews  for  recording. 

Messieurs  Jones,  Andrews,  Anderson,  Dickinson,  Cross,  and  Evans,  to  be 
the  commission  of  the  Synod  with  the  same  power  as  formerly.  Ordered, 
that  the  minutes  be  revised  by  the  commission  of  the  Synod.  Upon  reading 
the  list  of  ministers  the  Synod  found,  to  their  great  grief,  that  Mr.  McNish 
was  dead. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  September  next,  and  then  to  meet  at 
Philadelphia,  at  two  o'clock,  afternoon.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


78  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1724. 

1724. 

Philadelphia,  Sepfemt  ..  •  IQth,  1724. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  appointment,  ubi  post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers  :  Messrs.  Malachi  Jones,  Jedidiah  Andrews,  James  Anderson, 
George  Grillespie,  Hugh  Conn,  David  Evans,  Henry  Hook,  Robert  Cross, 
John  Bradner,  Thomas  Evans,  Alexander  Hutchinson,  John  Pierson,  John 
Orme,  Robert  Laing,  Thomas  Craighead,  John  Thomson,  Moses  Dickinson, 
Samuel  Pumry. 

Elders :  Messrs.  John  Budd,  John  Gardner,  James  Parry,  Abraham  Golder, 
Peter  Bushell,  John  Kale,  Enoch  Armitage. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  'Jonathan  Dickinson,  Willi  n  Stewart,  Joseph 
"Webb,  Joseph  Morgan,  Samuel  Gelston,  William  Tennent, 

Mr.  Anderson  opened  the  Synod  by  preaching  a  sermon  upon  2  Cor.  v.  20. 

Mr.  George  Gillespie  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Robert  Cross,  clerk. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  eight  o'clo'^.k.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

Die  11  mo.  at  eight  o^ clock,  ante  merid.  post  preces  nuderunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Webb  and  Mr.  Tennent  gave  by  letters  the  reastns  of  their  absence, 
which  were  sustained. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  Synod  be  read. 

Mr.  Pumry  and  Mr.  Thomson  gave  the  reasons  of  their  aDsence  last  year, 
which  were  sustained. 

blasters  Andrews,  Anderson,  Thomson,  Pierson,  Cross,  Jones,  and  Conn, 
were  appointed  to  be  a  committee  for  the  fund,  and  for  any  other  business  the 
Synod  shall  recommend  to  them. 

Mr.  Moses  Dickinson  appointed  to  preach  on  Friday  night. 

Messrs.  Pumry  and  Bradner  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of 
New  Castle.  Masters  Orme  and  Hook  that  of  Long-Island.  The  Presbytery 
book  of  Philadelphia  was  wanting  by  reason  of  Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson's 
absence. 

It  being  inquired  what  collections  were  made  for  the  fund,  it  was  found  that 
Messrs.  Andrews,  Anderson,  Thomson,  and  Evans,  had  brought  collections, 
and  they  were  ordered  to  deliver  them  to  the  committee  for  the  fund.  And 
the  rest  of  the  ministers  having  given  their  reasons  why  they  brought  no  col- 
lections, the  same  were  sustained.  And  it  is  recommended  to  all  the  members 
of  the  Synod,  to  use  their  utmost  diligence  to  bring  collections  to  the  next 
Synod. 

The  Synod  having  inquired  what  the  committee  did  on  the  affair  of  Mr. 
Walton,  did  approve  of  their  conduct  and  management,  the  account  whereof 
is  as  followeth  :  "  New  York,  October  25,  1723.  At  a  meeting  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  Synod,  relating  to  the  afiliir  of  Mr.  Walton.  Present,  Messrs. 
Joseph  Morgan,  James  Anderson,  Samuel  Pumry,  Robert  Cross,  and  Jonathan , 
Dickinson. 

"  Islv.  Morgan  chosen  Moderator,  and  Mr.  Dickinson,  clerk. 
''  After  deliberate  consideration  of  Mr.  Walton's  case,  and  particular  hear- 
ing several  scandalous  allegations  against  him,  by  letters  and  otherwise,  and 
his  answers  unto  them,  the  question  was  put,  whether  from  what  we  had  heard 
we  had  just  grounds  to  take  off  the  suspension  laid  on  him  by  the  Synod,  and 
we  agreed  in  the  negative  neniine  contradicente. 

"  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morgan  write  to  the  people  of  East-Chester,  where  he 
has  lately  preached,  informing  them  of  this  our  conclusion. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  the  Synod  convene  to  transact  what 
shall  appear  further  needful  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Walton,  when  Messrs.  Ander- 


1724.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  79 

son,  Pumry,  and  Cross,  shall  give  notice  to  the  other  members  of  the  com- 
mittee. 

"  The  moderator  being  desired  by  the  committee,  after  reading  the  above 
minutes  to  Mr.  Walton,  to  give  him  an  admonition,  to  use  more  care,  watch- 
fulness, and  circumspection  for  the  future,  Mr.  Walton  did  not  only  exclaim 
against  our  conclusion,  and  declare  he  never  would  have  any  more  concern  with 
any  of  our  judicatories,  but  also  refused  to  hear  any  exhortation ;  telling  us 
that  he  did  not  want  any  exhortation  from  us,  and  that  he  always  thought  that 
it  was  all  an  intrigue,  but  was  willing  to  try  us  once  more,  and  in  an  angry 
manner  rushed  away  from  us." 

Mr.  Orme  fulMlled  the  appointment  of  the  Synod  with  respect  to  his  preach- 
ing in  Virginia;  Mr.  Conn  did  not,  and  gave  his  reasons,  which  were  sus- 
tained ;  Mr.  Stewart  did  not,  the  reasons  not  known,  he  being  absent. 

The  Synod  approves  of  the  conduct  of  the  committee  appointed  to  meet 
with  the  ministers  from  Connecticut,  to  confer  about  the  affairs  of  the  Pres- 
byterian congregation  in  New  York,  though  their  endeavours  proved  unsuc- 
cessful. 

The  Synod  having  received  a  letter  from  George  Williamson,  expressing 
some  dissatisfaction  with  the  judgment  of  the  Synod  in  his  case  last  year,  they 
appointed  Mr.  Andrews  and  Mr.  Thomson  to  write  a  letter  to  him  in  answer 
to  his,  and  bring  it  into  the  Synod  for  approbation. 

A  letter  from  the  people  of  Virginia  being  read  and  considered,  the  Synod 
have  referred  that  whole  affiiir  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  and  orders  a 
letter  to  be  writ  to  said  people,  by  Messrs.  Pierson  and  Pumry,  and  to  bring 
it  to  the  Synod  for  approbation. 

iMessieurs  Jones,  Andrews,  Anderson,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Cross,  and 
Evans,  continued  to  be  the  commissioners  of  the  Synod,  with  the  same  power 
as  formerly. 

Upon  calling  the  roll  it  was  found  that  Mr.  McGill  died  since  our  last 
Synod. 

Mr.  Bradner  having  desired  that  he  might  be  joined  to  the  Presbytery  of 
Long-Island,  and  offered  his  reasons,  they  were  sustained,  and  he  was  ordered 
to  join  with  said  Presbytery. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  the  fund,  &c.  meet  at  three  o'clock,  post 
merid. 

Adjourned  till  five  o'clock,  post  merid.' 

Hord  quintd,  post  merid.  jMst  jjreces  sederunt  qui  svpra. 

Mr.  Moses  Dickinson  gave  the  reasons  of  his  absence  last  year,  which 
were  sustained. 

Messrs.  Andrews  and  Thomson  brought  in  the  letter  to  be  sent  to  George 
Williainson,  which  was  approved. 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  to  Virginia  be  brought  in  at  our  next  sederunt. 

The  case  proposed  by  Mr.  Webb,  being  considered  by  the  committee  for 
overtures,  they  made  this  overture  upon  it,  viz  :  Overtured,  that  whereas  the 
case  is  delivered  in  such  general  and  doubtful  terms  that  we  cannot  judge  of 
it,  the  consideration  thereof  be  left  to  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia ;  which 
overture  was  approved  by  the  Synod. 

Mr.  Tennent  having  written  to  the  Synod  for  some  supply  out  of  the  fund, 
his  i-equest  was  denied,  and  Mr.  Moses  Dickinson  and  Mr.  John  Budd  ordered 
to  write  a  letter  to  him  giving  the  reasons  thereof,  and  to  bring  it  in  to-morrow 
morning. 

The  overture  of  the  committee,  with  reference  to  a  supplication  from  some 
of  the  inhabitants  of  Perth  Amboy,  desiring  sermons  sometimes,  being  referred 
to  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  was  approved  by  the  Synod,  and  Mr.  An- 


80  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1725. 

derson  was  appointed  to  write  a  letter  to  them,  and  bring  it  in  to-morrow 
morning. 

The  consideration  of  a  letter  from  Kent  county,  as  likewise  of  Mr.  Peter 
Finch's  testimonials,  deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  the  fund  meet  to-morrow  morning,  at  eight 
of  the  clock. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Die  18mo.     Hord  decimd,  ante  meridiem,  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  letter  to  be  sent  to  Virginia  was  brought  in  and  approved 

A  letter  to  be  sent  to  Perth  Amboy  brought  in  and  approved. 

A  letter  to  Mr.  Tennent  brought  in  and  approved. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Finch  and  Kent  county  reassumed. 

The  Synod  having  read  and  considered  Mr.  Peter  Finch  his  testimonials, 
do  approve  them,  and  do  recommend  him  for  further  advice  and  direction  to 
the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  and  appoint  Mr.  Andrews  to  write  a  letter  in 
answer  to  that  from  the  people  of  Kent  county. 

The  overture  of  the  committee  to  give  five  pounds  to  Mrs.  Wilson,  as  like- 
wise the  overture  to  give  three  pounds  to  the  people  of  Broad  Creek,  were 
approved. 

The  consideration  of  the  Synod's  meeting  by  delegates  deferred  to  the  next 
sederunt. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbytery  books  be  brought  in. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  post  meridiem. 

Hord  tertid,  post  meridiem,  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Presbytery  books  of  New  York  and  New  Castle  brought  in  and  ap- 
proved. 

The  affair  relating  to  the  Synod's  meeting  by  delegates  was  taken  into  con- 
sideration, and  after  reasoning  upon  the  matter,  it  was  at  last  put  to  the  vote 
thus  :  Appear  by  delegates  or  not  ?  And  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative ;  and 
likewise  concluded  by  vote,  that  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  and  Philadel- 
phia do  yearly  delegate  the  half  of  their  members  to  the  Synod,  and  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Long  Island  two  of  their  number.  And  it  is  further  ordered,  that 
all  the  members  of  the  Synod  do  attend  every  third  year ;  and  that,  if  in  the 
interim,  any  thing  of  moment  do  occur,  whereby  the  presence  of  all  the  mem- 
bers may  be  thought  necessary,  they,  (upon  notice  given  by  the  commission 
of  the  Synod,)  shall  carefully  attend  notwithstanding  the  above  delegation. 
And  it  is  further  agreed,  that  every  member  of  the  Synod  may  attend  as 
formerly  if  they  see  cause. 

Appointed,  That  the  next  Synod  meet  at  Philadelphia,  upon  the  third  Wed- 
nesday of  September  next,  at  two  of  the  clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

1795. 

Pliiladelphia,  September  15,  1725. 

The  Synod  met  by  their  delegates  according  to  appointment, 

Ubi  2^ost  preces  sederunt 

Ministers  delegated :  Messrs.  George  Gillespie,  David  Evans,  Henry  Hook, 
Joseph  Houston,  Adam  Boyd,  Malachi  Jones,  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Jonathan 
Dickinson,  Moses  Dickinson,  Samuel  Gelston,  William  Stewart. 

Ministers  occasionally  present :  Messrs.  James  Anderson,  John  Thomson, 
John  Pierson,  Robert  Laing,  Noyes  Parris. 

Elders  :  Messrs.  John  Gardner,  James  Abraham,  Thomas  Hiott,  Joseph 
Braden,  John  Hall,  John  Snowden,  Enoch  Armitage. 

Mr.  Gillespie,  the  moderator  of  the  last  Synod,  opened  the  Synod  by  preach- 
ing a  sermon  from  Col.  iv.  17. 


1725.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  81 

Masters  Thomas  Craighead,  and  "William  Tennent,  delegated  ministers, 
were  absent. 

Mr.  Craighead  sent  the  reasons  of  his  absence  by  letter,  which  were  sus- 
tained. 

Mr.  David  Evans  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Andrews  clerk. 

The  last  year's  minutes  ai)pointed  to  be  read. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Gelston,  gave  the  reasons  of  their 
absence  last  year,  which  were  sustained. 

Masters  Andrews,  Anderson,  Thomson,  Pierson,  Jones,  and  Jonathan 
Dickinson,  appointed  to  be  a  committee  for  the  fund,  and  any  other  business 
the  Synod  shall  recommend  to  them. 

Mr.  Hook  appointed  to  preach  on  Friday  night. 

Messrs.  Jonathan  Dickinson  and  Pierson  appointed  to  revise  the  Presby- 
tery book  of  New  Castle.  Messrs.  Hook  and  Boyd  that  of  Long  Island. 
Messrs.  Gillespie  and  Houston  that  of  Philadelphia,  The  revisers  ordered 
to  bring  in  the  Presbytery  books  to-morrow  afternoon. 

Ordered,  That  those  which  have  brought  collections  for  the  fund  do  deliver 
them  to  the  committee  for  the  fufid. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

16  doT/,  at  eight  d'cloch,  post  meridiem,  sedemnt  qui  svpra. 

The  minute  that  the  revisers  bring  in  the  Presbytery  books  in  the  afternoon 
continued. 

Messrs.  Jones,  Andrews,  Anderson,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Cross,  and 
Evans,  continued  to  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  with  the  same  power 
as  formerly. 

Mr.  Samuel  Davis  died  since  last  Synod. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  the  fund  meet  at  three  o'clock,  post 
meridiem. 

The  Synod  having  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  John  Walton,  desiring  us  to 
appoint  the  Presbytery  of  Long  Island  to  be  a  committee  to  judge  in  his  case, 
it  was  ordered,  that  an  extract  of  the  minutes  of  the  Synod,  relating  to  his 
aflPair,  be  sent  to  him.  And  it  was  further  ordered,  at  the  desire  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Long  Island,  that  this  affair  be  left  as  before,  viz.  to  the  Presbytery 
of  Long  Island,  together  with  Messrs.  Morgan,  Dickinson,  and  Pierson,  and 
tluit  the  said  members  have  a  copy  of  the  said  extract  of  minutes,  to  dispose 
of  as  they  shall  see  cause. 

Mr.  Stewart  being  questioned  touching  his  not  going  to  Virginia  according 
to  appointment,  the  year  before  last,  he  alleged  for  excuse  bodily  indisposi- 
tion, which  excuse  was  accepted  by  the  Synod ;  and,  as  to  his  absence  last 
year  from  the  Synod,  he  brought  his  wife's  indisposition  for  a  reason,  which 
was  sustained. 

Adjourned  till  five  o'clock,  post  meridiem. 

At  Jive  0^  clock,  post  meridiem,  sederunt,  &c. 

There  being,  according  to  the  report  of  the  committee  for  the  fund,  by  col- 
lections and  interest  money  brought  in,  the  sum  of  ten  pounds  and  three  pence 
half-penny,  there  was  given  by  the  Synod  to  Mrs.  Wilson  five  pounds ;  to 
Octorara  two  pounds ;  to  Goshen  two  pounds ;  to  Mr.  Anderson,  on  account 
of  Mr.  Finch,  one  pound ;  to  the  door-keeper  the  remainder,  viz.  seven  shil- 
lings and  three  pence  half-penny. 

The  Presbytery  books  were  brought  in  and  approved. 

Appointed,  That  the  next  Synod  meet  at  Philadelphia,  upon  the  third  Wed- 
nesday of  September  next,  at  two  o'clock,  afternoon. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

11 


82  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1726. 

Philadelphia,  September  21,  1726. 

The  Synod  met  by  their  delegates  according  to  appointment. 

Uhi  post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers  delegated :  Messrs.  Malachi  Jones,  Thomas  Craighead,  Jedidiah 
Andrews,  Robert  Cross,  John  Thomson,  David  Evans,  Joseph  Webb,  Alex- 
ander Hutchinson,  Noyes  Parris,  Thomas  Evans. 

Elders  delegated  :  Charles  Hofty,  William  Blair,  John  Snowden,  Alexan- 
der Mulleston,  James  Abraham,  Samuel  Farrin,  John  Bravur,  David  Evans, 
Esquire. 

Masters  Joseph  Morgan,  ■\yilliam  Tennent,  Hugh  Conn,  and  Robert 
Stewart,  delegated  ministers,  were  absent ;  and  Mr.  William  Tennent  was  ab- 
sent also  last  year. 

Masters  James  Anderson,  Joseph  Houston,  and  Samuel  Gelston,  were 
members  occasionally  present. 

Mr.  Thomas  Craighead  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Webb  clerk. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  eight  o'clock 

22  day,  at  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  sit,pra. 

Mr.  David  Evans,  the  moderator  of  the  last  Synod,  opened  the  Synod  by 
preaching  a  sermon  from  Acts  v.  42. 

Ordered,  That  the  last  year's  minutes  be  read. 

Messrs.  Jones,  Andrews,  Craighead,  Anderson,  Thomson,  and  Cross,  ap- 
pointed to  be  a  committee  for  the  fund,  and  any  other  business  the  Synod 
shall  recommend  to  them. 

Mr.  Houston  appointed  to  preach  on  Friday  night. 

Mr.  Thomas  Evans  and  Mr.  Alexander  Hutchinson  appointed  to  revise  the 
Presbytery  book  of  Long  Island;  Mr.  Noyes  Parris  and  Mr.  Joseph  Webb 
appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of  New  Castle.  The  Presbytery 
book  of  Philadelphia  was  not  brought  to  the  Synod. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  made  any  collections  for  the  fund,  it  was 
found  that  these  following  had  done  it,  Mr.  Malachi  Jones,  Mr.  Robert  Cross, 
IMr.  John  Thomson,  and  Mr.  David  Evans. 

Ordered,  That  the  ministers  here  present  should  represent  to  the  several 
Presbyteries,  that  there  be  yearly  something  done  for  the  fund  as  was  formerly 
appointed. 

It  appearing  that  the  commission  of  the  Synod  had  done  something  relating 
to  the  fund,  Ordered,  That  they  bring  in  an  account  of  it  to  the  Synod  to- 
morrow morning. 

The  committee  for  the  fund  appointed  to  meet  at  three  o'clock  post  merid. 
together  with  the  commissioners  of  the  Synod. 

A  reference  from  the  Presbytery  of  Long-Island  was  brought  in,  and  the 
papers  relating  to  it  were  read,  and  the  consideration  of  that  affair  deferred  till 
next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  five  o' clock,  post  merid. 

At  jive  d clock,  P.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbytery  books  that  are  here,  be  brought  in  by  the 
members  appointed  to  revise  them,  to-morrow  morning. 

The  commissioners  of  the  Synod  brought  in  an  account  to  the  Synod  of 
what  they  had  done  respecting  the  change  of  a  mortgage  from  Joseph  Harri- 
son, which  was  approved. 

Ordered,  That  the  affair  referred  to  the  Synod  by  the  Presbytery  of  Long- 
Island,  be  referred  to  the  committee  for  an  overture  upon  it,  to  be  brought  in 
next  sederunt. 


1726.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  83 

A  representation  being  made  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  of  the 
conduct  of  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent,  respecting  his  leaving  of  New  Castle,  desiring 
the  judgment  of  the  Synod  in  that  affair  ;  it  was  concluded  that  the  said  Mr. 
Tenucut's  steps  were  too  hasty  and  unadvised  in  several  particulars  ;  and  ac- 
cordingly ordered  the  moderator  to  reprove  him,  and  withal  exhort  him  unto 
more  caution  and  deliberation  in  his  future  proceedings. 

-  Mr.  William  Tennent,  by  his  son,  offered  the  reasons  of  his  absence,  which 
were  sustained. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  eight  o'clock. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

2Sd  day  at  ten   o'clock,  A.  M.  postpreces  sederunt  quisupra. 

The  Presbytery  books  that  were  here  were  brought  in  and  approved. 

The  committee  met  according  to  appointment,  and  brought  in  overtures  upon 
the  affair  of  New  York  congregation,  (which  was  referred  to  the  Synod  by  the 
Presbytery  of  Long-Island,)  which  overture,  (after  reading  and  mature  delibe- 
ration had  upon  them,)  were  unanimously  approved,  and  ordered  to  be  trans- 
cribed and  inserted  in  our  minutes.     The  overtures  are  as  followeth  : 

Overtured,  That  Dr.  Nicholls'  conduct,  (as  represented  to  us  by  the  elders 
and  representatives  of  the  Presbyterian  congregation  of  New  York,)  appears 
unjustifiable  and  unbecoming  the  gospel;  and  we  cannot  but  judge  it  to  be  so 
in  the  following  respects,  (until  we  are  otherwise  informed,)  viz  : 

1.  In  his  disposing  of  the  money  sent  from  Great  Britain  for  the  payment 
of  the  Church's  debt,  without  consulting  the  representatives,  who  are  equally 
concerned  with  him  in  the  affair. 

2.  In  refusing  to  cancel  or  deliver  up  the  bonds  paid  with  the  public 
money. 

3.  In  exacting  interest  in  such  a  rigorous  manner,  for  money  laid  out  for 
promoting  the  interest  of  Christ,  as  he  at  first  professed. 

4.  In  disregarding  the  Presbytery,  and  not  attending  the  Synod  in  the  affair 
of  the  representation,  when  he  was  apprized  that  the  affair  was  referred  to  the 
Synod. 

5.  In  applying  to  Boston  for  a  minister  without  the  concurrence  of  Presby- 
tery or  Synod,  or  the  elders  and  representatives  of  the  congregation. 

Overtured  further.  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Dr.  Nicholl,  expressing  the 
mind  of  the  Synod  fully  with  respect  to  his  conduct.  And  a  letter  to  the 
ministers  of  Boston  not  to  countenance  the  Doctor  in  this  matter,  until  he  give 
satisfaction.  And  a  letter  to  the  elders  and  representatives  of  New  York  con- 
gregation. 

Further  overtured,  That  the  Synod,  (as  things  now  appear,)  doth  judge  it  to 
be  the  duty  of  Dr.  Nicholl,  to  give  such  satisfaction  to  the  said  representatives 
in  the  affair  of  the  public  money  and  bonds,  as  will  appear  satisfactory  in  the 
judgment  of  the  Synod  or  the  commissioners  of  the  Synod.  Until  which  time 
the  Synod  cannot  concur  with  him  in  any  of  his  endeavours  for  obtaining  a 
minister. 

Overtured,  That  the  Synod  are  willing  to  contribute  their  best  endeavours 
for  the  good  of  the  congregation  of  New  York,  and  (in  case  of  Mr.  Anderson's 
removal,)  take  care  to  provide  supplies  for  them  while  vacant,  and  provide  a 
pastor  for  them  as  soon  as  Providence  may  open  a  door.  And  for  this  purpose 
do  recommend  them  to  the  care  of  the  Presbytery  of  Long-Island,  to  which 
they  belong,  together  with  such  correspondents  from  the  Presbytery  of  Phila- 
delphia as  may  be  thought  needful. 

Overtured,  That  Mr.  Anderson,  (according  to  his  desire,)  be  left  at  his 
liberty  to  remove  from  New  York,  and  to  accept  of  a  call  from  any  other  peo- 
ple, as  Providence  may  determine ;  and  the  congregation  of  New  York  be  at 


84  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1726. 

liberty  to  call  anotter  minister,  (in  an  orderly  way,)  as  soon  as  they  shall  pay 
up  what  arrears  appear  justly  due  to  Mr.  Anderson. 

Overtured,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Mr.  Smith  in  answer  to  his  to  the  Synod, 
letting  him  know,  that  the  Synod  will  not  remit  that  money  for  which  Mr. 
McNish's  estate  stands  obliged,  and  that  he  take  care  about  it ;  and  likewise  a 
letter  be  wrote  to  Mr.  William  Tennent,  of  the  same  purport. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Jones  and  Andrews  write  the  letter  to  the  ministers 
of  Boston  ;  Messrs.  Thomson  and  David  Evans  to  Dr.  NichoU ;  Messrs.  Thomas 
Evans  and  Webb  to  the  congregation  of  New  York ;  and  Messrs.  Gelston  and 
Parris,  those  to  Mr.  Tennent  and  Mr.  Joseph  Smith,  and  that  they  be  brought 
into  the  Synod  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  I*.  M. 

At  3  o'clock,  P.  M.     Postpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

An  appeal  from  some  members  of  IMr.  Houston's  congregation  being  presented 
to  the  Synod,  and  all  papers  relating  to  that  affair  being  read,  as  also  all  that 
the  parties  had  to  say  patiently  heard,  the  consideration  thereof  was  deferred 
till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

24<A  day  at  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  letters  mentioned  in  a  former  minute  were  all  brought  in  and  ap- 
proved. 

The  affair  of  the  abovesaid  appeal  being  reassumed,  and  much  time  spent  in 
debating  and  considering  of  it,  it  was  put  to  vote,  whether  approve  or  disap- 
prove of  the  Presbytery's  conduct  with  respect  to  the  matter  of  said  appeal, 
and  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  nemine  contradicenle.  Upon  the  whole, 
the  Synod  after  mature  deliberation,  do  judge  that  the  appellants  have  acted 
irregular  in  separating  from  the  congregation  whereof  they  are  members,  and 
going  about  to  build  a  separate  meeting-house,  which  seems  to  have  a  visible 
tendency  to  the  hurt  and  detriment  of  the  interest  of  Christ  and  religion  in 
that  place.  And  do  further  judge  the  treatment  they  have  given  to  the  Pres- 
bytery of  New  Castle,  as  appears  by  their  own  papers,  to  be  unjustifiable  and 
justly  censurable,  and  do  exhort  said  persons  to  return  to  the  congregation  to 
which  they  belong,  and  endeavour  to  maintain  the  unity  of  the  spirit  in  the 
bond  of  peace. 

A  call  from  the  people  of  Dunegall  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  James  Anderson,  being 
presented  to  the  Synod,  the  Synod  recommended  said  call  to  Mr.  Anderson  for 
his  consideration  about  it. 

Adjourned  till  two  o'clock,  2)ost  merid. 

At  two  o'clock,  P.  31.  p>ost  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
There  being  from  time  to  time  complaints  of  the  weakness  and  deficiency 
of  Mr.  Robert  Laing,  rendering  his  exercise  of  the  ministerial  function  a  de- 
triment to  the  interest  of  religion,  and  rather  a  scandal  than  an  help  to  the 
gospel ;  the  Synod  advise  him  to  demit  the  whole  exercise  of  the  ministry, 
and  not  to  take  it  up  again  but  by  the  approbation  of  at  least  three  ministers  of 
the  Presbytery  wherein  he  may  reside ;  the  said  Mr.  Laing  did  quietly  and 
humbly  acquiesce  in  the  aforesaid  advice.  And  there  being  a  motion  made, 
that  in  case  Mr.  Laing  should  remove  unto  some  place  in  the  skirts  of  the 
Synod,  so  that  the  commissioners  may  not  be  apprized  of  his  circumstances 
in  order  to  his  relief,  should  there  be  need  of  it,  that  any  member  or  members 
of  the  Synod  administering  to  his  necessities  in  a  prudent  way,  (wherein  they 
shall  be  accountable  to  the  Synod,)  may  be  reimbursed  by  the  Synod.  The 
said  motion  was  approved  of  by  the  Synod,  the  said  3Ir.  Laing  bringing  with 


1727.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  85 

him  such  credentials  as  may  testify  of  his  good  moral  behaviour.  And  the 
Synod  did,  for  the  present,  in  testimony  of  their  compassion,  give  him  out  of 
the  fund  the  sura  of  forty  shillings. 

i\Ir.  Webb  giving  account  of  some  difficulties  in  his  congregation,  which  he 
hoped  might  be  healed  by  a  committee  appointed  by  the  Synod,  it  was  (in 
compliant^  with  his  desire,)  ordered,  that  Messrs.  Morgan,  Anderson,  Cross, 
Picrson,  Gelston,  Joniithan  Dickinson,  and  Andrews,  should  be  the  said  com- 
mittee, and  meet  at  Newark  on  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  October  next,  to  act 
with  the  full  power  of  the  Synod  iu  all  matters  that  may  be  laid  before  them 
with  respect  to  that  congregation,  and  bring  an  account  of  what  they  do  to  the 
next  Synod. 

Messrs.  Jones,  Andrews,  Evans,  Anderson,  Cross,  and  Jonathan  Dickinson, 
continued  to  be  the  commissioners  of  the  Synod,  with  the  same  power  as  for- 
merly. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  September  next,  then  to  meet  at 
Philadelphia  at  two  o'clock,  afternoon.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1727. 

Scptemher  '20th,  1727. 

The  full  Synod  met  at  Philadelphia  according  to  appointment,  when  post 
preces  sederunt, 

Ministers :  Messrs.  Malachi  Jones,  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Thomas  Craighead, 
John  Thomson,  James  Anderson,  Joseph  Morgan,  George  Gillespie,  Hugh 
Conn,  William  Stewart,  John  Pierson,  David  Evans,  William  Tennent, 
Samuel  Gelston,  Joseph  Houston,  John  Bradner,  Thomas  Evans,  Henry 
Hook,  Nathaniel  Hubbill,  Alexander  Hutchinson,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Joseph 
Webb,  Archibald  McCook,  Adam  Boyd. 

Elders  present :  Messrs.  Joseph  Charlesworth,  John  Snowden,  John  Mont- 
gomery, Archibald  Smith,  James  Mitchell,  John  Hutten,  Joseph  Steel,  James 
Abraham,  James  Smith,  Joseph  Thomas,  Jacob  King,  Samuel  Allen,  David 
Lawson,  Arthur  Park. 

Ministers  absent:  Messrs.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Samuel  Pumry,  Robert 
Cross,  Noyes  Parris. 

Mr.  John  Pierson  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Evans  clerk. 

Mr.  Craighead  opened  the  Synod  by  preaching  a  sennon  from  1  Tim.  iv. 
14,  15. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

21  dai/,  at  eight  o'clock,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Cross,  and  Orme,  gave  by  letters  the  reasons 
of  their  absence,  which  were  sustained. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  Synod  be  read. 

Masters  William  Tennent,  Conn,  and  Stewart,  gave  the  reasons  of  their 
absence  last  Synod,  which  were  sustained. 

Masters  Jones,  Andrews,  Craighead,  Anderson,  Thomson,  and  the  mode- 
rator, appointed  to  be  a  committee  for  the  fund,  and  any  other  business  that 
the  Synod  shall  recommend  to  them. 

Masters  Bradner  and  William  Tennent  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery 
book  of  New  Castle.  The  Presbytery  books  of  Long  Island  and  Philadelphia 
were  not  brought  to  the  Synod,  and  the  reasons  thereof  were  sustained. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  collections  for  the  Synod,  it  was  found 
that  Mr.  Andrews  had  brought  somewhat. 

The  committee  for  the  fund  appointed  to  meet  at  three  o'clock,  j^ost  meri- 
diem, together  with  the  commission  of  the  Synod. 

A  petition  and  other  papers  being  brought  into  the  Synod  by  Dr.  Nicolls, 


86  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1727. 

they  were  read,  and  referred  to  the  consideration  of  the  committee  to  bring  in 
overtures  upon  them. 

The  transactious  of  the  committee  last  year  appointed  to  meet  at  Newark, 
were  brought  in,  read,  and  approved. 

Masters  Jones,  Andrews,  David  Evans,  Cross,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  and 
Pierson,  appointed  to  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year  ensuing. 

A  letter  was  presented  to  the  Synod  from  the  ministers  of  Boston,  in  New 
England,  as  also  another  from  the  Presbyterian  congregation  at  New  York, 
referring  to  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Pemberton,  and  his  settlement  at  New  York, 
and  proposing  his  admission  as  a  member  of  the  Synod ;  both  which  being 
read,  the  consideration  of  that  whole  affair  was  referred  to  the  committee  to 
bring  in  an  overture  upon  it.       * 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

22  day,  at  eight  o'clock,  ante  meridiem,  ])Ost  preces,  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Overtured,  upon  the  affair  of  the  congregation  at  New  York,  That,  although 
the  Synod,  according  to  the  representat  on  then  made  to  them,  saw  cause  last 
year  to  find  fault  with  several  parts  of  Dr.  Nicoll's  management  with  respect 
to  the  public  money  belonging  to  the  congregation  there,  yet  inasmuch  as  the 
body  of  that  congregation  have  signified  by  their  letter  to  this  Synod,  that  they 
are  fully  satisfied  with  the  Doctor's  accounts  and  conduct  in  that  affair,  the 
Synod  think  they  have  no  more  to  do  in  that  matter,  saving  still  the  right  and 
privilege  of  the  representatives  or  others,  hereafter  to  remonstrate  their  dis- 
satisfactions, if  they  have  any,  in  a  regular  way  before  Presbytery  or  Synod ; 
which  overture  was  approved  of. 

And  as  to  the  call  and  settlement  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Pemberton  at  New  York, 
the  Synod  does  declare  that  the  rules  of  our  Presbyterian  constitution  were 
not  observed  in  several  respects  by  that  congregation  in  that  matter.  This 
also  passed  by  the  Synod,  nemine  contradicente. 

And  it  was  put  to  the  vote,  Receive  or  delay  the  receiving  of  Mr.  Pember- 
ton as  a  member  of  this  Synod ;  and  it  was  carried  for  delaying,  which  delay 
did  not  flow  from  any  disrespect  to  Mr.  Pemberton^  or  any  fault  objected 
against  him,  but  from  other  reasons. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  post  meridiem. 

Three  d clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces,  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  further  consideration  of  the  affair  of  New  York  defen:ed  till  to-morrow 
morning. 

Two  letters  were  brought  in,  one  from  the  party  dissenting  from  Mr.  Hous- 
ton's congregation,  and  another  from  the  said  congregation,  which  were  re- 
ferred to  the  committee  to  bring  in  overtures  upon  them. 

A  supplication  from  a  party  of  Mr.  Boyd's  congregation,  referred  also  to 
the  committee  for  the  same  purpose. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  at  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow,  ante  meridiem. 

23  dai/.      Ten  o'clock,  ante  meridiem.     Post  preces,  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  New  York  continued. 

The  affair  relating  to  Mr.  Houston's  congregation  and  the  disaffected  neigh- 
bours, reassumed. 

Overtured,  upon  the  affair  of  Elk  River,  That  inasmuch  as  although  both 
the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  and  our  Synod  have  condemned  the  proceed- 
ings of  that  party,  who  have  supplicated  for  a  new  erection,  yet  they  appear- 
ing constantly  and  firmly  resolved  not  to  be  reconciled  to  that  congregation  as 
a  part  of  it,  in  order  to  attend  God's  worship  in  their  old  meeting-house^  by 


1727.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  87 

reason  of  feuds  and  differences  arising  between  them  and  somo  of  the  mem- 
bers of  that  congregation ;  and  inasmuch  as  the  erecting  of  that  party  as  a  dis- 
tinct separate  congregation  as  yet,  appears  to  have  an  evident  tendency  to 
weaken  and  disable,  if  not  utterly  destroy  that  congregation,  by  reason  of  the 
paucity  and  poverty  of  the  inhabitants  of  our  persuasion  there,  partly  by 
reason  of  the  ill  situation  of  the  new-meeting-house,  which,  upon  supposition 
of  a  new  erection,  will  infer  a  necessity  of  joining  a  considerable  part  of  Mr. 
Houston's  congregation  with  that  new  erection,  the  Synod  being  desirous  of 
taking  healing  as  well  as  just  measures  to  determine  in  that  affair,  do  judge  as 
followeth,  viz. 

First,  That  that  party  be  allowed  to  have  a  new  meeting-house  in  some 
part  of  their  side  of  the  congregation,  yet  still  to  remain  a  part  of  that  con- 
gregation until  the  Presbytery  or  Synod  have  more  encouragement  for  a  new 
erection. 

Secondly,  That  in  order  to  this,  the  new  meeting-house  be  removed  to  any 
place  above  six  miles  distance  in  a  direct  line  from  the  old  meeting-house, 
which  the  said  supplicants  shall  agree  upon,  and  that  it  be  seven  miles  from 
any  other. 

Thirdly,  That  upon  the  compliance  of  said  party  with  said  terms,  Mr. 
Houston's  congregation  shall  contribute  to  the  removal  of  the  said  new  meet- 
ing-house in  proportions  to  their  subscriptions. 

Or,  that  those  supplicants  shall  be  erected  into  a  separate  congregation  as 
soon  as  they,  at  their  own  expense,  do  remove  their  new  meeting-house  as 
aforesaid,  and  that  none  that  are  now  orderly  members  of  Mr.  Houston's  con- 
gregation, shall  be  received  as  members  of  said  erection  without  the  consent 
of  the  congregation,  or  order  of  the  Presbytery. 

This  overture  was  read  before  the  Synod,  and  all  parties  being  patiently 
heard  in  what  they  had  to  offer  upon  it,  and  after  considerable  reasoning  upon 
the  whole  affair,  parties  being  removed,  it  was  put  to  the  vote,  whether  this 
overture  should  be  approved  or  not,  and  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  unani- 
mously, save  only  one  dissentient. 

Ordered,  That  no  minister  preach  in  the  said  new  meeting-house  while  in 
that  place  where  it  now  is. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  at  eight  o'clock,  Monday  morning. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  Monday  morning. 

25  day,  Monday,  ten  o'cloch,  A.  M.  post  preces,  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  New  York  was  reassumed. 

Masters  Andrews,  Morgan,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Pierson,  and  Webb,  ap- 
pointed to  be  a  committee  to  meet  at  New  York  to  accommodate  matters  of 
difference  between  that  congregation  and  the  Presbytery  of  Long  Island,  and 
also  any  other  differences  that  may  be  among  themselves  about  their  church 
settlement,  and  particularly  to  receive  Mr.  Pemberton  as  a  member  of  the 
Synod,  or  not,  as  they  shall  see  cause.  As  to  the  time  of  the  meeting  of  the 
said  committee,  it  is  determined  that  it  shall  be  at  such  time  as  the  congrega- 
tion of  New  York  shall  agree  upon,  they  giving  reasonable  notice  to  the  mem- 
bers of  the  committee,  and  the  Presbytery  of  Long  Island,  that  they  may  meet 
there  together. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  writ  to  the  congregation  at  New  Y^ork  by  Mr. 
Andrews  and  the  moderator,  and  another  to  the  Presbytery  of  Long  Island  by 
Masters  Anderson  and  Thomson. 

And  it  was  further  Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  shall  write  to  Scot- 
land, giving  an  account  of  the  affairs  of  New  York  congregation,  at  their  own 
discretion. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 


88  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1728. 

TTiree  o'clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces,  sederunt  qui  supra. 

A  paper  of  protest  was  brought  into  the  Synod,  after  all  business  was  done, 
by  Messrs.  Jones,  David  Evans,  Webb,  and  Hubbell,  which  was  ordered  to 
be  kept  in  retentis. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  September  nest,  and  then  to  meet 
at  Philadelphia. 

17S8. 

September  18,  1728. 

The  delegated  Synod  met  at  Philadelphia,  according  to  appointment. 

Ubi  post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers:  Messrs.  Jedidiahv Andrews,  Thomas  Craighead,  John  Thom- 
son, James  Anderson,  Joseph  Morgan,  George  Grillespie,  John  Pierson,  Wil- 
liam Tennent,  Samuel  Gelston,  Joseph  Houston,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Archibald 
McCook,  Adam  Boyd,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Samuel  Pumry,  Robert  Cross, 
Noyes  Parris. 

Elders:  Messrs.  John  Budd,  John  Cochran,  Archibald  Smith,  Richard 
Allison,  John  Hutton,  John  Cross,  Robert  Linton,  Moses  Rolph,  Roger  Train, 
Arthur  Park,  Nathaniel  Hazzard,  William  More. 

Mr.  Andrews  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Boyd  was  chosen  clerk. 

Mr.  Pierson  opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon  upon  2  Tim.  iii.  5. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  Synod  be  read. 

Masters  Craighead,  William  Tennent,  Anderson,  Thomson,  Cross,  Dickinson, 
and  the  moderator,  appointed  to  be  a  committee  for  the  fund,  and  any  other 
business  that  the  Synod  shall  recommend  to  them. 

Masters  Houston  and  Boyd  ordered  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of  Phila- 
delphia. 

Masters  William  Tennent  and  Pierson  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery 
book  of  New  Castle. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  Long  Island  was  not  brought,  and  the  reason  of  it 
was  sustained. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  collections  for  the  fund,  it  was  found 
that  Mr.  Anderson  had  brought  somewhat.  And  it  was  recommended,  that 
the  appointment  in  reference  to  the  raising  collections  for  the  fund  be  carefully 
observed  for  the  future. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  the  fund  meet  at  eight  o'clock,  to-morrow, 
ante  merid.  together  with  the  commissioners  of  the  Synod. 

Messrs.  Andrews,  Cross,  Dickinson,  Pierson,  Craighead,  and  Gillespie, 
appointed  to  be  the  commissioners  of  the  Synod  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  last  year  to  go  to  New  York,  bring 
in  their  minutes  relating  to  that  affair  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  to-morrow,  ante  meridiem. 

\^th  day,  ten  d clock,  A.  M.  post  preces,  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Agreed  that  the  interest  of  Mr.  William  Tennent's  bond  be  remitted  till 
this  time.  Agreed  to  take  Mr.  Tennent's  own  bond  for  that  money  due  to  the 
Synod  for  which  Mr.  McNish's  estate  was  engaged. 

Ordered  that  the  committee  meet  at  four  o'clock. 

Adjourned  till  five  o'clock,  pos<  merid. 

At  Jive  o'clock,  P.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  last  Synod  to  meet  at  New  York,  in  order  to 
inspect  into  the  affairs  of  that  congregation,  as  also  to  consult  about  Mr.  Pem- 
berton's  admission  as  a  member  of  the  Synod,  having  produced  their  minutes, 


1728.]  SYNOD  OF  PIIILADELPniA.  g^ 

and  the  said  minutes  being  read  and  considered,*  the  following  questions  were 
proposed  to  the  vote  of  the  Synod. 

1.  Whether  the  comuiittee  had  authority  from  the  Synod  to  consider  the 
admission  of  Mr.  Pemberton  as  a  member  of  the  Synod,  without  previously 

•  The  miuutes  of  the  committee  that  met  at  New  York,  November  15,  1727. 

New  York,  November  15,  1727. 

According  to  the  appointment  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  the  committee  for  the  affair 
of  the  Presbyterian  congregation  at  New  York,  convened  at  New  York  the  time  above 
mentioned,  ubi post preces  sederunt,  Messrs.  Morgan,  Pierson,  Webb,  and  Jonathan  Dick- 
inson.    Mr.  Pierson  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Dickinson  clerk. 

Mr.  Webb  having  at  the  Synod  last  sitting  at  Philadelphia,  signed  a  protestation  and 
withal  declared  his  purpose  to  join  no  more  with  the  Synod,  he  does  now  before  this 
committee  retract  that  his  declaration  of  withdrawal  from  the  Synod,  and  declare  his 
future  purpose  of  continuing  a  member  of  and  joining  with  the  Synod. 

Adjourned  till  five  o'clock,  post  merid. 

At  five  o'clock,  post  merid.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

After  hearing  several  debates  between  Dr.  NicoU  and  some  others  that  offered  com- 
plaints against  Dr.  NicoU,  the  committee  saw  it  necessary  to  put  off  the  further  consid- 
eration thereof  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock. 

\(Jth  day  at  nine  o'' clock,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  between  Dr.  NicoU  and  some  others  of  this  congregation  being  reassxuned, 
the  Committee  found  it  necessary  to  defer  it  till  the  next  sederunt. 
Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  post  merid. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  having  used  their  endeavours  to  procure  a  reconciliation  between  Dr. 
NicoU  and  Masters  Liddell,  Blake,  and  Ingliss,  and  to  have  the  differences  between  them 
relating  to  the  Presbyterian  church  at  New  York  amicably  healed,  have  the  satisfaction 
and  comfort  of  their  coming  now  into  an  happy  agreement  on  these  following  terms. 

1.  That  Masters  Liddel,  Blake,  and  Ingliss,  shall,  as  soon  as  with  convenieney  it  can 
be  done,  make  over  and  convey  all  their  right,  title,  and  interest  in  the  Presbyterian 
church  or  meeting-house  in  New  York,  to  the  Rev.  Masters  William  Mitchell,  William 

Wisheart,    William   Hamilton, Miller,  and Hart,   ministers  in  Edinburgh,  in 

North  Britain,  and  to  Dr.  John  NicoU  abovesaid,  in  trust  for  the  use  of  the  Presbyterian 
Congregiition  in  New  York,  and  to  and  for  no  other  use  whatsoever.  And  that  by  the 
same  instrument  of  conveyance,  they  authorize  and  impower  the  Presbytery  of  Edin- 
burgh, for  the  time  being,  from  time  to  time,  and  at  any  time  hereafter,  to  appoint  and 
put  in  trust,  under  their  hands  and  seals,  whomsoever  they  shall  think  proper,  in  the 
room  and  place  and  with  the  full  power  and  authority  of  any  of  the  said  gentlemen 
above  mentioned,  upon  his  or  their  death,  and  of  all  of  them  successively  upon  their 
decease. 

2.  That  Dr.  NicoU  do  cancel  and  make  void  what  bonds  of  the  said  Liddel,  Blake,  and 
Ingliss,  he  has  in  his  hands,  either  given  to  him  by  them,  or  assigned  to  him  by  any 
others  that  were  given  on  account  of  the  said  Presbyterian  church  or  meeting-house  in 
New  York,  and  that  he  free  and  indemnify  them  from  all  former  obligations  to  him  on  ac- 
count of  said  church,  and  particularly  from  a  bond  conjunctly  given  by  him  and  them 
unto  Mr.  Samuel  Bayard. 

3.  That  the  said  Dr.  NicoU  do  give  a  bond  of  two  thousand  pounds  to  the  above  mentioned' 
ministers  of  Edinburgh,  that  neither  he  nor  his  heirs  shall  alienate  his  or  their  right, 
title,  or  interest,  in  the  above  mentioned  church,  or  meeting-house,  or  the  ground  there- 
unto belonging,  from  the  use  of  a  Presbyterian  congregation  in  New  York,  for  ever.  And 
also  that,  as  soon  as  the  said  Dr.  NicoU  shall  be  paid  and  reimbursed  what  is  due  to  him 
on  account  of  the  said  church,  or  meeting-house,  and  ground,  that  he  will  also  make 
over  his  right  and  interest  in  the  said  house  and  ground,  to  the  above  mentioned  minis- 
ters of  Edinburgh,  in  the  same  form,  and  to  the  same  intents  and  purposes  as  the  said 
Liddel,  Blake,  and  Ingliss,  shaU  do.  And  also,  that  Dr.  NicoU  shall  oblige  himself  by  a 
bond  of  five  hundred  pounds,  to  be  given  to  Masters  John  Pierson,  Ptobert  Cross,  and 
Jonathan  Dickinson,  that,  notwithstanding  his  mortgage  upon  the  said  church,  or  meeting- 

12 


90  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1728. 

considering  what  the  Presbytery  of  Long-Island  had  to  offer  in  that  affair.  Car- 
ried in  the  negative  by  a  great  majority. 

2.  Whether  the  Synod  approve  of  the  conduct  of  the  committee  with  relation 
to  the  divisions  of  the  said  congregation.  Carried  in  the  affirmative  nemine 
contradicente. 

3.  Whether  Mr.  Pemberton  be  allowed  as  a  member  of  this  Synod,  by  virtue 
of  what  the  committee  has  done.     Carried  in  the  negative. 

4.  Whether  notwithstanding  of  all  the  irregularity  that  was  in  the  accession 
of  Mr.  Pemberton  to  New  York,  the  Synod  do  now  accept  him  as  a  member. 
Carried  in  the  affirmative  nemine  contradicente. 

And  it  is  left  to  Mr.  Pemberton  and  the  congregation,  to  join  what  Presby- 
tery they  shall  think  fit.  ^ 

Diverse  papers  of  complaint  against  Mr.  Morgan  were  read,  the  consideration 
of  them  deferred  till  to-morrow. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  to-morrow,  A.  M. 

20^^  day  at  eight  o'clock,  ante  merid.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
The  affair  of  Mr.  Morgan  reassumed,  and  the  further  consideration   of  it 
deferred  till  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

At  three  d clock,  P.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

As  to  the  accusations  against  Mr.  Morgan,  the  Synod  judges  in  the  several 
articles  as  followeth. 

As  to  the  first  article  the  Synod  judges  that  Mr.  Morgan's  declaration  of  his 
judgment  in  that  affair  is  satisfactory. 

house,  he  will  concur  -with  such  men  as  the  said  ministers  of  Edinburgh  shall  ap- 
point, in  the  sale  of  such  pews  in  the  said  church  as  shall  be  ordered  to  be  sold  by  the 
major  part  of  the  said  Presbyterian  congregation  in  New  York. 

4.  It  is  also  agreed  by  Dr.  Nicoll,  that  no  reparation  or  addition  shall  be  made  to  the 
said  church  without  the  consent  and  direction  of  the  major  part  of  the  congregation,  and 
upon  their  charge. 

5.  It  is  agreed,  that  the  congregation  shall,  if  they  please,  by  a  majority  of  votes, 
choose  five  men  as  public  managers  or  representatives.  And  the  said  Dr.  Nicoll  does 
also  agree  that  whosoever  of  the  congregation  desires  it,  shall  have  copies  at  their  own 
charge,  of  whatever  papers  are  now  in  his  hands  that  refer  to  the  building  of  the  Pres- 
byterian church  in  New  York. 

As  an  evidence  that  the  abovesaid  Masters  Liddel,  Blake,  and  Ingliss,  do  consent  and 
agree  to  all  the  abovesaid  articles,  they  hereunto  set  their  hands  in  the  presence  of  the 
committee. 

John  Nicoll, 
Thomas  Ingliss, 
John  Blake, 
Joseph  Liddell. 
Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o'clock.  » 

17  day,  at  nine  o^ clock,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Being  proposed  to  the  committee,  and  agreed  upon  by  Dr.  Nicoll  and  several  members 
of  the  congregation,  that  there  be  two  men  chosen  by  the  congregation  to  account  with 
said  Dr.  Nicoll,  from  time  to  time,  for  whatever  money  he  shall  receive  towards  the  pay- 
ment of  the  debt  due  to  him  from  the  church,  the  committee  approve  of  the  overtui-e  and 
recommend  it  to  the  congregation. 

Mr.  Pemberton  appearing  before  this  committee  and  desiring  admission,  as  a  member 
of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  promised  upon  such  admission  all  subjection  to  the  said 
Synod  in  the  Lord,  the  committee  can  see  no  reason  why  such  admission  should  be  re- 
fused or  delayed,  and  do  therefore  admit  him  as  a  member  of  the  said  Synod. 

The  committee  having  received  a  letter  from  the  commission  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Church  of  Scotland,  wrote  an  answer  thereunto,  representing  thereby  the  present 
state  of  the  congregation  of  New  York,  and  then  concluded. 


1728.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  91 

As  to  the  second  article  the  Synod  judges  that  it  laid  no  foundation  for  a 
public  accusation. 

As  to  the  third  article,  the  Synod  agree  that  Mr.  Morgan's  answer  in  refer- 
ence thereto  is  sufficient,  and  that  the  accusers  had  no  just  ground  of  separa- 
tion on  that  score. 

As  to  the  fourth  article,  1.  The  Synod  do  bear  their  strongest  testimony 
against  the  practice  of  judicial  astrology.  2.  That  the  Synod  think  they  have 
sufficient  evidence  that  Mr.  Morgan  is  far  from  approving  that  art,  and  has 
given  all  his  accusers  sufficient  grounds  of  satisfaction  in  that  matter,  both  pub- 
licly and  privately.  8.  The  Synod  judge  Mr.  Morgan's  accusers  to  be  very 
culpable  in  bringing  in  this  article  against  him,  when  they  have  sat  peaceably 
under  his  ministry,  and  partook  with  him  in  sealing  ordinances  many  years 
after  the  things  were  done  that  they  complain  of.  4.  And  after  all,  the  Synod 
cannot  clear  Mr.  Morgan  from  imprudence  and  misconduct  in  making  the  two 
alleged  experiments  of  that  kind,  if  the  reports  be  true,  were  his  ends  never 
so  good  and  laudable. 

As  to  the  fifth  article,  although  the  Synod  do  not  approve  promiscuous 
dancing,  yet  they  judge  it  a  clear  indication  of  the  captious  and  querulous 
spirit  of  Mr.  Morgan's  accusers,  that  they  offisr  such  a  complaint  against  him. 

As  to  the  sixth  article,  the  Synod  have  satisfying  evidence  that  the  accusa- 
tion is  false  in  fact. 

As  to  the  seventh  article,  it  also  appears  to  the  Synod,  (notwithstanding  any 
evidence  brought  to  confirm  it,)  to  be  a  groundless  prosecution  against  one, 
who  has  ever  been  esteemed  a  temperate  man.  However,  if  there  be  any 
other  evidence  against  Mr.  Morgan  in  this  article,  as  is  alleged  by  some  of  his 
accusers,  they  may  offer  such  evidence  to  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  to 
which  Mr.  Morgan  belongs. 

There  being  an  overture  presented  to  the  Synod  in  writing,  having  reference 
to  the  subscribing  of  the  Confession  of  Faith,  &c.  the  Synod  judging  this 
to  be  a  very  important  affair,  unanimously  concluded  to  defer  the  considera- 
tion of  it  till  the  next  Synod ;  withal  recommending  it  to  the  members  of  each 
Presbytery  present  to  give  timeous  notice  thereof  to  the  absent  members,  and 
it  is  agreed  that  the  next  be  a  full  Synod. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

21st  day  at  nine  ddock,  A.  M.  post preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  having  referred  the  consideration  of  an 
appeal,  from  sundry  persons  excommunicated  by  Mr.  Jones,  to  the  Synod, 
the  Synod  have  deferred  the  same  till  Monday  morning  at  ten  o'clock,  in  order 
that  Mr.  Jones  may  have  notice  thereof;  also  ordered,  that  the  appellant  give 
Mr.  Jones  an  account  of  this  minute  this  day. 

The  Synod  having  considered  the  affair  of  the  people  that  appealed  to  them 
from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  came  to  this  conclusion,  that  the  minutes 
of  the  last  year's  Synod  with  respect  to  them  be  complied  with ;  and  further 
agree  that  they  shall  build  no  other  meeting-house  in  another  place  besides 
that  chosen  by  them,  without  the  approbation  of  the  Presbytery  or  Synod 
first  obtained. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  on  Monday  morning. 

23f?  day,  at  eight  dcloch,  A.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
Letters  came  to  the  Synod  from  Mrs.  Catharine  Wood,  who  stands  excom- 
municated by  the  Baptist  Church  in  Philadelphia,  complaining  against  the 
censure  of  that  Church,  and  desiring  the  Synod  to  relieve  her ;  which  being 
considered  by  an  interloquitur  of  the  Synod,  it  was  agreed  that  a  letter  should 
be  writ  to  that  church,  desiring  a  conference  between  three  or  four  of  them  and 


92  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1729. 

as  many  of  us  relating  to  that  affair ;  which  letter  being  wrote  and  delivered, 
and  no  answer  from  them  yet  come,  the  Synod  agreed  to  leave  the  considera- 
tion of  any  answer  that  might  be  brought,  and  what  else  may  occur  about  that 
matter,  to  the  management  of  the  commission  of  the  Synod,  the  time  of  the 
Synod's  sitting  being  near  expired. 

The  Synod  having  received  several  letters  from  sundry  persons  at  New  York, 
full  of  complaints  against  diverse  persons,  without  timeously  advertising  said 
persons  thereof,  for  ought  that  we  know,  that  they  might  take  measures  to 
justify  themselves,  the  Synod  would  take  no  cognizance  of  these  complaints 
by  reason  of  the  absence  of  the  parties  complained  of,  but  remit  them  to  the 
Presbytery,  which  the  congregation  shall  be  annexed  unto  by  their  own  choice, 
to  inspect  into  these  matters,  fend  withal  do  earnestly  request  all  parties  there 
to  lay  aside  all  heats  and  animosities,  and  endeavour  for  peace  as  much  as  pos- 
sible. In  the  mean  time  the  Synod  allows  the  complainants,  viz  :  Masters 
Blake,  Ingliss,  and  Liddell,  to  join  with  any  neighbouring  congregation  of  our 
communion,  as  to  sacramental  communion,  until  said  differences  are  happily 
removed.  And  it  is  the  advice  of  the  Synod,  that  the  contending  parties  there 
about  accounts,  do  choose  suitable  persons  to  adjust  and  settle  them.  And  for 
the  demand  of  Mr.  Anderson  of  money,  that  he  says  is  due  to  him,  the  Synod 
do  earnestly  recommend  it  to  the  congregation  to  inspect  into  that  affair,  Mr. 
Anderson  being  willing  to  refer  his  demand  to  the  judgment  of  any  prudent 
indifferent  persons,  that  themselves  shall  choose,  which  in  the  judgment  of 
the  Synod  is  so  fair  on  his  side,  that  they  cannot  but  think  it  must  needs  lead 
to  an  end  of  that  ditferenee. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

At  three  o^ clock,  P.  31.  post  pi'eces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Six  persons  that  were  excommunicated  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Malachi  Jones, 
namely,  George  Renock  and  his  wife,  Robert  Poke,  William  Renock  and  his 
wife,  and  Henry  Jameson,  appealing  to  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  from 
the  sentence  of  excommunication  passed  against  them,  and  the  Presbytery 
having  referred  that  matter  to  the  determination  of  the  Synod  ;  after  hearing 
two  of  the  appellants  and  two  of  Mr.  Jones's  church,  (whereof  one  was  an 
elder,)  declaring  what  they  knew  of  the  offences  charged  against  the  appel- 
lants, as  also  read  and  considered  the  extract  of  the  minutes  of  the  excommu- 
nication ;  the  Synod,  after  due  deliberation,  came  to  this  conclusion :  That 
whereas  the  appellants  do  fi*eely  own,  in  their  own  names,  and  in  the  names 
of  them  that  are  absent,  their  breaking  away  from  the  communion  of  Mr. 
Jones's  church,  without  previous  application  made  for  certificates  of  dismis- 
sion, was  a  disorder  and  a  fault  for  which  they  are  very  sorry,  and  do  ask  for- 
giveness of  God  and  all  those  that  they  did  offend  by  this  disorderly  step ;  the 
Synod  does  appoint,  that  upon  -their  acknowledging  this  their  offence,  by  a 
writing  read  or  offered  to  be  read  in  Mr.  Jones's  congregation,  the  said  appel- 
lants shall  be  absolved  from  the  aforesaid  sentence,  and  so  be  free  to  join  with 
what  congregation  they  please. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  September  next,  and  then  to  meet  at 
Philadelphia  at  11  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1729. 

September  17th,  1729. 
The  Synod  met  according  to  appointment,  uhi post  preces  sederunt 
Ministers :  Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Thomas  Craighead,  John  Thom- 
son, James  Anderson,  John  Pierson,  Samuel  Gelston,  Joseph  Houston,  Gil- 
bert Tcunent,  Adam  Boyd,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  John  Braduer,  Hutchinson, 
Thomas  Evans,  Daniel  Elmer,  Stevenson,  William  Tenncnt,  Hugh  Conn, 
John  Orme,  George  Gillespie,  John  Willson. 


1729.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  93 

Elders  :  Messrs.  John  Budd,  William  Blair,  John  Allen,  James  Galbreath, 
Moses  Rolf,  John  Thomson,  John  Devor,  Solomon  Carpenter,  William  Wil- 
liams, Edmund  Crapper,  Jonathan  Fithian,  George  Renocks,  John  Cross. 

Ministers  absent :  Masters  Joseph  Morgan,  Pemberton,  Cross,  Webb, 
Pumry,  Stewart,  and  Hook. 

J\Ir.  Andrews  opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon  on  Col.  iii.  17. 

Mr.  Anderson  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Evans  clerk. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

18  daij,  at  ci(jlit  o'clock,  A.  M.  j^ost  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  Synod  be  read. 

In  calling  over  the  roll  we  found  that  since  our  last  the  Rev.  Mr.  Malachi 
Jones,  heretofore  a  member  with  us,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Archibald  McCook, 
were  departed  this  life. 

The  Synod  inquiring  into  the  reasons  of  the  absence  of  Mr.  Parris,  were 
informed  that  he  is  disorderly  withdrawn,  and  gone  to  New  England,  under 
the  imputation  of  scandal,  and  it  is  ordered,  that  Mr.  Dickinson  do  write  a 
letter  to  Boston  relating  the  circumstances  of  said  affair. 

Masters  Andrews,  Dickinson,  Thomson,  Pierson,  Craighead,  Conn,  Budd, 
and  the  moderator,  be  a  committee  for  the  fund,  or  any  other  business  that  the 
Synod  shall  recommend  unto  them. 

Masters  Houston  and  Bradner  ordered  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, and  Masters  Gilbert  Tennent  and  Elmer  to  revise  the  Presbytei'y 
book  of  New  Castle.     The  Presbytery  book  of  Long  Island  was  absent. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  collections  for  the  fund,  it  was  found 
that  the  members  have  been  generally  defective  in  that  matter,  and  it  was  re- 
commended that  the  appointment  in  reference  to  the  raising  collections  for  the 
fund,  be  carefully  observed  for  the  future,  and  that  the  Synod's  letter  relating 
to  it  be  read  yearly  in  the  congregations  within  our  bounds  as  formerly. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  the  fund  meet  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  tO' 
gether  with  the  commission  of  the  Synod. 

Masters  Andrews,  Cross,  Dickinson,  Pierson,  Craighead,  and  Gillespie, 
appointed  to  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  ensuing  year. 

The  affair  relating  to  the  confession  under  our  consideration  since  our  last, 
is  referred  to  the  committee  to  draw  up  an  overture  upon  it. 

Inquiry  being  made  with  respect  to  Mrs.  Catharine  Wood,  it  was  found 
that  endeavours  had  been  used  in  order  to  accommodate  said  affair,  but  to  little 
purpose  hitherto ;  and  the  said  affair  is  wholly  left  to  the  management  of  any 
Presbytery  to  which  she  shall  apply,  as  they  shall  see  cause.  And  the  better 
to  enable  the  said  Presbytery  to  conduct  themselves  in  it,  the  Synod,  having 
been  informed  that  her  old  friends,  the  Baptists,  say  that  they  have  nothing  to 
object  against  her,  and  that  any  other  society  are  at  liberty  to  receive  her,  if 
they  shall  see  cause,  they  do  judge  that  she  is  virtually  released  from  the  cen- 
sure she  laid  under,  and  therefore  that  she  may  be  received  as  a  member  of  a 
Christian  church,  if  the  differences  between  her  husband  and  her  were  accom- 
modated, for  any  thing  that  appears  to  them. 

The  Synod  being  informed  that  our  former  minute  relating  to  arrears  claimed 
by  Mr.  Anderson  from  the  congregation  at  New  York,  was  not  complied 
with,  they  do  recommend  the  said  afiair  to  the  inspection  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Philadelphia. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

19  day,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  our  last  sederunt  be  read. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  John  Willson  coming  providentially  into  these  parts,  signify- 


94  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1729 

ing  his  desire  of  being  admitted  as  a  member  of  the  Synod,  his  credentials 
being  read,  and  the  Synod  satisfied  therewith,  he  was  unanimously  received. 

The  committee  brought  in  an  overture  upon  the  afi'air  of  the  confession, 
which,  after  long  debating  upon  it,  was  agreed  upon  in  hsec  verba. 

Although  the  Synod  do  not  claim  or  pretend  to  any  authority  of  imposing 
our  faith  upon  other  men's  consciences,  but  do  profess  our  just  dissatisfaction 
with,  and  abhorrence  of  such  impositions,  and  do  utterly  disclaim  all  legisla- 
tive power  and  authority  in  the  Church,  being  willing  to  receive  one  another 
as  Christ  has  received  us  to  the  glory  of  Grod,  and  admit  to  fellowship  in 
sacred  ordinances,  all  such  as  we  have  grounds   to  believe  Christ  will  at  last 
admit  to  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  yet  we  are  undoubtedly  obliged  to  take  care 
that  the  faith  once  delivered  ts  the  saints  be  kept  pure  and  uncorrupt  among 
us,  and  so  handed  down  to  our  posterity;  and  do  therefore  agree  that  all  the 
ministers  of  this  Synod,  or  that  shall   hereafter  be  admitted  into  this  Synod, 
shall  declare  their  agreement  in,  and  approbation  of,  the  Confession  of  Faith, 
with  the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms  of  the  Assembly  of  Divines  at  West- 
minster, as  being  in  all  the  essential  and  necessary  articles,  good  forms  of 
sound  words  and  systems  of  Christian  doctrine,  and  do  also  adopt  the  said 
Confession  and  Catechisms  as  the  confession  of  our  faith.     And  we  do  also 
agree,  that  all  the  Presbyteries  within  our  bounds  shall  always  take  care  not 
to  admit  any  candidate  of  the  ministry  into  the  exercise  of  the  sacred  function 
but  what  declares  his  agreement  in  opinion  with  all  the  essential  and  neces- 
sary articles  of  said  Confession,  either  by  subscribing  the  said  Confession  of 
Faith   and  Catechisms,  or  by  a  verbal   declaration  of  their  assent  thereto,  as 
such  minister  or  candidate  shall  think  best.     And  in  case  any  minister  of  this 
Synod,  or  any  candidate  for  the  ministry,  shall  have  any  scruple  with  respect 
to  any  article  or  articles  of  said  Confession  or  Catechisms,  he  shall  at  the 
time  of  his  making  said  declaration  declare  his  sentiments  to  the  Presbytery  or 
Synod,  who  shall,  notwithstanding,  admit  him  to  the  exercise  of  the  ministry 
within  our  bounds,  and  to  ministerial  communion,  if  the  Synod  or  Presbytery 
shall  judge  his  scruple  or  mistake  to  be  only  about  articles  not  essential  and 
necessary  in  doctrine,  worship,  or  government.     But  if  the  Synod  or  Presby- 
tery shall  judge  such  ministers  or  candidates  erron&ous  in  essential  and  neces- 
sary articles  of  faith,  the  Synod  or  Presbytery  shall  declare  them  uncapable  of 
communion  with  them.     And  the  Synod  do  solemnly  agree,  that  none  of  us 
will  traduce  or  use  any  opprobrious  terms  of  those  that  diifer  from  us  in  these 
extra-essential  and  not  necessary  points  of  doctrine,  but  treat  them  with  the 
same  friendship,  kindness,  and  brotherly  love,  as  if  they  had  not  differed  from 
us  in  such  sentiments. 

Mr.  Morgan  sent  a  letter  to  the  Synod  giving  his  reasons  for  his  absence, 
which  were  sustained. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  our  last  sederunt  be  read. 

All  the  ministers  of  this  Synod  now  present,  except  one  that  declared  him- 
self not  prepared,  viz.  Masters  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Thomas  Craighead,  John 
Thomson,  James  Anderson,  John  Pierson,  Samuel  Gelston,  Joseph  Houston, 
Gilbert  Tennent,  Adam  Boyd,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  John  Bradner,  Alexan- 
der Hutchinson,  Thomas  Evans,  Hugh  Stevenson,  William  Tennent,  Hugh 
(]onn,  George  Gillespie,  and  John  Willson,  after  proposing  all  the  scruples 
that  any  of  them  had  to  make  against  any  articles  and  expressions  in  the 
Confession  of  Faith  and  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms  of  the  Assembly 
of  Divines  at  Westminster,  have  unanimously  agreed  in  the  solution  of  those 
scruples,  and  in  declaring  the  said  Confession  and  Catechisms  to  be  the  con- 


1729.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPIIIA.  95 

fession  of  their  faith,  excepting  only  some  clauses  in  the  twentieth  and  twenty- 
third  chapters,  concerning  which  clauses  the  Synod  do  unanimously  de- 
clare, that  they  do  not  receive  those  articles  in  any  such  sense  as  to  suppose 
the  civil  magistrate  hath  a  controlling  power  over  Synods  with  respect  to  the 
exercise  of  their  ministerial  authority ;  or  power  to  persecute  any  for  their 
religion,  or  in  any  sense  contrary  to  the  Protestant  succession  to  the  throne  of 
Great  Britain. 

The  Synod  observing  that  unanimity,  peace,  and  unity,  which  appeared  in 
all  their  consultations  and  determinations  relating  to  the  afiair  of  the  Confes- 
sion, did  unanimously  agree  in  giving  thanks  to  God  in  solemn  prayer  and 
praises. 

A  supplication  from  the  congregation  of  New  London,  as  also  another  sup- 
plication from  the  congregation  of  Upper  Elk,  being  read  and  heard,  the  con- 
sideration of  them  was  delayed  till  our  nest. 

Ordered,  That  Masters  William  Tennent,  and  Gilbert  Tennent,  Willson,  and 
Elmer,  be  a  committee  to  inspect  into  the  business  between  Mr.  Bradner  and 
Samuel  Nealy,  which  was  transmitted  from  the  committee  to  the  Synod. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

20th  day  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  our  last  sederunt  be  read. 

The  affair  of  New  Loudon  and  the  congregation  of  Upper  Elk  was  reassumed, 
and  after  a  long  debate  and  deliberate  consideration  upon  it,  the  Synod  agreed 
to  abate  half  a  mile  of  the  distance  from  the  meeting-house  of  Upper  Mk, 
under  which  they  were  limited  by  a  former  act  of  the  Synod  for  building  of  a 
new  meeting-house. 

Application  from  the  people  of  Wallakill  being  presented  to  the  Synod  by 
their  commissioner,  John  McNeal,  representing  their  request  of  supplies  of 
preaching  among  them,  they  were  recommended  to  the  care  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Philadelphia. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  Monday  morning. 

22fZ  doT/,  at  ten  o'clocJc,  A.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  our  last  sederunt  be  read. 

The  committee  appointed  to  inspect  into  the  affair  between  Mr.  Bradner  and 
Samuel  Nealy,  brought  in  their  determination  upon  it,  which  was  approven  by 
the  Synod,  and  is  as  follows.  Whereas  the  reverend  Synod  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  hear  and  oifer  an  overture  upon  an  affair  in  debate  between  Samuel 
Nealy  and  his  wife  on  the  one  part,  and  John  Carpenter,  belonging  to  Mr. 
Bradner's  charge,  on  the  other  part,  issuing  in  the  said  Nealy  and  his  wife 
their  exclusion  from  sealing  ordinances ;  it  is  humbly  offered,  that  according 
to  what  appears  to  said  committee,  it  is  by  them  resolved,  that  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Bradner  release  said  Nealy  and  his  wife  from  the  censure  they  are  laid  under, 
they  returning  cheerfully  and  fully  to  their  duty,  and  that  mutual  amity  and 
Christian  affection  be  exercised  towards  each  other  by  all  parties  concerned 
with  relation  to  this  affair. 

A  motion  being  made  to  know  the  Synod's  judgment  about  the  directory, 
they  gave  their  sense  of  that  matter  in  the  following  words,  viz  :  The  Synod 
do  unanimously  acknowledge  and  declare,  that  they  judge  the  directory  for 
worship,  discipline,  and  government  of  the  church,  commonly  annexed  to  the 
Westminster  Confession,  to  be  agreeable  in  substance  to  the  word  of  God,  and 
founded  thereupon,  and  therefore  do  earnestly  recommend  the  same  to  all 
their  members,  to  be  by  them  observed  as  near  as  circumstances  will  allow, 
and  Christian  prudence  direct. 

Overtured  That  the  Synod  do  bear  their  testimony  against,  and  declare 


m  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1730. 

their  great  dissatisfactioQ  at  the  religious  law-suits  that  are  maintained  among 
professors  of  religion,  so  contrary  to  that  peace  and  love  which  the  gospel 
requires,  and  the  express  direction  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  1  Cor.  vi.  1,  2,  3,  and 
consequently  very  much  to  the  scandal  of  our  holy  profession.  And  that, 
therefore,  the  Synod  do  recommend  to  all  the  ministers  within  our  bounds,  to 
use  their  utmost  endeavour  to  bring  their  several  and  respective  congregations 
into  a  joint  agreement  to  avoid  to  their  utmost  all  unnecessary  law-suits  for 
the  future,  and  to  refer  such  diflferences  as  cannot  be  easily  accommodated 
between  the  parties  themselves,  to  some  prudent,  religious,  and  indifferent 
friends,  if  it  may  be  of  our  own  profession,  mutually  chosen  by  the  contend- 
ing parties,  or  otherwise,  as  such  society  shall  think  best,  to  decide  and  deter- 
mine such  differences.  This  ^overture  was  approved  by  the  Synod  nemine 
contradicente. 

Mr.  Gelston  representing  to  the  Synod,  the  desire  of  the  congregation  of 
New  London  to  have  indifferent  men  chosen  for  a  perambulation  in  order  to 
accommodate  the  situation  of  a  meeting-house  for  them,  which  being  put  to 
vote,  was  carried  in  the  negative.  Upon  which  there  was  a  protest  presented 
against  the  proceeding  of  the  Synod  in  this  affair,  signed  by  Robert  Finney  and 
James  Muir. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

At  three  o'cloch,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  Synod  be  read. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  September  next,  and  then  to  meet  a 
full  Synod  at  Philadelphia,  at  eleven  o'clock,  ante  meridiem.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

1730. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  appointment, 

September  \Qth,  1730.      Vhi  post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers :  Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Thomas  Craighead,  John  Thom- 
son, James  Anderson,  John  Pierson,  Samuel  Gelston,  Joseph  Houston,  Wil- 
liam Tennent,  David  Evans,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Adam  Boyd,  Alexander  Hutch- 
inson, Joseph  Morgan,  Daniel  Elmer,  Thomas  Evans,  Ebenezer  Pemberton, 
Ebenezer  Goold. 

Elders :  Messrs.  John  Budd,  John  Montgomery,  James  Turner,  Robert 
Finney,  William  Miller,  James  Whitehead,  Francis  Alexander,  William  Brad- 
ford, Nathaniel  Hazzard,  Alexander  White. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Cross,  Dickinson,  Conn,  Orme,  Stevenson,  Stewart, 
Bradner,  Webb,  Pumry,  Hook,  and  Wilson. 

Mr.  William  Tennent  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Houston  clerk. 

Mr.  Anderson,  the  last  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon  on 
1  Tim.  vi.  20. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  Synod  be  read. 

The  reasons  of  Mr.  Pemberton's  absence  last  year  sustained. 

Mr.  Dickinson  being  absent  there  could  be  no  account  of  his  writing  to  New 
England  in  relation  to  Mr.  Parris  his  irregular  withdrawing,  according  to  the 
last  year's  appointment. 

Masters  Andrews,  Thomson,  Pierson,  Craighead,  Anderson,  and  the  mo- 
derator, appointed  to  be  a  committee  for  the  fund,  and  for  any  other  business 
that  the  Synod  shall  recommend  unto  them. 

Masters  Boyd  and  Hutchinson  ordered  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of 
Philadelphia.  The  Presbytery  book  of  New  Castle  not  being  filled  up,  was 
not  brought. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  collections  for  the  fund,  it  was  found 


1730.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  97 

that  Masters  Gillespie,  Pierson,  Boyd,  and  Houston,  had  brought  collections 
•which  are  to  be  delivered  to  the  committee  for  the  fund.  And  it  is  agreed  that 
the  collections  for  the  fund  be  continued  yearly. 

Masters  Andrews,  Cross,  Dickinson,  Pierson,  Craighead,  and  Gillespie,  ap- 
pointed to  be  the  commissioners  of  the  Synod  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Ordered,  That  the  commissioners  of  the  Synod  report  what  they  have  done 
since  the  last  Synod,  after  the  minutes  are  read. 

A  letter  from  Mrs.  Catharine  Wood  to  the  Synod ;  the  Synod  refers  the  con- 
sideration of  said  letter  to  the  committee  of  the  Synod. 

The  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  what  was  ordered  by  the  last 
Synod  in  relation  to  New  York  congregation  and  Mr.  Anderson,  is  happily  ac- 
commodated. 

Mr.  Elmer  desiring  time  last  Synod  to  consider  of  the  Synod's  declaring  to 
the  Westminster  Confession  and  Catechisms,  &c. ;  and  Mr.  Morgan  and  Mr. 
Pemberton  being  absent,  do  all  now  report  that  they  have  declared  before  the 
Presbytery,  and  desire  that  their  names  be  inserted  in  our  Synodical  records. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  meet  to-morrow  at  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.  and  the 
Synod  at  ten  o'clock,  ante  merid. 

VI th  day  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M. post pi-eces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 

Mr.  Hook  and  Mr.  Webb  sent  their  letters  of  excuse  for  their  absence,  which 
were  sustained.  Mr.  Cross'  letter  of  excuse  for  this  year's  absence  was  not 
sustained. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Andrews  write  to  Mr.  Bradner,  that  the  plain  intent  and 
meaning  of  the  last  year's  minute,  with  respect  to  him  and  Samuel  Nealy  and 
his  wife,  was,  that  there  should  be  no  censure  upon  Nealy,  for  things  past,  but 
that  NeaJy's  returning  to  his  duty,  was,  Ms  returning  to  a  Christian  deport- 
ment to  Mr.  Bradner  as  a  minister  of  the  gosjyel,  and  accordingly  Mr.  Brad- 
ner was  to  treat  him.  And  it  is  the  judgment  of  the  Synod,  that  he  the  said 
Nealy,  be  received  to  communion  unless  new  matter  of  scandal  appear  against 
him. 

Upon  the  reading  of  our  last  year's  minutes  in  relation  to  the  situation  of 
Mr.  Gelston's  meeting-house,  that  was  represented  to  the  Synod  by  several 
members  of  the  New  Castle  Presbytery,  that  Mr.  Gelston's  people  have  not 
fulfilled  the  order  of  the  Synod  as  to  the  moving  of  their  meeting-house,  having 
entered  their  protest  against  the  Synod's  proceedings  in  relation  thereunto. 
The  Synod,  after  much  discourse  upon  this  aifair,  at  last  came  to  this  resolu- 
tion, viz :  that  certain  persons  be  appointed  to  perambulate  the  bounds  and 
confines  of  Mr.  Houston's  and  Mr.  Gelston's  congregations,  and  to  make  a 
representation  of  what  discoveries  they  can  make,  in  order  to  bring  the  matter 
of  diiference  between  those  congregations  to  an  amicable  accommodation ;  and 
if  Mr.  Gelston's  congregation  will  cordially  encourage  and  support  said  per- 
sons appointed  so  to  perambulate,  and  also  submit  to  the  judgment  of  the 
Synod  in  pursuance  of  said  perambulation,  well;  but  if  Mr.  Gelston's  congre- 
gation will  either  not  encourage,  support,  and  assist  said  perambulation,  and 
do  not  agree  and  submit  to  the  judgment  of  the  Synod  in  pursuance  of  said 
perambulation,  then  the  said  congregation  from  thenceforth,  shall  not  be  es- 
teemed by  this  Synod  as  an  orderly  congregation,  until  they  by  testifying  their 
repentance,  give  reasonable  satisfaction  to  this  Synod.  And  in  this  perambula- 
tion respect  is  to  be  had  also  to  Mr.  Boyd's  congregation. 

Mr.  David  Evans  having  withdrawn  from  the  Synod  three  years  ago,  upon 

a  protest  put  in  by  him  and  some  other  brethren,  declared  his  hearty  concern 

for  his  withdrawal,  and  desired  to  be  received  as  a  member  again.     And  he 

having  proposed  all  the  scruples  he  had  to  make  about  any  articles  of  the 

13 


98  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1730. 

Confession  and  Catechisms,  &c.  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Synod,  and  declared 
his  adopting  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith  and  Catechisms,  agreeable 
to  the  last  year's  adopting  act ;  he  was  unanimously  received  in  as  a  member 
again ;  and  for  his  ease  is  joined  to  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia. 
Adjourned  till  five  of  the  clock,  post  meridiem. 

At  five  of  the  cloch,  P.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  our  last  sederunt  be  read. 

Mr.  John  Budd  and  Mr.  Edward  Shippen,  of  Philadelphia;  John  Parry, 
jun'r.  and  James  David,  of  Mr.  David  Evans's  congregation;  and  Thomas 
James  and  Joseph  Thomas  of  Mr.  Thomas  Evans's  congregation,  are  appointed 
by  the  Synod  to  perambulate  tlxe  bounds  of  Mr.  Gelston's  congregation,  accord- 
ing to  the  above  minute ;  and  these  gentlemen  are  to  have  previous  and  timeous 
notice  from  Mr.  Gelston's  congregation ;  which  was  agreed  by  the  Synod 
nemine  contradicente. 

Overtured,  with  respect  to  Mrs.  Catharine  Wood,  that  she  may  be  admitted 
to  communion  for  the  present,  till  something  further  appear  than  has  yet 
appeared  against  her;  which  overture  was  approved  by  the  Synod  nemine 
contradicente. 

Whereas  some  persons  have  been  dissatisfied  at  the  manner  of  wording  our 
last  year's  agreement  about  the  Confession,  &c. ;  supposing  some  expressions 
not  sufficiently  obligatory  upon  intrants;  overtured,  that  the  Synod  do  now 
declare,  that  they  understand  these  clauses  that  respect  the  admission  of  in- 
trants or  candidates  in  such  a  sense  as  to  oblige  them  to  receive  and  adopt  the 
Confession  and  Catechisms  at  their  admission  in  the  same  manner  and  as  fully 
as  the  members  of  the  Synod  did  that  were  then  present.  Which  overture  was 
unanimously  agreed  to  by  the  Synod. 

Thomas  Caldwell's  affair  came  under  consideration,  which  was  deferred  until 
to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow,  a.nte  meridiem. 

\%th  day  at  ten  dcloch. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 

The  affair  of  Thomas  Caldwell  reassumed,  wherein  he  complains  of  the 
records  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  for  charging  him  as  a  contentious 
person;  the  Synod  after  long  debate,  and  hearing  all  that  Thomas  Caldwell 
had  to  advance,  it  was  carried  by  a  plurality  of  votes,  that  he,  the  said  Thomas 
Caldwell,  should  acquiesce  in  the  credentials  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle 
has  given  him. 

The  Synod  having  received  a  letter  from  New  Castle  on  behalf  of  Mr.  John 
Wilson,  soliciting  that  something  might  be  done  to  remove  some  misunder- 
standings between  the  congregation  there  and  the  Presbytery,  respecting  the 
conduct  of  that  Presbytery  with  relation  to  him  ;  this  brought  on  a  discourse 
about  Mr.  Wilson's  behaviour  and  character,  and  the  transactions  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  New  Castle,  pursuant  to  the  account  they  had  of  him ;  and  the 
members  of  that  Presbytery  having  acquainted  the  Synod  by  word  and  writ- 
ing of  their  carriage  towards  him,  the  Synod  do  judge  that,  as  far  as  things 
appear  to  us,  they  are  not  chargeable  with  any  severity  to  him,  but  rather  the 
contrary. 

A  letter  from  Scotland  referred  to  the  committee  of  overtures,  to  bring  in  an 
overture  upon  it. 

Adjourned  to  four  o'clock,  post  meridiem. 

At  four  d  clock,  P.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 
The  commissioners  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church  of  Scotland; 


1731.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  99 

having  sent  over  an  cstract  of  their  act  relating  to  securing  the  fobrick  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  at  New  York,  to  the  use  of  a  Presbyterian  church  for 
ever;  and  having  ordered  Dr.  Nicoll,  to  whom  it  was  sent,  to  show  the  same 
to  the  Synod  of  their  bounds,  it  was  accordingly  done ;  and  the  Synod  found, 
by  the  testimony  of  two  of  the  proprietors  of  that  house,  that  it  is  secured 
according  to  the  terms  of  their  act. 

Dr.  John  Nicoll  having  wrote  to  the  Synod,  about  a  certain  parcel  of  com- 
munion-table linen,  which  Mr.  Anderson  has  now  in  possession,  alleging  that 
Mrs.  Burnet,  that  was  the  tirst  owner,  gave  said  linen  to  him  the  said  Ander- 
son, for  the  benefit  of  the  church  whereof  he  is  or  shall  be  minister ;  it  is 
alleged  to  the  contrary  by  Dr.  Nicoll  by  letter.  The  Synod  could  not  deter- 
mine any  thing  in  said  afiPair,  but  leave  it  to  the  clearest  proof. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow,  seven  o'clock,  ante  meridiem. 

Idih  day  at  seven  o'clock,  A.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  siipra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 

A  letter  from  the  commissioners  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  church  of 
Scotland  to  this  Synod,  relating  to  some  money  willed  by  the  late  Rev.  Dr. 
Daniel  Williams,  for  the  propagating  of  Christian  knowledge  in  foreign  parts ; 
the  said  letter  was  read,  and  much  discourse  passed  relating  thereunto ;  the 
Synod  came  to  this  resolution,  that  Masters  Andrews,  Anderson,  Thomson,  and 
Budd,  deliberate  and  write  to  the  commissioners  of  the  said  General  Assembly, 
as  likewise  to  the  brethren  in  New  England ;  which  writing  is  left  to  the  pru- 
dence of  the  said  committee. 

Agreed  that  the  respective  collections  for  the  fund  for  the  year  ensuing,  may 
be  disposed  of  according  to  the  discretion  of  the  ministers  and  sessions  of  the 
several  congregations,  and  that  they  give  an  account  of  what  they  do  that  way 
to  the  next  Synod. 

It  is  agreed  by  the  Synod,  that  Mr.  John  Peter  Miller,  a  Dutch  probationer, 
lately  come  over,  be  left  to  the  care  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  to  settle 
him  in  the  work  of  the  ministry. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Robert  Gordon  to  Masters  Andrews  and  Cross,  relating 
to  Mr.  John  Wilson,  read  and  considered ;  the  remains  of  that  affair  not  yet 
considered,  are  left  to  the  discretion,  care,  and  prudence  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia. 

A  supplication  from  Crosswick  being  read  and  considered,  it  is  ordered  that 
Mr.  Andrews  write  to  said  people  at  his  discretion. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  a  new  erection  at  Boston,  being  read  and 
considered,  it  was  ordered  that  Mr.  Craighead  write  an  answer  to  said  letter. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  Philadelphia  brought  in  and  approved. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  7br.  next,  at  eleven  of  the  clock, 
ante  merid.  and  then  to  meet  at  Philadelphia  a  full  Synod.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

At  a  Synod  held  at  Philadelphia, 

September  15th,  1731.     Post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers :  Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Thomas  Craighead,  John  Thomson, 
John  Pierson,  Samuel  Gelston,  William  Tennent,  David  Evans,  George  Gil- 
lespie, Gilbert  Tennent,  Adam  Boyd,  Joseph  Morgan,  Henry  Hook,  Ebenezer 
Goold,  Joseph  Webb,  Robert  Cross,  Alexander  Hutchinson. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Thomas  Craig,  James  Montgomery,  John  McClenaghan, 
William  Emmitt,  James  Abraham,  James  Kerr,  Francis  King,  Abraham 
Reevs,  John  Richy,  Peter  Bushell. 


100  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1731. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  James  Anderson,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Hugh 
Conn,  John  Orme,  Stevenson,  Stewart,  John  Bradner,  Pumry,  Wales,  Thomas 
Evans,  Pemberton,  Elmer,  Houston. 

Mr.  Joseph  Morgan  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Andrews  clerk. 

Mr.  William  Tennent,  the  moderator  of  the  last  Synod,  opened  the  Synod 
with  a  sermon  from  1  Pet.  i.  21. 

Mr.  Dickinson's  reasons  of  his  absence,  sent  by  Mr.  Webb,  were  sustained. 
Likewise  Mr.  Anderson's  reasons  of  his  absence  per  letter  were  sustained. 
Mr.  Houston  being  not  well,  his  absence  was  excused. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  Synod  ordered  to  be  read. 

Masters  Andrews,  Thomson,  Pierson,  Craighead,  Boyd,  Cross,  and  the  mod- 
erator, appointed  to  be  a  comiiiittee  for  the  fund,  and  for  any  other  business 
that  the  Synod  shall  recommend  unto  them. 

IMasters  Thomson  and  Boyd,  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of 
Philadelphia. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  New  Castle  was  not  brought,  the  clerk  being 
absent. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  got  collections  for  the  fund,  it  was  found  that 
Mr.  Andrews,  Mr.  Thomson,  Mr.  Gillespie,  and  Mr.  Cross,  had  brought 
collections ;  and  that  Mr.  Pierson's  and  Mr.  Webb's  congregations  had  made 
collections  and  disposed  of  them  for  the  relief  of  indigent  places,  agreeable  to 
a  vote  of  the  last  Synod.  And  it  was  earnestly  recommended  by  the  Synod 
to  all  their  members,  to  use  their  diligence  that  the  yearly  collections  for  the 
fund  may  be  duly  minded,  that  said  collections  may  not  drop,  as  there  seems 
danger  that  they  may,  in  case  better  care  be  not  taken  than  has  been  for  some 
years  past. 

The  committee  for  the  fund  appointed  to  meet  at  eight  o'clock,  to-morrow 
morning. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

16  day  at  10  o'clock,  j^ost  preces  sederunt  qui  mj^ra. 

Mr.  Pumry's  excuse  for  his  absence  sent  by  letter  was  sustained. 

Masters  Andrews,  Cross,  Dickinson,  Pierson,  Craighead,  and  Grillespie, 
appointed  to  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mr.  Cross's  reasons  of  his  absence  last  year  being  minuted  as  not  sus- 
tained, the  Synod  declare  themselves  now  fully  satisfied  with  Mr.  Cross  in  that 
matter. 

Inquiry  being  made  of  Mr.  Robert  Cross,  as  to  his  opinion  relating  to  the 
Synod's  agreement  with  reference  to  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith,  &c. 
the  said  Mr.  Cross  did  declare  his  hearty  concurrence  with  what  the  Synod  had 
done  in  that  affair,  and  that  he  did  accept  of  and  adopt  the  said  Confession  of 
Faith  and  Catechisms,  as  the  confession  of  his  faith. 

A  letter  of  complaint  brought  in  by  Samuel  Nealy  against  Mr.  John  Brad- 
ner,  was  deferred. 

The  affair  relating  to  Mr.  Gelston's  meeting-house  coming  again  before  the 
Synod,  the  said  affair  was  deferred. 

The  Synod  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  William  Grant,  president  of  the  so- 
ciety for  propagation  of  (jhristian  knowledge  in  Scotland;  and  another  from 
the  reverend  associated  ministers  of  Boston,  in  New  England,  (in  answer  to 
theirs  to  them  last  Synod,)  both  of  said  letters  bearing  relation  to  the  will  of 
Dr.  Daniel  Williams  of  London,  deceased,  the  said  letters  were  read  and  or- 
dered to  be  kept  in  retentis. 

Adjourned  till  thi-ee  o'clock,  post  meridiem. 


1732.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  101 

At  3  o'clock  P.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  ordered  to  be  read. 

The  affair  depending  between  3Ir.  Bradner  and  Samuel  Nealy  further 
delayed. 

The  Synod  having  considered  the  affair  of  Mr.  Gelston's  meeting-house, 
find  that  the  perambulation  appointed  last  year  was  not,  in  all  respects,  ob- 
served, as  likewise  that  no  damage,  as  appears  to  us,  has  hitherto  accrued  to 
31r.  Houston's  congregation  by  reason  of  the  said  meeting-house  standing 
where  it  is,  to  prevent  which  was  the  chief  reason  that  moved  the  Synod  to 
make  the  former  act  fixing  the  distance  between  the  two  meeting-houses,  do 
now  agree  that  Mr.  Gelston's  meeting-house  shall  stand  where  it  is,  -without 
any  further  dispute  about  it. 

This  above  minute  being  put  to  vote,  approve  or  not,  it  was  carried  in  the 
affirmative  by  a  great  majority. 

An  interloquitur  of  the  Synod  appointed  to  be  to-morrow  morning  at  eight 
o'clock. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

At  ten  o'clock,  post  jyreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  interloquitur  was  attended  according  to  appointment. 

The  affair  between  JMr.  Bradner  and  Samuel  Nealy  was  reassumed,  and 
after  long  reasoning  upon  it,  the  Synod  came  to  this  conclusion :  That,  not- 
withstanding a  former  minute  of  the  Synod,  whereby  that  affair  was  deter- 
mined as  things  then  appeared,  yet  they  have,  for  sundry  good  reasons, 
judged  it  expedient,  that  there  be  a  hearing  of  that  matter  again  upon  the  spot; 
and  therefore  appointed  a  committee  of  the  Synod  to  go  to  Goshen  with  the 
full  power  of  the  Synod  to  hear  and  determine  that  business.  The  persons 
appointed  for  said  committee  are  Mr.  Andrews,  Mr.  Cross,  Mr.  Dickinson,  3Ir. 
Pierson,  Mr.  "Webb,  Mr.  Pumry,  and  Mr.  Pemberton,  or  any  three  of  them, 
though  it  is  expected  they  will  all  use  their  diligence  to  go.  The  time  of 
meeting  to  be  the  third  Wednesday  of  May  next. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  September  next,  at  two  o'clock,  P.  M., 
and  then  to  meet  at  Philadelphia. 

At  a  Synod  held  at  Philadelphia, 

September  IQth,  1732.     Post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers  present :  Messrs.  Thomas  Craighead,  Jedidiah  Andrews,  John 
Thomson,  John  Pierson,  William  Tennent,  George  Gillespie,  Joseph  Morgan, 
James  Anderson,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  John  Cross,  Hugh  Conn,  John  Orme, 
William  Stewart,  Eleazar  Wales,  Ebenezer  Pemberton,  Joseph  Houston,  Kich- 
ard  Treat,  Robert  Cathcart,  William  Orr,  William  Bertram. 

Elders  present :  3Iessrs.  William  McMaughan,  Hugh  Scott,  William  G-ray, 
Andrew  Hamilton,  John  Neven,  Eobert  Linton,  Abednego  Thomas,  William 
Blair,  James  Donald. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Samuel  Gelston,  David  Evans,  Gilbert  Tennent, 
Adam  Boyd,  Henry  Hook,  Ebenezer  Goold,  Bobert  Cross,  Alexander  Hutch- 
inson, Hugh  Stephenson,  Samuel  Pumry,  John  Bradner,  Thomas  Evans,  Daniel 
Elmer,  Joseph  Webb,  Nathaniel  Hubbell. 

Mr.  Stewart  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Dickinson  clerk. 

Mr.  Morgan,  the  last  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon  from  Psal. 
cxxxviii.  2. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  William  Bertram  desiring  admission  into  this  Synod,  and 
producing  most  ample  testimonials  from  the  Presbytery  of  Bangor,  in  Ireland, 
of  his  ordination,  ministerial  qualifications,  and  regular  Christian  conversation, 


102  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1732 

after  his  declaring  his  full  and  free  assent  unto  the  Westminster  Confession 
and  Catechisms  as  the  confession  of  his  faith,  the  Synod  unanimously  and 
cheerfully  complied  with  his  desire  of  admission  as  a  member  of  this  Synod. 

The  moderator  and  Mr.  Orme  not  having  opportunity  before,  either  in  Pres- 
bytery or  Synod,  did  now  declare  their  hearty  assent  unto  the  Confession  of 
Faith  and  Catechisms  of  "Westminster,  adopting  them  as  the  confession  of 
their  faith. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  Synod  be  read. 

The  moderator,  with  Messrs.  Orme,  Houston,  Pemberton,  and  Wales, 
offered  the  reasons  of  their  absence  from  the  Synod  last  year,  which  were 
sustained. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  tb-morrow  morning. 

21  day.     At  9  o'clock,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Webb's  reasons  of  his  absence,  by  Mr.  Dickinson,  and  Mr.  David 
Evans's  reasons  for  his  absence,  sent  by  letter,  were  sustained. 

Masters  Andrews,  Thomson,  Pierson,  Craighead,  Anderson,  and  Dickinson, 
appointed  to  be  a  committee  for  the  fund,  and  for  any  other  business  that  the 
Synod  shall  recommend  unto  them. 

Mr.  Houston  and  Mr.  Conn  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of 
Philadelphia. 

Mr.  Andrews  and  Mr.  Dickinson  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of 
New  Castle. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  collections  for  the  fund,  it  was  found  that  Mr. 
Gillespie  had  brought  something.  And  it  is  further  most  earnestly  recom- 
mended by  the  Synod  to  take  care  that  the  yearly  collections  for  the  fund  be 
not  forgotten,  but  that  the  respective  congregations  be  earnestly  pressed  by  the 
ministers  to  exercise  their  charity  in  this  matter. 

The  committee  for  the  fund  appointed  to  meet  at  two  o'clock,  j)ost  merid. 

Masters  Andrews,  Cross,  Dickinson,  Pierson,  Craighead,  and  Houston,  ap- 
pointed to  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Inquiry  being  made  of  the  committee  appointed  to  go  to  Goshen  in  May 
last,  it  was  found  that  by  reason  of  the  great  progress  of  the  small-pox  on  the 
road,  and  some  other  reasons,  the  appointment  was  not  attended.  It  is  there- 
fore now  recommended  to  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  to  take  care  of  that 
affair,  and  pursue  the  most  probable  methods  to  heal  the  unhappy  breach  be- 
tween Mr.  Bradner  and  Samuel  Nealy,  if  that  difference  be  not  already  ac- 
commodated. 

Adjourned  till  four  o'clock,  P.  M. 

At  four  o'clock,  P.  31.  post  jjrcces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  John  Cross  having  but  this  day  been  made  a  member  of  the  Synod, 
and  withdrawing  to  return  home  without  acquainting  the  Synod  therewith,  is 
voted  to  be  disorderly  and  irregular. 

It  being  overtured  by  the  committee  of  overtures,  that  an  erection  of  a  new 
Presbytery  in  Lancaster  county,  should  be  appointed  by  the  Synod,  it  was 
voted  by  a  great  majority,  that  Masters  Anderson,  Thomson,  Boyd,  Orr,  and 
Bertram,  be  members  of  a  Presbytery  by  the  name  of  Dunagall  Presbytery. 

The  Synod  for  some  reasons,  thought  fit  to  defer  the  revisal  of  the  Presby- 
tery books  until  the  next  year. 

Voted  by  the  Synod,  ncmine  contradicente,  that  Mr.  Orr  preach  to-morrow 
night. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  September  next,  at  two  o'clock, 
P.  M.  and  then  to  meet  at  Philadelphia. 


1733.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  103 

1733. 

At  a  Synod  held  at  Philadelphia, 

September  19 (li,  1733.       Post  jyreces  sederunt 

Ministers  :  Messrs.  Thomas  Craighead,  Jedidiah  Andrews,  John  Thomson, 
John  Pierson,  Joseph  Morgan,  James  Anderson,  Eleazer  Wales,  Joseph  Hous- 
ton, Piichavd  Treat,  Daniel  Elmer,  George  Gillespie,  William  Tennent,  Robert 
Cathcart,  William  Orr,  William  Bertram,  Samuel  Gelston,  David  Evans,  Adam 
Boyd,  Alexander  Hutchinson,  Hugh  Stevenson,  Thomas  Evans,  Benjamin 
Campbell,  John  Nutman,  Gilbert  Tennent. 

Elders  present :  Messrs.  William  Gray,  John  Caldwell,  Thomas  Mitchell, 
llobert  McNight,  James  Abraham,  Thomas  Bees,  James  Young,  Benjamin 
Jones,  William  Bateman,  John  Kirkpatrick,  Robert  Boyd,  William  Stinson, 
Alexander  White,  Abraham  Kitchell,  Robert  Jameson,  George  Renocks,  James 
Wallace. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  John  Cross,  Hugh  Conn, 
John  Orme,  William  Stewart,  Ebenezer  Pemberton,  Henry  Hook,  Ebenezer 
Goold,  Robert  Cross,  Samuel  Pumry,  Joseph  Webb,  Nathaniel  Hubbell. 

JMr.  Stewart,  the  last  year's  moderator,  being  absent  through  indisposition, 
Mr.  Thomson  opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon  from  Jer.  xvii.  9. 

The  roll  being  called  over  it  was  found  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Bradner  was 
dead  since  our  last  Synod. 

Mr.  Joseph  Houston  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Evans  clerk. 

Messrs.  Stewart,  Webb,  and  Hook,  sent  letters  to  excuse  their  absence, 
which  were  approven.  And  upon  the  representation  made  by  Mr.  Treat  and 
others,  of  the  reasons  of  the  absence  of  Mr.  John  Cross,  he  was  excused  for 
his  absence  this  year.  The  reasons  of  the  absence  of  Mr.  Robert  Cross,  sent 
by  letter,  not  being  satisfactory,  the  consideration  of  his  absence  both  last  year 
and  this,  were  deferred  till  our  next. 

Ordered,  That  our  last  year's  minutes  be  read. 

Masters  Boyd,  Hutchinson,  Stevenson,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Gelston,  Elmer,  and 
Thomas  Evans,  gave  the  reasons  of  their  absence  last  year,  which  were  sustained. 

Masters  Andrews,  Thomson,  Pierson,  Craighead,  Anderson,  Boyd,  and  the 
moderator,  appointed  to  be  a  committee  for  the  fund,  and  any  business  that  the 
Synod  shall  recommend  unto  them. 

Masters  Gillespie  and  Hutchinson  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book 
of  Philadelphia. 

The  Presbytery  books  of  New  Castle  and  Dunagall  being  absent,  Ordered, 
That  they  be  brought  at  our  next  Synod. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  meet  at  eight  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  ten  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning. 

20fh  dai/,  at  fen  o'clock,  ante   meridiem,  post  ji^'eces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  our  last  sederunt  be  read. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  collections  for  the  fund,  it  was  found 
that  Masters  Thomson,  Anderson,  Gillespie,  Boyd,  and  Thomas  Evans,  had 
brought  something.  And  it  being  found  that  most  of  our  members  had  ne- 
glected in  times  past  to  bring  collections,  it  was  ordered,  that  every  member  of 
the  Synod  do  use  their  endeavoui's  with  their  respective  congregations,  to  bring 
collections  yearly  to  the  fund,  and  that  in  order  to  their  greater  success,  every 
member  who  hath  not  yet  had  a  copy  of  the  Synod's  letter  relating  to  that 
aflfair,  shall  not  fail  to  procure  one,  and  improve  it  with  their  respective  congre- 
gations and  sessions,  according  to  the  design  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  the  commission  of  the  Synod  bring  in  an  account  of  their 
management  with  respect  to  the  fund,  at  our  next  sederunt. 

Masters  Andrews,  Anderson,  Gillespie,  Robert  Cross,  Dickinson,  Pierson, 


104  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1733. 

Craigheadj  and  the  moderator,  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year 
ensuing. 

Inquiry  being  made  of  the  difference  between  Mr.  Bradner  and  Samuel 
Nealy,  it  was  reported  that  some  time  before  Mr.  Bradner's  death  the  breach 
between  them  was  made  up ;  the  said  Nealy  submitting  to  the  S^Tiod's  deter- 
mination. 

The  further  consideration  of  Mr.  John  Cross  his  withdrawing  from  the  Synod 
last  year,  deferred  to  our  next. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

At  three  d clock,  P.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  commission  of  the  Synodh  for  liist  year  brought  in  an  account  of  their 
management  with  respect  to  the  fund,  which  being  read  was  approved. 

Upon  a  supplication  of  the  people  of  Trenton,  presented  to  the  Synod  by 
the  committee  of  the  Synod,  it  was  recommended  by  said  committee,  that  the 
commission  of  the  Synod  do  allow  something  out  of  the  fund  to  Trenton,  as 
to  them  shall  appear  needful,  when  they  are  settled  with  a  minister;  which 
overture  being  read  was  approved  by  the  Synod,  ncmine  contradicentc. 

The  affair  of  Hanover  coming  under  consideration,  and  many  papers  being 
read  to  give  light  to  the  Synod  in  that  affair,  it  was  agreed  that  the  committee 
bring  in  an  overture  on  said  business  at  our  next  sederunt. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  meet  at  eight  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  tUl  ten  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning. 

21  day,  at  ten  d clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sedei-unt  qui  siipra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  our  last  sederunt  be  read. 

The  committee  having  spent  much  time  in  reasoning  on  the  affair  of  Hano- 
ver committed  to  them,  at  length  agreed  upon  an  overture  on  it  in  the  follow- 
ing articles,  viz. 

First,  That  the  Synod  look  upon  the  practice  of  submitting  of  congrega- 
tional affairs  to  the  decision  of  a  lot,  though  accompanied  with  sacred  solem- 
nity, to  be  unwarrantable,  inasmuch  as  lots  are  only  waiTantably  used  to  de- 
cide matters  that  can't  be  otherwise  determined  in  a  rational  way  ;  particularly 
by  applying  to  higher  judicatories. 

Secondly,  The  Synod  do  think  that  in  their  present  circumstances  of  povei-ty 
and  weakness,  it  might  be  very  advisable  for  the  people  of  West  Hanover, 
at  least  for  some  time,  to  join  themselves  with  the  congregations  of  East 
Hanover,  and  Basking  Bidge,  as  may  be  most  convenient,  until  they,  as  well 
as  the  said  neighbouring  congregations,  be  more  able  to  subsist  of  themselves 
separately.  Yet  in  the  mean  time,  as  the  case  now  stands  with  that  people, 
if  re-union  between  East  and  West  Hanover  be  found  impracticable,  according 
to  our  above  advice,  the  Synod  judge  that  the  people  of  West  Hanover  be 
left  to  their  liberty  to  erect  themselves  into  a  separate  congregation.  Withal 
we  earnestly  obtest  and  beseech,  that  nothing  be  done  in  that  affair  that  may 
have  a  tendency  to  hurt  the  interest  of  religion  in  those  places,  so  far  as 
in  them  lies. 

The  above  overture  being  read,  was  approven  by  a  great  majority  of  votes. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M. 

At  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qtii  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 

Mr.  Andrews  having  made  a  motion  to  the  committee  of  overtures,  that  an 
assistant  be  allowed  unto  him  in  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  this  city  ;  and  the 
committee  after  discoursing  upon  it,  having  recommended  the  consideration 
thereof  to  the  Synod,  upon  this  proviso,  that  if  the  said  motion  be  allowed  or 


1733.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  105 

approved,  there  be  first  a  sufficient  provision  made  for  an  honourable  main- 
tenance of  Mr.  Andrews,  during  his  continuance  among  this  people ;  tlie  Synod 
entered  upon  the  consideration  of  said  motion,  and  after  considerable  discourse 
upon  it,  it  was  put  to  the  vote,  whether  Mr.  Andrews  should  be  allowed  to 
have  an  assistant,  if  first  sufiicient  provision  be  made  for  his  honourable  main- 
tenance during  his  life  among  them,  and  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative, 
ncmine  contradlcente. 

It  is  further  Ordered,  by  the  Synod,  That  the  committee  of  overtures  meet 
this  evening,  and  consult  about  what  may  be  necessary  to  prepare  a  way  for 
putting  the  said  motion  into  execution,  as  well  as  to  prepai-e  other  business  for 
the  Synod. 

The  committee  ordered  to  meet  at  eight  of  the  clocji  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

22  day.     At  ten  o'clock,  A.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 

The  committee  reported  that  the  afiair  of  Mr.  Andrews's  motion  for  an 
assistant  is  yet  under  consideration. 

Upon  an  overture  to  the  Synod  in  pursuance  of  an  order  of  the  committee 
to  that  purpose,  viz.  to  use  some  proper  means  to  revive  the  declining  power 
of  godliness,  the  Synod  do  earnestly  recommend  it  to  all  our  ministers  and 
members,  to  take  particular  care  about  ministerial  visiting  of  families,  and  press 
family  and  secret  worship,  according  to  the  Westminster  Directory,  and  that 
they  also  recommend  it  to  every  Presbytery,  at  proper  seasons  to  inquire  con- 
cerning the  diligence  of  each  of  their  members  in  such  particulars. 

This  overture  was  approved,  nemine  contradicente. 

Ordered,  That  each  Presbytery  take  a  copy  of  said  overture,  together  with 
this  order,  and  insert  the  same  in  their  Presbytery  books. 

Upon  an  overture  of  the  committee  to  the  Synod,  concerning  a  representa- 
tion of  Mr.  Hugh  Stevenson,  respecting  harsh  and  injurious  usage  which  he 
met  with  from  some  gentlemen  in  Virginia,  the  Synod  ordered  Mr.  Stevenson 
to  lay  a  representation  thereof  before  them,  which  he  accordingly  did  in  writ- 
ing. And  after  hearing  the  same,  and  reasoning  upon  it,  it  was  agreed  that  a 
letter  be  writ  by  the  Synod,  and  sent  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church 
of  Scotland,  together  with  a  copy  of  Mr.  Stevenson's  representation,  in  order 
to  use  our  interest  with  that  venerable  Assembly  for  our  being  assisted  with 
money  from  the  societies  for  the  propagation  of  religion,  or  elsewhere  to  enable 
us  to  maintain  some  itinerant  ministers  in  Virginia  or  elsewhere ;  as  also  to 
procure  their  assistance  to  obtain  the  favourable  notice  of  the  government  in 
England,  so  as  to  lay  a  restraint  upon  some  gentlemen  in  said  neighbouring 
province,  as  may  discourage  them  from  hampering  such  itinerant  ministers  by 
illegal  prosecutions ;  and  if  it  may  be,  to  procure  some  assistance  from  his 
majesty  for  our  encouragement  by  way  of  regium  donuni. 

Ordered,  That  Masters  Andrews,  Anderson,  Thomson,  and  Stevenson, 
write  the  above  letter,  and  bring  it  into  the  Synod  to  be  approved  on  Monday 
morning. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  meet  at  eight  of  the  clock  on  Monday 
morning. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  on  Monday  morning. 

24i;7i  day,  at  ten  of  the  cloclc,  A.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

An  overture  being  brought  in  from  the  committee  of  overtures  about  the 
ascertaining  Mr.  Andrews  his  maintenance,  in  case  of  an  assistant,  the  Synod 
had  long  discourse  about  the  whole  afi'air,  and  also  had  conference  with  some 
14 


106  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1733 

gentlemen  members  of  this  congregation,  and  at  last  agreed  upon  the  following 
conclusion. 

First,  That  the  congregation  be  allowed  to  call  an  assistant  to  Mr.  An- 
drews. 

Secondly,  That  in  order  to  secure  Mr.  Andrews's  maintenance,  those  gen- 
tlemen who  have  expressed  a  desire  of  an  assistant,  shall  not  diminish,  but 
rather  strive,  and  as  much  as  may  be,  increase  their  own  subscriptions  to  him 
on  their  part ;  neither  shall  they  endeavour  to  alienate  any  of  the  present  sub- 
scription of  the  congregation  from  Mr.  Andrews.  And  inasmuch  as  the  pre- 
sent subscription  appears  scanty,  that  all  care  shall  be  taken  to  get  new  sub- 
scriptions to  Mr.  Andrews. 

Thirdly,  That  he  shall  also  have  all  the  monthly  collections. 

This  was  agreed  to,  nonine  contradicente. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M. 

At  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered  that  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 

An  overture  from  the  committee  upon  a  motion  of  a  member  of  the  Presby- 
tery of  Philadelphia,  that  the  said  Presbytery  be  divided  into  two  Presbyteries. 
The  Synod  approved  of  the  said  motion,  and  it  is  agreed  that  Messrs.  Jedi- 
diah  Andrews,  Morgan,  Evans,  William  Tennent,  Treat,  Elmer,  Goold,  and 
Wales,  be  members  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  and  that  the  rest  of  the 
members  now  in  said  Presbytery  be  the  Presbytery  of  East  Jersey. 

Overtured,  That  something  be  allowed  to  the  congregations  of  Basking- 
ridge  and  Perth- Amboy,  in  pursuance  of  their  applications  for  that  purpose, 
in  order  to  assist  them  in  defraying  the  charges  of  their  meeting-houses.  And 
also  something  to  a  student.  AH  which  was  referred  to  the  committee  of  the 
fund. 

Overtured,  That  something  be  allowed  out  of  the  fund  to  three  ministers' 
widows,  which  was  also  referred  to  the  committee  of  the  fund. 

Mr.  Nutman  representing  to  the  Synod,  the  great  difficulties  he  is  fallen 
under,  as  to  his  continuing  pastor  of  the  congregation  of  East-Hanover,  by 
reason  of  the  division  and  discord  between  them  and  the  people  of  West- 
Hanover;  they, viz:  of  West-Hanover  being  allowed  by  this  Synod,  to  erect 
themselves  into  a  separate  congregation,  (in  case,  as  per  minutes  of  the  Synod,) 
the  Synod  considering  the  same,  do  earnestly  recommend  it  to  the  Presbytery 
of  East-New-Jersey  to  travail  with  the  people  of  West-Hanover  and  East- 
Hanover,  in  order  to  prevail  with  them  to  agree  upon  conditions  of  reunion, 
at  least  for  a  while,  until  they  be  better  able  to  subsist  apart.  But  if  the  Pres- 
bytery's endeavours  to  this  purpose  should  not  have  effect,  it  is  this  Synod's 
judgment,  that  a  dismission  may  be  granted  to  Mr.  Nutman  from  the  peo- 
ple of  East-Hanover,  by  the  said  Presbytery,  upon  his  application  for  the 
same. 

Masters  Andrews,  Thomson,  Anderson,  and  Stevenson,  brought  in  the  letter 
to  be  sent  to  the  General  Assembly  of  Scotland,  which  was  approved  of. 

Ordered,  That  two  copies  of  our  letter  from  this  Synod  to  the  Grcneral 
Assembly  of  the  church  of  Scotland,  be  sent  as  per  minutes,  and  that  Mr. 
Andrews  is  appointed  to  write  and  send  one,  and  Mr.  Stevenson  the  other. 

Ordered,  That  a  particular  account  of  the  state  of  the  fund  be  prepared  by 
the  commission  of  the  Synod,  in  order  to  bring  it  in  to  our  Synod  next  year, 
to  be  inserted  in  our  minutes. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  September  next,  at  two  of  the  clock, 
P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1734.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  107 

1734. 

At  a  Synod  held  at  Philadelphia, 

SqHanher  l%th,  1734.      Ubi  post preccs  sederunt 

Ministers :  Messrs.  Thomas  Craighead,  Jedidiah  Andrews,  John  Thomson, 
John  Pierson,  Joseph  Morgan,  James  Anderson,  Eleazar  Wales,  Joseph 
Houston,  Richard  Treat,  Daniel  Elmer,  William  Tennent,  Robert  Cathcart, 
William  Orr,  David  Evans,  Adam  Bojd,  Benjamin  Campbell,  Samuel  Hemp- 
hill,  John  Nutman,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  John  Cross,  Ebe- 
nczer  Pemberton,  Robert  Cross,  Samuel  Pumry,  Joseph  Webb,  Andrew 
Archbold,  James  Martin,  Robert  Jamison,  George  Gillespie,  Henry  Hook, 
Alexander  Hutchinson,  Ebcnezer  Goold. 

Elders :  Messrs.  William  Gray,  Andrew  Hamilton,  Alexander  McNight, 
Robert  lugliss,  James  Smith,  Charles  Hufty,  William  Ramsey,  William  Blair, 
David  Patterson,  James  Abraham,  James  Cochran,  Benjamin  Beech,  Matthias 
Hatfield,  Elias  Bailies,  Adam  Reukin. 

3Ir.  Ebenezer  Pemberton  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Daniel  Elmer 
clerk. 

3Ir.  Houston,  last  year's  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  by  a  sermon  from 
3!att.  V.  16. 

Messrs.  Andrews,  Thomson,  Pierson,  Craighead,  Anderson,  Boyd,  Gilles- 
pie, Dickinson,  and  Robert  Cross,  appointed  a  committee  for  the  fund,  and  any 
other  business  the  Synod  shall  recommend  unto  them. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  at  eight  of  the  clock. 

19  day,  at  ten  o'cloch,  j^ost  lyreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  last  year's  minutes  appointed  to  be  read. 

Ministers  absent :  Masters  Bertram,  Hugh  Stevenson,  Thomas  Evans,  Hugh 
Conn,  John  Orme,  William  Stewart,  Nathaniel  Hubbell. 

Mr.  Bertram  sent  reasons  of  his  absence,  which  were  sustained.  Messrs. 
Pemberton,  Dickinson,  and  Robert  Cross,  gave  the  reasons  of  their  absence 
last  year,  which  were  sustained. 

Mr.  Webb  and  Mr.  Nutman  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of 
New  Castle.  Messrs.  Orr  and  Campbell,  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of 
Philadelphia.  Messrs.  Houston  and  Pumry,  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book 
of  East  Jersey. 

The  order  with  respect  to  the  bringing  the  Presbytery  book  of  Dunagall, 
that  was  made  last  year,  is  renewed  now. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  collections  from  their  respective  con- 
gregations to  the  fund,  it  was  found  that  Messrs.  Andrews,  Thomson,  Pierson, 
Anderson,  Houston,  Treat,  William  Tennent,  Cathcart,  Orr,  Evans,  Boyd, 
Webb,  and  Hutchinson,  had  brought  something. 

Masters  Andrews,  Anderson,  Thomson,  Gillespie,  Robert  Cross,  Dickinson, 
Pierson,  Craighead,  and  the  moderator,  appointed  to  be  the  commission  of  the 
Synod  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mr.  John  Cross  having  given  the  reasons  of  his  withdrawing  from  the  Synod 
without  liberty,  the  year  before  last,  acknowledged  the  disorder  thereof,  which 
acknowledgment  was  accepted  by  the  Synod. 

Inquiry  being  made  with  respect  to  the  overture  made  last  Synod,  in  order 
to  revive  the  decaying  power  of  godliness ;  and  it  being  found  that  it  has  not 
yet  been  fully  put  into  execution,  the  Synod  do  not  only  renew  the  said  order, 
but  earnestly  obtest  every  of  our  brethren  of  the  ministry,  conscientiously  and 
diligently  to  pursue  the  good  designs  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  the  last  year's  minutes  with  relation  to  Mr.  Nutman  and  the 
people  of  Hanover,  be  further  considered. 


108  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1734. 

Ordered,  That  the  account  of  the  state  of  the  fund  be  brought  in  the  next 
sederunt. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  meet  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 
Adjourned  till  four  o'clock,  P.  M. 

At  four  0^ clock,  P.  31.  post  prcces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
Minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  ordered  to  be  read. 
The  affair  of  Mr.  Nutman  and  Hanover  continued. 

The  consideration  of  the  state  of  the  fund  continued.  t 

Adjourned  to  ten  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

20  day^  at  ten  o'cloch,  jwst  2'>reces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Nutman  further  continued.  The  consideration  of  the  state 
of  the  fund  further  continued. 

There  being  a  petition  from  the  people  of  Smithbury,  that  they  may  be  put 
under  the  Presbytery  of  East  Jersey,  the  Synod  complied  with  the  said  peti- 
tion, and  appointed  that  they  belong  accordingly  to  the  said  Presbytery. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Cross's  transportation  from  Jamaica  to  Philadelphia 
came  under  consideration,  and  accordingly  the  minutes  of  the  commission  of 
the  Synod,  and  of  the  committee  appointed  by  the  commission  relating  to  that 
affair  being  read,  and  the  commissioners  from  Philadelphia  and  Jamaica  being 
heard  at  length,  as  to  their  reasons  and  arguments  pro  and  con;  as  also  Mr. 
Cross  having  declared  himself  upon  that  affair,  wherein  he  devolved  himself 
wholly  upon  the  determination  of  the  Synod;  and  several  brethren  having 
proposed  queries  in  reference  to  the  several  arguments  pro  and  con,  in  order 
to  greater  light;  the  Synod  defer  the  further  consideration  of  the  whole  affair 
until  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

At  three  o'clocJc,  P.  M.  p)Ost  j^reces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Nutman  continued.  The  affair  of  the  fund  also  con- 
tinued. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Cross's  transportation  from  Jamaica  to  Philadelphia,  came 
again  under  consideration.  Upon  which  it  was  proposed  by  a  member  of  the 
Synod,  that  inasmuch  as  it  is  suggested  that  there  are  not  a  few  of  this  con- 
gregation who  desire  not  Mr.  Cross's  transportation  to  Philadelphia;  and  that 
this  congregation  may  not  be  cut  out  of  the  right  that  they  have,  according  to 
our  Presbyterian  constitution,  to  offer  their  objections ;  the  Synod  by  a  great 
majority  of  votes  agreed  that  this  affair  be  deferred  until  to-morrow  morning, 
and  that  public  advertisement  be  given  this  evening  to  this  congregation,  that 
if  there  be  any  of  this  congregation,  who  have  any  thing  to  object  against  Mr. 
Cross's  being  settled  here  at  Philadelphia,  they  may  appear  and  offer  what 
they  have  to  say  upon  this  affair,  that  the  Synod  may  judge  thereof  before 
they  proceed  to  determine  this  momentous  affair  by  vote. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

21  da^,  at  nine  o' clock,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  ordered  to  be  read. 

The  affairs  of  Mr.  Nutman  and  the  fund  yet  continued. 

Some  overtures  brought  in  by  Mr.  Gilbert  Tcnncnt,  deferred. 

The  affair  respecting  Mr.  Cross's  transportation  from  Jamaica  to  Phila- 
delphia rcassumed.  And  the  Synod  being  deeply  sensible  of  <«he  great  im- 
portance of  the  present  debate,  appointed  that  a  solemn  prayer  to  God  for 


1734.]  SYNOD  OF  PIIILADELPHIA.  109 

assistance  and  direction  be  made  before  we  enter  upon  the  consideration  of  it, 
and  another  prayer  before  we  proceed  to  a  vote,  which  were  accordingly  done; 
and  after  the  most  critical  examination  of  the  affair,  and  the  solemn  imploring 
the  divine  assistance,  the  matter  was  put  to  vote,  and  carried  against  Mr.  Cross's 
transportation. 

Adjourned  till  four  o'clock,  P.  31. 

At  four  o^chch,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 

Mr.  Nutman's  affair  still  continued;  and  the  affair  of  the  fund  continued; 
and  the  affair  of  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent,  respecting  the  overtures  brought  in  by 
him,  continued  till  Monday,  P.  M. 

The  Kev.  Mr.  Samuel  Hemphill,  being  recommended  by  the  Presbytery  of 
Straban,  in  Ireland,  to  all  their  reverend  brethren,  where  the  providence  of 
God  shall  call  him,  and  he  also  bringing  ample  and  satisfactory  certificates 
from  the  same  Presbytery,  of  his  qualifications  for  and  ordination  to  the  sacred 
ministry,  he  is,  upon  his  desire,  admitted  a  member  of  this  Synod,  and  recom- 
mended to  the  regards  and  assistance  of  whichsoever  of  our  Presbyteries  his 
abode  shall  be  fixed  among. 

An  appeal  being  brought  in  by  Masters  John  Kirkpatrick  and  John  Moor, 
from  the  Presbytery  of  Dunagall,  the  Synod  appointed  that  Messrs.  Jedidiah 
Andrews,  William  Tennent,  Richard  Treat,  Alexander  Hutchinson,  George 
Gillespie,  Thomas  Evans,  and  Henry  Hook,  be  a  committee  to  meet  at  Not- 
tingham on  the  first  Wednesday  of  November  next,  to  hear  the  said  appeal, 
and  to  determine  it  by  the  authority  of  the  Synod,  they  bringing  an  account 
of  their  transactions  therein  to  the  next  Synod.  And  the  Synod  do  also  em- 
power the  said  committee  to  hear  any  matter  de  novo,  that  shall  be  brought 
before  them  by  the  said  John  Kirkpatrick  and  John  Moor,  with  relation  to  the 
affair  aforesaid,  and  authoritatively  determine  thereupon ;  appointing  also, 
that  if  either  party  do  appeal  from  the  determination  of  the  said  committee, 
they  shall  enter  their  appeal  immediately,  that  it  may  be  finally  determined  by 
the  next  Synod. 

Adjourned  to  Monday  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M. 

23  dai/,  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  yet  continued. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Anderson,  Thomson,  Dickinson,  and  Cross,  draw  up 
an  overture  upon  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent's  overtures,  to  be  presented  to  the  Synod 
to-morrow  morning. 

Ordered,  That  the  Synod  make  a  particular  inquiry  during  the  time  of  their 
meeting  every  year,  whether  such  ministers  as  have  been  received  as  mem- 
bers since  the  foregoing  meeting  of  the  Synod,  have  adopted,  or  have  been  re- 
quired by  the  Synod,  or  by  the  respective  Presbyteries,  to  adopt  the  West- 
minster Confession  and  Catechisms  with  the  Directory,  according  to  the  acts 
of  the  Synod  made  some  years  since  for  that  purpose,  and  that  also  the  report 
made  to  the  Synod  in  answer  to  said  inquiry,  be  recorded  in  our  minutes. 

Mr.  Samuel  Pumry,  Mr.  James  Martin,  Mr.  Robert  Jamison,  and  Mr. 
Samuel  Hemphill,  declared  for,  and  adopted,  the  Westminster  Confession, 
Catechisms,  and  Directory  commonly  annexed,  the  former  as  the  confession  of 
their  faith,  and  the  latter  as  the  guide  of  their  practice  in  matters  of  discipline, 
as  far  as  may  be  agreeable  to  the  rules  of  prudence,  &c.  as  in  the  adopting  acts 
of  this  Synod  is  directed. 

Pursuant  to  act  of  Synod,  found  upon  inquiry  that  Mr.  William  Tennent, 
junior,  Mr.  Andrew  Archbold  ordained,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Blair  licensed,  did 


110  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1734. 

each  and  every  of  them  declare  their  assent  and  consent  to  the  "Westminster 
Confession  and  Catechisms,  and  Directory  annexed,  according  to  the  intent  of 
the  act  of  Synod  in  that  case  made  and  provided. 

Kesolved,  That  the  aiFair  of  Mr.  Nutman,  from  time  to  time  continued,  be 
first  considered  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

At  three  o'doch,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 

The  alFair  of  the  fund  continued. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Cross,  and  the  moderator,  as  soon  as  leisure  will 
permit,  do  write  a  letter  to  Col.  Ogden,  in  return  to  his  to  the  Synod  bearing 
date  September  16,  1734. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Nutman  and  the  people  of  Hanover  resumed,  and  after 
reading  our  last  year's  minutes,  and  Mr.  Dickinson  proposing  a  difficulty  con- 
cerning the  obligation  of  the  determination  by  the  lot  mentioned  in  said 
minutes,  whether  the  obligation  of  the  said  determination  yet  remains  binding 
upon  said  people,  the  Synod  after  much  discourse  and  reasoning  about  that 
matter,  at  length  came  to  a  judgment  in  the  following  propositions. 

1.  That  the  Synod  look  upon  the  obligation  of  a  determination  of  a  difference 
by  a  lot,  to  be  sacred  and  binding  upon  the  conscience,  if  the  matter  so  deter- 
mined be  lawful  and  practicable,  and  consequently  to  act  contrary  thereunto 
must  be  a  very  great  sin. 

2.  That  as  the  foundation  upon  which  a  lot  is  cast  may  cease,  and  the  prac- 
ticableness  of  acting  according  to  the  determination  thereof  may,  in  time,  cease 
also,  (though  for  a  time  it  may  continue  practicable,)  in  such  a  case  we  judge 
that  the  obligation  thereof  doth  cease  also,  because  it  can  never  be  designed 
that  such  an  obligation  should  remain  after  the  design  thereof  becomes  either 
impossible,  or  hath  been  fully  obtained. 

3.  Our  determination  last  year  relating  to  the  people  of  Hanover,  did  wholly 
go  upon  this  supposition,  that  the  affairs  of  that  people  and  their  circumstances 
were  so  far  altered,  upon  representations  then  made  to  us,  that  we  supposed 
the  foundation  of  said  lot,  and  of  the  people's  acting  upon  it  were  ceased, 
which,  whether  it  be  certainly  so  or  not,  we  do  not  peremptorily  determine, 
but  leave  parties  to  judge  thereof  as  in  conscience  they  can. 

4.  That  however,  as  in  our  minutes  last  Synod,  we  disapprove  of  the  use 
of  lots,  without  necessity,  yet  we  are  afraid,  upon  representation,  that  there 
hath  been  much  sin  committed  by  many  if  not  all  that  people,  in  their  profane 
disregard  of  said  lot  in  time  past,  and  therefore  excite  them  to  reflect  upon 
their  past  practices  in  reference  thereunto,  in  order  to  their  repentance. 

Adjourned  till  nine  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning. 

24  day.     At  nine  d clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  continued. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent  having  brought  some  overtures  into  the  Synod  with 
respect  to  the  trials  of  candidates,  both  for  the  ministry  and  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per, that  there  be  due  care  taken  in  examining  into  the  evidences  of  the  grace 
of  God  in  them,  as  well  as  of  their  other  necessary  qualifications,  the  Synod 
doth  unanimously  agree,  that  as  it  has  been  our  principle  and  practice,  and  as 
it  is  recommended  in  the  Directory  for  worship  and  government,  to  be  careful 
in  this  matter,  so  it  awfully  concerns  us  to  be  most  serious  and  solemn  in  the 
trials  of  both  sorts  of  candidates  above  mentioned.  And  this  Synod  does  there- 
fore in  the  name  and  fear  of  God,  exhort  and  obtest  all  our  Presbyteries  to 
take  special  care  not  to  admit  into  the  sacred  oflfice,  loose,  careless,  and  irreli- 


1734.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  Ill 

gious  persons,  but  that  tbey  particularly  inquire  into  the  conversations,  con- 
duct, aud  behaviour  of  such  as  oifer  themselves  to  the  ministry,  and  that  they 
diligently  examine  all  the  candidates  for  the  ministry  in  their  experiences  of 
a  work  of  sanctifying  grace  in  their  hearts,  and  that  they  admit  none  to  the 
sacred  trust  that  are  not  in  the  eye  of  charity  serious  Christians.  And  the 
Synod  does  also  seriously  and  solemnly  admonish  all  the  ministers  within  our 
bounds  to  make  it  their  awful,  constant,  and  diligent  care,  to  approve  them- 
selves to  God,  to  their  own  consciences,  and  to  their  hearers,  serious,  faithful 
stewards  of  the  mysteries  of  God,  and  of  holy  and  exemplary  conversations. 
And  the  Synod  does  also  exhort  all  the  ministers  within  our  bounds  to  use  due 
care  in  examining  those  they  admit  to  the  Lord's  Supper. 

This  admonition  was  approved  by  the  whole  Synod. 

And  the  Synod  does  further  recommend  unanimously,  to  all  our  Presby- 
teries, to  take  eflPectual  care  that  each  of  their  ministers  are  faithful  in  the  dis- 
charge of  their  awful  trust.  i\.nd  in  particular,  that  they  frequently  examine, 
with  respect  to  each  of  their  members,  into  their  life  and  conversation,  their 
diligence  in  their  work,  and  their  methods  of  discharging  their  ministerial  call- 
ing. Particularly  that  each  Presbytery  do,  at  least  once  a  year,  examine  into 
the  manner  of  each  minister's  preaching,  whether  he  insist  in  his  ministry 
upon  the  great  articles  of  Christianity,  and  in  the  course  of  his  preaching  re- 
commend a  crucified  Saviour  to  his  hearers  as  the  only  foundation  of  hope, 
and  the  absolute  necessity  of  the  omnipotent  influences  of  the  Divine  grace  to 
enable  them  to  accept  of  this  Saviour ;  whether  he  do  in  the  most  solemn  and 
affecting  manner  he  can,  endeavour  to  convince  his  hearers  of  their  lost  and 
miserable  state  whilst  unconverted,  and  put  them  upon  the  diligent  use  of 
those  means  necessary  in  order  to  obtaining  the  sanctifying  influences  of  the 
Spirit  of  God ;  whether  he  do,  and  how  he  doth,  discharge  his  duty  towards 
the  young  people  and  children  of  his  congregation,  in  a  way  of  catechizing  and 
familiar  instruction ;  whether  he  do,  and  in  what  manner  he  doth,  visit  his 
flock  and  instruct  them  from  house  to  house. 

And  the  Synod  hereby  orders,  that  a  copy  of  this  minute  be  inserted  into 
the  books  of  each  of  our  Presbyteries,  and  be  read  at  every  of  their  Presby- 
terial  meetings,  and  a  record  of  its  being  read  minuted  in  said  books  at  the 
beginning  of  every  session,  and  that  there  be  also  an  annual  record  in  each 
Presbytery  book  of  a  correspondence  with  this  minute. 

And  in  case  any  minister  within  our  bounds  shall  be  found  defective  in  any 
of  the  abovementioned  cases,  he  shall  be  subject  to  the  censure  of  the  Presby- 
tery, and  if  he  refuse  subjection  to  such  censure,  the  Presbytery  are  hereby 
directed  to  represent  his  case  to  the  next  Synod.  And  the  Synod  recommends 
to  each  of  the  ministers  within  our  bounds  to  be  as  much  in  catechetical  doc- 
trines as  they  in  prudence  may  think  proper. 

The  Synod  determines  that  no  minister  of  our  persuasion,  in  the  govern- 
ment of  Pennsylvania,  and  the  lower  counties,  from  this  time  forward,  marry 
by  any  license  from  the  governor,  till  the  form  of  them  be  altered  and  brought 
to  a  nearer  conformity  to  those  of  the  neighbouring  governments  of  New  York 
and  New  Jersey ;  and  particularly  till  they  are  altered  in  such  a  manner  as 
hath  no  peculiar  respect  to  the  ministers  of  the  Church  of  England,  nor  oblige 
us  to  any  of  the  forms  and  ceremonies  peculiar  to  that  church ;  and  do  fur- 
ther agree  to  refer  it  to  the  Presbyteries  of  New  Castle  and  Donegall  con- 
junctly to  make  what  regulations  they  see  cause  for  upon  the  affair  of  licenses 
with  respect  to  their  own  members. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  31.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
An  account  of  the  fund  being  brought  in,  it  appears  that  October  the  22d, 


112  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1735. 

1733,  the  sum  total  amounted  to  five  liundred  and  seven  pounds,  sixteen  shil- 
lings and  ten  pence. 

A  reference  being  made  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  to  the  Synod 
concerning  Mr.  G-elston's  suspension,  upon  the  account  of  drunkenness  and 
some  other  crimes,  the  Synod  finding  Mr.  Gelston  to  be  absent,  and  seeing  no 
reason  to  take  ofi"  the  suspension,  do  continue  it  till  our  next  Synod. 

The  Presbytery  books  of  Philadelphia,  New  Castle,  and  East  Jersey,  were 
brought  in  and  approved. 

Ordered,  That  each  Presbytery  have  a  copy  of  these  minutes,  and  of  all 
the  minutes  of  the  Synod  annually,  for  the  time  to  come,  and  that  the  clerk  be 
satisfied  for  writing  the  said  copies  out  of  the  fund. 

Ordered,  That  the  commission  of  the  Synod  do  take  care  of  the  fund. 

Adjourned  to  the  third  Wednesday  of  September  next,  at  two  o'clock,  P.  M., 
and  then  to  meet  at  Philadelphia.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1735. 

At  a  Synod  held  at  Philadelphia, 

September  17th,  1735.      UM  post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers :  Messrs.  Thomas  Craighead,  Jedidiah  Andrews,  John  Thom- 
son, Joseph  Morgan,  James  Anderson,  Eleazer  Wales,  Joseph  Houston, 
Richard  Treat,  Daniel  Elmer,  Robert  Cathcart,  David  Evans,  Adam  Boyd, 
Jonathan  Dickinson,  John  Cross,  G-eorge  Gillespie,  Alexander  Hutchinson, 
Ebenezer  Pemberton,  Robert  Cross,  Joseph  Webb,  Samuel  Blair,  Andrew 
Archbold,  Robert  Jamison,  Ebenezer  Goold,  Thomas  Evans,  Hugh  Stevenson, 
John  Orme,  Isaac  Chalker,  Hugh  Carlisle,  James  Martin. 

Elders :  Messrs.  James  Gait,  William  Gray,  William  Whiteside,  Andrew 
Galbaith,  John  Latham,  Nathaniel  Britain,  James  Bravarb,  Ephraim  Logue, 
David  Griffith,  Samuel  Jack,  Asa  Gildersheve,  William  McMachin,  Samuel 
James,  John  Smith,  Joseph  Steel,  William  Bratten. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  William  Tennent,  William  Orr, 
John  Nutman,  Gilbert  Tennent,  William  Tennent,  junior,  Samuel  Pumry, 
Simon  Horton,  Henry  Hook,  William  Bertram,  Hugh  Conn,  Nathaniel 
Hubbel. 

Mr.  Robert  Cross  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Richard  Treat  clerk. 

Mr.  Pemberton,  the  last  year's  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  by  a  sermon 
on  John  xii.  26. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

18  day,  at  nine  of  the  cloch,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 

Messrs.  Pierson,  Nutman,  Conn,  and  Bertram,  sent  reasons  of  their  absence, 
which  were  sustained. 

Ordered,  That  the  last  year's  minutes  be  read. 

Upon  calling  over  the  roll  it  was  found  that  Messrs.  Stewart  and  Campbell 
are  dead  since  our  last  Synod. 

Messrs.  Andrews,  Thomson,  Craighead,  Anderson,  Boyd,  Gillespie,  Dickin- 
son, Pemberton,  and  the  moderator,  appointed  to  be  a  committee  for  the  fund, 
and  any  other  business  the  Synod  shall  recommend  to  them. 

Messrs.  Thomas  Evans,  Orme,  and  Stevenson,  gave  the  reasons  of  their 
absence  last  year,  which  were  sustained. 

Messrs.  Pemberton  and  Dickinson  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book 
of  Philadelphia,  and  Messrs.  Stevenson  and  Martin  the  Presbytery  book  of 
Donegall. 

The  Presbytery  books  of  New  Castle  and  East  Jersey  not  being  brought  are 
ordered  to  be  brought  next  Synod. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  collections  to  the  fund,  it  was  found 


1735.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  113 

that  Messrs.  Andrews,  Thomson,  Anderson,  David  Evans,  Boyd,  Dickinson, 
"Webb,  Thomas  Evans,  Gillespie,  and  Picrson,  had  got  some. 

Messrs.  Andrews,  Anderson,  Thomson,  Gillespie,  Dickinson,  Pcmberton, 
Pierson,  Craighead,  Thomas  Evans,  and  the  moderator,  appointed  to  be  the 
commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Whereas  the  commission  of  the  Synod  did  meet  some  time  in  April  last. 
Ordered,  That  an  account  of  their  proceedings  be  brought  in  after  we  have 
finished  the  reading  of  the  last  year's  minutes.* 


•  The  committee  met  at  Nottingham,  according  to  appointment  of  the  last  Synod,  and 
happily  accommodated  their  differences,  whose  conduct  was  approved  by  the  Synod,  and 
the  account  of  the  whole  of  this  proceeding  ordered  to  be  recorded  in  the  Synod  book, 
both  minutes  and  articles  of  agreement,  which  was  as  foUoweth,  viz. 

First,  the  minutes. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  appointed  by  the  last  Synod  to  meet  at  Nottingham,  on 
Wednesday,  the  Gth  day  of  November,  1734,  to  settle  some  differences  that  had  arisen 
there,  ubi  post  preces  sederunt  Mr.  George  Gillespie,  Mr.  Alexander  Hutchinson,  Mr. 
Thomas  Evans,  Mr.  Richard  Treat,  and  Mr.  Jedidiah  Andrews. 

Two  of  the  members  that  were  appointed,  namely  Mr.  William  Tennent,  and  Mr. 
Henry  Hook,  were  absent. 

Mr.  Andrews  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Evans  clerk. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  Synod  relating  to  the  aflfair  now  depending,  should 
be  read,  which  was  accordingly  done. 

John  Kirkpatrick  being  called,  produced  several  papers  relating  to  the  matter  of  dif- 
ference between  him  and  Mr.  Orr,  which  were  read,  as  also  the  minutes  of  the  Donegall 
Presbytery  relating  to  the  said  affair,  and  the  committee  after  just  entering  upon  the 
affair,  finding  things  too  tedious  to  finish  any  thing  this  evening,  defer  the  consideration 
of  the  whole  till  to  morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  nine  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning. 

1th  day,  at  nine  o^ clock,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 

The  matter  of  difference  between  John  Kirkpatrick  and  Mr.  Orr  being  reassumed,  and 
the  stated  members  of  Donegall  Presbytery  being  interrogated  about  their  present  sen- 
timents, whether,  upon  a  review,  and  more  mature  deliberation  on  said  affair,  they  stood 
upon  a  vindication  of  the  whole  of  their  judgment,  they  did  all  of  them  candidly  declare 
their  mistake  or  error  in  two  particulars.  1.  In  their  not  hearing  and  discussing  John 
Kirkpatrick's  supplication  as  they  should  have  done,  which  they  judge  might  hurt  the 
whole  affair.  2.  In  not  giving  him  copies  of  some  papers  as  he  desired,  which  omissions 
they  say,  were  much  owing  to  the  want  of  time,  and  the  disturbance  things  were  in 
among  the  people. 

The  committee  in  an  interloquitur,  in  order  to  shorten  matters,  agreed  to  advise  both 
parties  to  try  to  moderate  the  differences  among  them,  by  choosing  two  indifferent  per- 
sons on  each  side  to  labour  in  the  affair,  which  was  done,  and  the  whole  afternoon  was 
spent  in  it. 

Adjourned  to  nine  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning. 

8/A  day,  at  nine  a'' clock,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  inquired  whether  any  thing  was  done  by  the  persons  that  were  chosen 
by  each  party,  in  order  to  an  accommodation,  and  found  that  they  had  drawn  up  certain 
articles,  which  they  thought  reasonable  for  all  parties  to  agree  in,  which,  after  much 
pains  and  diligence  used  by  said  persons,  were  consented  unto  publicly,  by  all  parties, 
and  were  approved  of  by  the  committee,  unto  the  great  joy  and  satisfaction  of  all  con- 
cerned. 

On  occasion  of  a  motion  made  by  one  of  the  members,  the  committee  thought  fit  to 
declare,  that  though  they  utterly  dislike  a  captious,  querulous  frame  of  spirit  and  car- 
riage in  any  person  or  people,  with  respect  to  ministers  and  their  preaching,  yet  they 
hold  that  people  have  the  privilege  of  a  judgment  of  discretion  upon  what  they  hear  in 
the  public  ministry  ;  which  privilege  we  judge  notwithstanding  should  be  prudently  and 
soberly  used,  with  regard  to  God's  glory  and  the  edification  of  his  Church  and  people. 

And  whereas,  some  things  have  been  uttered  by  Mr.  Orr  in  his  public  ministry,  which 
have  been  thought  by  some,  not  so  well  guarded  as  they  should  have  been,  upon  an  im- 
15 


114  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1735 

Inquiry  being  made,  according  to  the  order  of  last  Synod,  whether  those 
admitted  into  any  of  our  Presbyteries  since  last  Synod  have  adopted  the  West- 
minster Confession  of  Faith  and  Catechisms,  &c.  according  to  the  adopting 
act  of  the  Synod,  it  was  reported,  that  Messrs.  Isaac  Chalker,  Simon  Horton, 
and  Samuel  Blair,  ordained  by  the  Presbytery  of  East  Jersey,  and  Mr.  Hugh 
Carlisle,  admitted  into  New  Castle  Presbytery,  have  done  it  in  the  several 
Presbyteries   according  to  the  order  aforesaid.     And  Messrs.   Isaac  Chalker 

portant  point  of  divinity,  the  committee  does,  in  true  brotherly  Christian  affection,  re- 
commend it  to  Mr.  Orr,  to  be  watchful  and  careful  how  he  express  himself  on  such  mo- 
mentous doctrines  for  the  future,  tiiat  all  occasion  of  exception  may  be  evaded. 

Whereas  John  Kirkpatrick,  Hugh  Kirkpatrick,  John  Moor,  and  John  Smith,  repre- 
sented to  the  committee  that  they  laboured  under  some  difficuUy  with  respect  to  an  ob- 
ligation wherein  they  stand  bound  to  make  good  Mr.  Orr's  maintenance,  from  which,  in 
order  to  preserve  the  present  peace  among  them,  they  desire  to  be  released,  the  com- 
mittee recommended  it  to  the  congregation  to  get  new  bondsmen,  and  release  the  said 
persons  from  the  said  obligation. 

It  being  also  represented  by  John  Kirkpatrick  and  John  Moor,  that  they  are  difficulted 
about  a  bond  they  stand  bound  in,  for  building  the  meeting-house,  which  should  have 
been  paid  before  now,  and  for  which  they  are  in  fear  of  being  troubled,  the  committee 
recommend  it  to  the  members  of  the  congregation  to  take  care  to  pay  off  said  bond  as 
soon  as  possible  may  be.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Secondly,  the  articles  of  agreement. 

Nottingham,  95r.  1th.  1734. 

Whereas  it  is  this  day  recommended  by  the  Reverend  Committee  to  the  contending 
parties,  that  they  choose,  each  party,  two  persons  to  assist  them  to  come  to  terms  of 
agreement,  in  order  to  put  an  end  to  the  present  tedious  controversy  in  a  way  of  mutual 
concession  and  acknowledgment  to  each  other,  we,  the  persons  chosen  by  the  parties  for 
this  purpose,  having  considered  the  proposals  made  by  both  parties  to  each  other,  have 
agreed  to  make  the  following  proposals  to  both  parties,  to  be  by  them  acquiesced  in  and 
assented  unto,  otherwise  the  matter  to  be  remitted  to  the  cognisance  of  the  committee, 
as  if  no  such  proposals  had  been  made. 

Imprimis.  That  Mr.  Orr  acknowledge,  that  inasmuch  as  by  reason  of  his  natural 
temper,  he  is  something  liable  to  act  with  an  appearance  of  too  great  an  air  of  imperi- 
ousness,  so  in  some  of  his  managements  in  the  session,  he  might  be  faulty  in  that  respect, 
and  is  sorry  if  any  thing  of  this  kind  hath  given  offence  to  John  Kirkpatrick  and  adher- 
ents, and  resolves  to  guard  against  any  thing  of  that  nature  for  the  future. 

2.  That  Mr.  Orr  and  the  session  do  acknowledge,  that  they  acted  with  too  much  lenity 
towards  William  Edmeston,  considering  the  circumstances  of  his  sins,  and  resolve  to  act 
with  more  exact  severity  for  the  future. 

3.  That  the  congregation  acknowledge,  that  the  method  they  took  to  deal  with  John 
Kirkpatrick,  &c.  in  subscribing  such  a  paper  containing  such  accusations  against  him 
of  lies,  which  were  not  proven,  and  also  the  bitter  satirical  style  in  which  it  was  writ- 
ten, was  faulty  and  unjustifiable,  and  that  they  are  heartily  sorry  for  their  so  doing,  and 
resolve  never  to  be  guilty  of  the  like  again. 

4.  That  William  McGill  be  restored  to  church  privileges,  without  inquiring  into  the 
justice  or  injustice  of  his  past  censure. 

5.  That  John  Kirkpatrick,  and  all  his  adherents,  be  restored  to  their  former  gospel 
privileges,  so  far  as  is  agreeable  to  gospel  rules. 

6.  That  the  substance  of  all  the  acknowledgment  made  by  the  members  of  this  Pres- 
bytery be  recorded  in  the  Presbytery  book. 

7.  That  John  Kirkpatrick  and  his  adherents  acknowledge  their  rash  and  imprudent 
manner  of  discoursing  of  Mr.  Orr's  doctrine,  representing  it  as  false  and  erroneous,  and 
likewise  their  abrupt  and  irregular  breaking  off  from  the  session. 

8.  That  if  these  articles  be  acquiesced  in  by  both  parties,  that  they  also  resolve  and 
promise,  mutually  to  each  other,  industriously  for  the  future  to  take  care  not  to  repeat 
past  matters  of  controversy,  but  bury  all  in  oblivion,  and  endeavour  by  all  proper  means 
to  assist  and  cultivate  true  Christian  charity  and  affection. 

Lastly.  That  if  these  articles  are  agreed  to,  the  same  shall  be  published  before  the 
committee,  and  the  several  parties  shall  publicly  declare  their  acquiescence  in  them ; 
and  after  all,  the  contents  hereof  be  recorded  in  the  Presbytery  book. 

Thus  of  the  business  of  Nottinghajn. 


1735.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  115 

and  Hugh  Carlisle  not  having  seen  the  adopting  act,  have  now  had  the  same 
read  to  them,  and  do  now  concur  in  their  assent  to  the  terms  of  the  adopting 
act. 

Ordered,  That  each  Presbytery  have  the  whole  adopting  act  inserted  in  their 
Presbytery  book. 

Messrs.  Pembcrton  and  Cross  did  write  to  Col.  Ogdcn,  according  to  order 
of  last  year,  and  he  not  being  yet  satisfied,  and  the  case  being  further  opened 
by  Mr.  Webb,  the  Synod  order  Mr.  Dickinson  and  Mr.  Pemberton  to  bring  in 
a  letter  for  the  Synod's  approbation  to  be  sent  to  him. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  post  merid.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  of  the  doch,  post  merid.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  year  not  being  yet  finished,  ordered  to  go  on  with 
the  reading  of  them. 

There  having  been  a  complaint  made  by  some  members  of  the  Presbytery 
of  East  Jersey,  that  the  Presbytery  are  incapable  to  comply  with  the  excellent 
design  of  the  act  of  the  last  Synod,  with  respect  to  the  trials  of  candidates  for 
the  ministry,  and  of  the  fidelity  of  their  own  members  in  the  discharge  of  their 
ministerial  trust,  by  reason  that  several  of  their  members,  and  Mr.  John  Cross 
in  particular,  neglect  to  attend  the  stated  meetings  of  Presbytery,  and  that  Mr. 
John  Cross  has,  without  the  concurrence  of  the  Presbytery,  removed  from 
one  congregation  to  another :  The  Synod  do  declare  that  the  conduct  of  such 
ministers  that  do  neglect  attendance  upon  the  meetings  of  the  Presbytery 
without  necessity,  or  that  take  the  charge  of  any  congregation  without  the 
Presbytery's  concurrence,  to  be  disorderly  and  justly  worthy  of  Presbyterial 
censure,  and  do  admonish  said  Mr.  Cross,  to  be  no  further  chargeable  with 
such  irregularities  for  the  future. 

The  Synod  esteeming  the  act  of  last  year  with  respect  to  the  trial  of  can- 
didates for  the  ministry,  and  examining  into  the  methods  of  our  ministers'  dis- 
charge of  their  awful  trust,  to  be  of  greatest  moment  and  importance,  do,  in 
the  strongest  manner,  exhort  each  Presbytery  to  an  exact  compliance  with  the 
said  act  in  all  the  parts  of  it.  And  do  also  exhort  all  the  ministers  within  our 
bounds,  to  take  due  care  in  the  examination  of  all  candidates  for  baptism,  or 
that  offer  to  dedicate  their  children  to  God  in  that  sacred  ordinance,  that  they 
are  persons  of  a  regular  life,  and  have  suitable  acquaintance  with  the  princi- 
ples of  the  Christian  religion;  that  that  seal  be  not  set  to  a  blank,  and 
that  such  be  not  admitted  to  visible  church  relation  that  are  manifestly  unfit 
for  it. 

Adjourned  till  nine  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

19  da?/,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  ordered  to  be  read. 

Upon  reading  last  year's  minutes  relating  to  marriages  by  licenses,  it  is 
supposed  there  may  be  some  exempt  instances  wherein  the  restraints  of  that 
act  may  be  found  too  severe.  The  Synod  therefore  order,  that  each  particu- 
lar Presbytery  shall  have  full  liberty  to  determine  upon,  and  direct  in  such 
exempt  cases  as  they  shall  think  convenient ;  provided  always,  that  no  min- 
ister within  our  bounds  shall  be  allowed  to  marry  by  license  any  members  of 
our  established  congregations,  or  others  known  to  be  of  our  communion,  with- 
out certificates  from  the  minister  of  such  congregation ;  or  in  case  of  the 
absence  of  the  minister,  or  of  the  congregation  being  without  a  minister,  from 
some  other  substantial  persons,  that  such  marriage  is  regular,  and  that  there  is 
no  just  bar  in  the  way  of  it.  And  the  Synod  do  recommend  it  to  all  their 
members  that  shall  be  exempted  by  their  Presbyteries  and  allowed  to  marry 


116  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1735. 

by  licenses,  to  use  the  greatest  caution  that  they  do  not  countenance  any  clan- 
destine marriages,  and  especially  that  they  do  not  marry  any  that  they  have 
reason  to  suspect  to  go  contrary  to  the  minds  of  their  parents  and  guardians  in 
seeking  it. 

Ordered,  That  the  account  of  the  fund  be  brought  in  before  the  conclusion 
of  this  Synod. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Gelston's  suspension  coming  under  consideration,  and 
there  being  not  time  enough  to  issue  it  at  present,  the  further  consideration  of 
it  deferred  till  our  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

V 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  ordered  to  be  read. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Gelston  reassumed ;  and  the  Synod  having  with  all  seri- 
ousness considered  the  affair  of  Mr.  Grclston,  who  has  for  some  time  past  been 
under  suspension  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  which  was  the  last  year 
continued  by  the  Synod;  they  observe  to  their  great  sorrow,  that  since  his 
suspension  there  are  various  and  loud  reports  of  his  scandalous  behaviour  in 
the  High-Lands  of  New  York,  which  we  have  too  much  reason  to  fear  there  is 
some  foundation  for;  we  cannot,  therefore,  at  present  consent  to  the  restoring 
him  to  the  exercise  of  his  ministry,  but  are  obliged  to  continue  his  suspension. 
In  the  mean  time  we  appoint  that  they  that  shall  be  ordered  to  attend  upon  the 
ordination  of  Mr.  Tudor  of  Goshen,  do  inquire  into  the  truth  of  these  reports 
that  have  been  spread  abroad  with  respect  to  Mr.  Gelston's  conduct  in  these 
parts,  and  to  inform  the  Presbyteries  of  New  Castle  and  Donegall  conjunctly, 
who  shall  have  a  discretionary  power  to  restore  Mr.  Gelston  if  these  reports 
are  found  false,  and  Mr.  Gelston  give  them  good  evidence  of  sincere  repent- 
ance ;  otherwise  to  continue  his  suspension  till  the  next  Synod ;  and  that  the 
persons  appointed  give  Mr.  Gelston  suitable  warning  of  the  time  of  their 
meeting  at  Goshen,  that  he  may  be  present  if  he  sees  cause.  Approved  ne- 
mine  contradicente. 

Adjourned  to  nine  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

20iA  day,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  31.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered  that  the  minutes  of  the  last  sedertint  be  read. 

The  reading  of  the  minutes  of  the  last  year  being  finished,  the  Synod  do, 
according  to  a  foregoing  order,  enter  upon  the  consideration  of  the  proceedings 
of  the  commission  last  April,  and  order  that  the  account  of  their  proceedings 
be  laid  before  them ;  which  was  done. 

The  further  consideration  of  the  affair  of  the  commission  deferred  till  Mon- 
day morning.  And  it  is  ordered,  that  Mr.  Hemphill  be  notified  to  appear  then 
before  them  if  he  sees  cause,  or  has  any  thing  to  offer  unto  them. 

A  supplication  being  brought  into  the  Synod  from  the  people  of  Goshen, 
and  also  a  letter  from  Mr.  Tudor,  a  candidate  of  the  ministry  there,  both  sig- 
nifying that  he  is  ready  to  adopt  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith,  &c., 
and  to  submit  to  Presbyterian  rules ;  and  also  desiring  that  the  Synod  would, 
as  soon  as  possibly  may  be,  send  a  committee  to  said  place  to  attend  the  ordi- 
nation of  Mr.  Tudor  there  :  The  Synod  do  accordingly  appoint  Mr.  Robert 
Cross,  Mr.  Pumry,  Mr.  Webb,  Mr.  Nutman,  Mr.  John  Cross,  and  Mr. 
Chalker,  to  meet  at  Goshen  the  last  Wednesday  of  the  next  month,  October, 
to  attend  said  ordination,  and  Mr.  Robert  Cross  to  preside  in  said  affair.  And 
the  Synod  do  further  appoint  for  the  trials  of  Mr.  Tudor,  that  he  make  an 
exegesis  in  Latin  upon  that  question,  a?i  lex  naturse  sit  siifficlcns  ad  salutem  ? 
and  that  he  preach  a  popular  sermon  upon  Rom.  xi.  6.     And  the  Synod  do 


1735.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  117 

order  that  the  congregation  be  publicly  notified  of  the  appointment,  by  reading 
this  minute  to  them  on  the  preceding  Lord's  day,  that  if  any  persons  have 
any  thing  to  object  against  said  proceeding,  they  may  be  prepared  to  lay  it 
before  the  committee. 

Ordered,  Tiiat  the  committee  of  the  Synod  meet  at  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M. 
Concluded  with  prayer. 

Adjourned  to  ten  of  the  clock,  Monday  morning. 

22d  day  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  31.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  be  read. 

Upon  calling  over  the  roll,  it  being  found  that  many  of  the  elders  have 
gone  home  without  leaving  any  reasons  for  their  so  doing ;  the  Synod  do 
order,  that  such  elders  as  do  withdraw  from  the  Synod  without  leave,  shall  be 
left  to  the  censure  of  their  sessions,  and  report  made  thereof  to  the  next  Synod. 
And  the  Synod  do  recommend  it  to  the  several  congregations  to  defray  the 
necessary  charges  that  their  elders  be  at  during  their  attendance  upon  the 
Synod. 

The  affair  of  the  commission  reassumed. 

The  Synod  having  notified  Mr.  Hemphill,  that  they  intend  this  day  to  enter 
upon  his  affair,  and  he  not  appearing  but  sending  a  disrespectful  and  contemp- 
tuous letter  in  the  following  words  : 

"  To  the  Rev.  members  of  the  Synod : 

"  By  way  of  answer  to  the  notification  which  I  received  Saturday  last,  I 
have  only  to  observe,  that  the  dispute  between  the  Synod  and  me  being  made 
public  in  the  world,  which  was  first  begun  by  the  commission,  what  I  have 
at  present  to  offer  to  the  Synod,  is  contained  in  an  answer  to  the  vindication 
of  the  reverend  commission  now  in  the  press,  and  will  be  speedily  published, 
and  that  I  despise  the  Synod's  claim  of  authority.     Your  humble  servant, 

"  Samuel  Hemphill. 

"  Monday  morning. 

"  P.  S.  I  shall  think  you  will  do  me  a  deal  of  honour,  if  you  entirely  ex- 
communicate me." 

The  Synod,  from  the  consideration  of  his  contumacy  in  his  errors,  his  dis- 
regard of  the  censure  of  the  commission,  and  rejecting  our  communion,  do 
declare  him  unqualified  for  any  future  exercise  of  his  ministry  within  our 
bounds,  and  that  this  be  intimated  to  all  our  congregations  by  each  respective 
minister.     Approved  nemine  contradicente. 

The  brethren  appointed  to  justify  the  commission  against  any  complaints 
from  Mr.  Hemphill,  if  he  should  publish  any  such,  having  complied  with  the 
commission's  order  in  that  matter,  are  desired  by  the  Synod  to  continue  to 
answer  any  further  publications  of  Mr.  Hemphill's  or  his  friends  in  that  cause, 
if  they  shall  think  it  necessary.  And  it  is  ordered,  that  the  charge  of  it  shall 
be  defrayed  out  of  the  fund. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  31.  post  j^rcces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  ordered  to  be  read. 

An  overture  being  brought  into  the  Synod  from  Mr.  Hook,  Mr.  Stevenson, 
Mr.  Jamison,  and  Mr.  Martin,  desiring  that  they  might  be  set  off  from  New 
Castle  Presbytery  and  erected  into  a  Presbytery  of  themselves ;  the  Synod  do 
agree  that  they  become  a  Presbytery  under  the  name  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Lewis-Town,  and  do  order  them  to  meet  and  constitute  the  19th  day  of  No- 
vember next,  at  Lewis-Town. 

Upon  a  motion  made  by  a  member,  the  Synod  do  agree  that  if  any  of  our 


118  MINUTES  OP  THE  [1735. 

members  shall  see  cause  to  prepare  any  thing  for  the  press  upon  any  contro- 
versy in  religious  matters,  that  before  such  member  publish  what  he  hath  thus 
prepared,  he  shall  submit  the  same  to  be  perused  by  persons  to  be  appointed 
for  that  purpose,  and  that  Messrs.  Andrews,  Dickinson,  Robert  Cross,  Pem- 
berton,  and  Pierson,  be  appointed  for  this  purpose  in  the  bounds  of  the  Synod 
to  the  northward  of  Phihidelphia;  and  Messrs.  Anderson,  Thomas  Evans, 
Cathcart,  Stevenson,  and  Thomson,  in  the  bounds  of  the  Synod  southward  of 
Philadelphia.     Any  three  of  each  committee  to  be  a  quorum.     Approved. 

An  overture  from ,  humbly  offered  to  the  consideration  of  the  reverend 

Synod. 

The  present  state  of  the  church  of  Christ,  in  respect  of  the  great  and  almost 
universal  deluge  of  perniciou^  errors  and  damnable  doctrines  that  so  boldly 
threaten  to  overthi'ow  the  Christian  world,  doth,  we  think,  afford  matter  of 
very  deep  and  serious  exercise  unto  all  considering  persons,  who  have  the 
interest  of  our  Lord's  kingdom  at  their  heart ;  and  were  it  not  for  the  sure,  firm, 
and  comfortable  promises  contained  in  the  infallible  records  of  truth,  the  pre- 
sent appearance  of  things  might  be  thought  to  presage  a  most  fatal  subversion 
of  the  kingdom  of  our  Lord,  by  the  success  of  the  kingdom  of  darkness  against 
it,  and  so  discourage  and  dispirit  the  hearts  of  the  true  friends  and  loyal  sub- 
jects of  our  exalted  Lord.  But  blessed  be  his  name,  he  is  still  King  in  Zion 
and  to  the  ends  of  the  earth,  and  will  not  suffer  this  so  grievous  an  evil  to  pre- 
vail one  handsbreadth  further  nor  one  minute  longer  than  the  measure  and  time 
appointed  for  it;  for  known  unto  God  are  all  |iis  works  from  the  creation  of 
the  world. 

However,  it  would  seem  that  the  present  obvious  state  of  things  doth  call 
for  something  at  our  hands,  more  than  in  a  time  of  prevailing  truth  and  purity 
in  the  church.  It  should  seerix  that  when  so  many  wolves  in  sheep's  clothing 
are  invading  the  flocks  of  Christ  every  where  in  the  world,  we  who  are  pas- 
tors by  office  and  station  should  exert  ourselves  in  an  active  and  vigilant  man- 
ner for  the  safety  and  preservation  of  our  flocks  committed  to  our  care,  fi'om 
the  assaults  of  these  devouring  monsters  that  are  numerous  abroad  in  the 
world.  Surely  the  late  bold  assault  that  hath  been  made  upon  us,  though 
blessed  be  God,  without  the  desired  and  expected  success,  as  yet,  should  put 
us  to  our  arms  and  excite  us  with  care  and  diligence  to  put  ourselves  in  a  pos- 
ture of  defence  against  all  future  attempts. 

To  this  purpose  we  would  humbly  propose  the  following  overture  as  an 
expedient  to  prevent  the  evil  of  such  attempts,  viz  :  That  seeing  we  are  likely 
to  have  the  most  of  our  supply  of  ministers  to  fill  our  vacancies  from  the  north 
of  Ireland,  and  seeing  it  is  too  evident  to  be  denied  and  called  in  question,  that 
we  are  in  great  danger  of  being  imposed  upon  by  ministers  and  preachers  from 
thence,  though  sufficiently  furnished  with  all  formalities  of  Presbyterial  cre- 
dentials, as  in  the  case  of  Mr.   H 11 ;  and  seeing  also  what  was  done  last 

year  may  be  done  this  year  and  the  year  following,  viz  :  we  are  still  liable  to 
be  imposed  upon  by  such  credentials  ;  upon  these  and  the  like  considerations, 
we  humbly  overture  to  this  reverend  Synod,  to  make  an  order  to  the  following 
purpose  : 

1st.  That  no  minister  or  probationer  coming  in  among  us  from  Europe,  be 
allowed  to  preach  in  vacant  congregations  until  first  his  credentials  and  recom- 
mendations be  seen  and  approven  by  the  Presbytery  unto  which  such  con- 
gregation doth  most  properly  belong,  and  until  he  preach  with  approbation 
before  said  Presbytery,  and  subscribe  or  adopt  the  Westminster  Confession  of 
Faith  and  Catechisms,  before  said  Presbytery,  in  manner  and  form  as  they 
have  done ;  and  that  no  minister  employ  such  to  preach  in  his  pulpit  until  he 
see  his  credentials,  and  be  satisfied,  as  far  as  may  be,  of  his  firm  attachment 
to  said   Confession,  &c.,  in   opposition   to  the   new   upstart   doctrines   and 


1735.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  119 

schemes,  particularly  such  as  we  condemned  in  Mr.  II ll's  sermons.     And 

lest  some  strangers  might  suffer  by  the  rigorous  observation  of  this  order,  let 
it  be  thus  qualitiecl,  viz  :  That  the  moderator  and  two  of  the  members  of  each 
Presbytery  be  appoiuted  as  a  standing  committee  to  act  presbyterially  in  that 
affair  as  there  may  be  occasion,  and  to  be  accountable  to  their  respective  Pres- 
byteries. 

2dly.  That  no  congregation  be  allowed  to  present  a  call  to  any  such  minister 
or  probationer  coming  in  among  us,  though  never  so  well  certified,  until  he  have 
preached  at  least  one  full  half  year  within  the  bounds  of  this  Synod. 

odly.  That  no  congregation  be  allowed  to  present  a  call  to  any  minister  or 
candidate  whatsoever,  unless  some  of  the  brethren,  members  of  the  Presbytery 
unto  which  said  congregation  doth  belong,  have  been  present  with  said  people 
to  concur  with  them  and  moderate  in  said  call,  having  been  previously  appointed 
thereunto  by  the  Presbytery,  and  that  no  minister  take  upon  him  to  moderate 
in  such  a  case  without  such  an  appointment. 

4thly.  That  no  student  be  received  to  enter  upon  trials,  in  order  to  his  li- 
censing to  preach,  until  he  first  repair  unto  the  dwellings  or  lodgings  of  at  least 
most  of  the  ministers  of  the  Presbytery  to  which  he  offers  himself,  and  thereby 
give  them  an  opportunity  to  take  a  view  of  his  parts  and  behaviour. 

5thly.  That  the  Synod  would  bear  testimony  against  the  late  too  common, 
and  now  altogether  unnecessary  practice  of  some  Presbyteries  in  the  north  of 
Ireland,  viz  :  their  ordaining  men  to  the  ministry  sine  titido,  immediately  before 
they  come  over  hither,  thereby  depriving  us  of  our  just  rights,  viz  :  that  we 
unto  whom  they  are  designed  to  be  co-presbyters,  and  among  whom  they  design 
to  bestow  their  labours,  should  have  just  and  fair  inspecting  into  their  qualifi- 
cations ;  we  say  that  it  seems  necessary  that  the  Synod  bear  testimony  against 
such  practice  by  writing  home  to  the  Grcneral  Synod,  thereby  signifying  our 
dissatisfaction  with  the  same.  And  further,  that  in  said  letter  or  writing  to  the 
General  Synod  of  Ireland,  that  we  earnestly  desire,  that  when  ministers  or  pro- 
bationers are  about  to  come  from  thence  to  us,  they  would  besides  their  Pres- 
byterial  credentials,  procure  also  private  letters  of  recommendation  from  some 
brethren  there,  who  are  well  known  to  some  of  our  brethren  here,  to  be  firmly 
attached  to  our  good  old  principles  and  schemes,  inasmuch  as  the  instance  of 

Mr.   H 11,  and  some  other  considerations  to  the  same  purpose,  make  us 

afraid  lest  we  may  again  be  imposed  upon  by  men  of  his  stamp,  though  furnished 
with  all  the  formalities  of  Presbyterial  credentials.  The  Synod  do  agree  that 
no  minister  ordained  in  Ireland  sine  titulo,  be  for  the  future  received  to  the  ex- 
ercise of  his  ministry  among  us,  until  he  submit  to  such  trials,  as  the  Presby- 
tery among  whom  he  resides,  shall  think  proper  to  order  and  appoint.  And 
that  the  Synod  do  also  advertise  the  General  Synod  in  Ireland,  that  the  ordain- 
ing any  such  to  the  ministry  sine  titido,  before  their  sending  them  hither  for  the 
future,  will  be  very  disagreeable  and  disobliging  to  us.  And  the  Synod  ap- 
point Mr.  Robert  Cross,  Mr.  Thomson,  and  Mr.  Houston,  to  send  the  above 
overture  and  appointment  to  the  General  Synod  in  Ireland,  inclosed  in  a  proper 
letter  unto  them. 

Adjourned  to  nine  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

23c?  day,  at  nine  o^ clock,  A.M.  post  preccs  sederunt  qui  supra. 

A  reference  coming  into  the  Synod  from  the  Presbytery  of  East-Jersey, 
complaining  of  John  McXeal's  disingenuous  conduct  in  relation  to  the  settle- 
ment of  Mr.  Chalker  in  Bethlehem,  and  a  supplication  from  said  McNeal, 
containing  several  complaints  against  said  Presbytery,  in  reference  to  their 
conduct  in  that  affair,  with  several  other  papers  from  several  parties  concerned 


120  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1735. 

therein,  whicli  were  read,  and  all  partiea  being  heard  what  they  had  to  offer, 
they  were  removed.  And  the  Synod  entering  upon  the  consideration  of  the 
affair,  do  agree  that  Messrs.  Thomson,  Thomas  Evans,  Treat,  and  Martin,  do 
meet  and  prepare  an  overture  upon  the  whole,  and  bring  it  in  to  the  Synod  as 
soon  as  possible. 

Adjourned  to  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M. 

At  three  of  the  cloch,  P.  M.  postpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  members  appointed  to  bring  in  an  overture  upon  the  affair  of  John 
McNeal  above  mentioned,  did  accordingly  do  it;  and  the  Synod,  after  much 
discourse,  do  agree  in  the  following  particulars. 

1st.  That  from  what  appears  to  us,  the  jealousies  which  John  McNeal  had 
conceived  concerning  Mr.  Chalker,  as  being  averse  from  conforming  to  the 
order  of  the  Synod  in  respect  of  our  adopting  the  Westminster  Confession, 
were  altogether  groundless. 

2dly.  It  appears  more  than  probable,  that  these  groundless  jealousies  too 
industriously  spread  and  propagated  among  the  people  of  Wallkill,  have  been 
a  principal  cause  of  all  the  difference  which  hath  fallen  out  between  them  and 
Mr.  Chalker. 

3dly.  That  John  McNeal  hath  acted  a  very  disingenuous  and  sinful  part, 
in  seeming  to  concur  with  and  approve  of  the  motion  of  ordaining  Mr.  Chalker 
at  New  York,  and  then  immediately  after  to  practise  upon  the  people  of  Wall- 
kill  at  home,  to  discourage  them  from  adhering  to  their  formerly  declared 
desires  of  having  Mr.  Chalker  settled  among  them.  The  degree  of  censure  to 
be  a  rebuke  from  the  Moderator. 

4thly.  That  as  we  can  see  no  ground  of  charging  the  people  of  Bethlehem 
or  Mr.  Chalker  with  breaking  of  covenant  with  the  people  of  Wallkill,  so  we 
are  of  the  mind  that  what  of  that  kind  the  people  of  Wallkill  were  guilty  of, 
which  principally  appears  in  their  letter  or  remonstrance  to  the  Presbytery, 
was  chiefly  if  not  wholly  owing  to  John  McNeal's  industrious  spreading  his 
jealousies  as  above,  and  possessing  the  people  of  Wallkill  with  them. 

5thly.  That  seeing  Mr.  Chalker  did  transport  his  family  from  Long-Island 
to  the  High-Lands,  being  encouraged  thereto  by  the  people  of  Wallkill,  as 
well  as  Bethlehem,  with  a  view  of  being  fixed  as  pastor  of  both  congregations  j 
therefore  we  judge  that  in  justice,  that  people  are  obliged  to  contribute  accord- 
ing to  agreement,  to  the  discharging  the  expenses  of  said  transportation,  be- 
sides satisfaction  for  the  supplies  which  he  gave.  And  we  earnestly  exhort 
said  people  to  comply  with  the  design  of  this  minute,  that  so  they  may  clear 
their  own  way,  for  their  being  regularly  provided  with  a  minister  as  their  cir- 
cumstances will  afford,  which  we  judge  they  are  not  qualified  for,  until  they, 
or  as  many  of  them  as  will  be  a  competent  congregation,  fit  to  join  in  the  call- 
ing of  a  minister,  shall  comply  with  this  order;  yet,  in  the  mean  time,  we 
judge  them  capable  of  being  supplied  by  preaching,  and  not  to  be  excluded 
from  sealing  ordinances.  We  also  earnestly  exhort  them  to  lay  aside  all  their 
jealousies  and  prejudices  arising  therefrom,  and  cordially  accept  of  Mr.  Chalker 
for  their  pastor,  according  to  the  first  agreement,  until  such  time  as  they  may 
be  in  a  better  condition  to  support  a  minister  of  their  own. 

Gthly.  The  Synod  do  also  think  the  Presbytery  was  too  hasty  in  their  pro- 
ceeding to  Mr.  Chalkcr's  ordination  in  so  short  a  time  after  the  presentation 
of  his  call  and  trials,  and  cannot  approve  of  its  being  performed  at  such  a  dis- 
tance from  the  people  where  he  was  to  ofiiciate. 

The  abovementioncd  rebuke  was  given  by  the  moderator,  according  to  order, 
and  said  McNeal  professed  submission  to  it. 

A  supplication  being  brought  in  by  the  people  of  Grioucester,  representing 


1735.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  121 

their  sad  and  deplorable  circumstances,  and  desiring  the  Synod  to  provide  them 
a  minister  and  some  supplies,  the  Synod  recommended  it  to  the  consideration 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  to  look  after  that  affair,  and  use  their  dili- 
gence to  send  for  a  miuistor  for  them  as  speedily  as  they  can,  and  in  the  mean 
time  to  provide  them  all  possible  supplies. 

A  supplication  being  brought  into  the  Synod  from  one  part  of  the  Presby- 
terian congregation  of  Philadelphia,  desiring  Mr.  Robert  Cross  to  be  granted 
them  for  their  minister,  with  another  paper  to  strengthen  the  supplication ; 
and  also  another  supplication  from  another  part  of  said  congregation,  desiring 
Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson  to  be  their  minister;  the  Synod  not  having  time  to 
issue  that  affair  at  the  present,  do  defer  the  consideration  of  it  till  to-morrow 
morning. 

Adjourned  to  nine  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

24//i  day,  at  nine  o' dock,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

A  supplication  being  brought  into  the  Synod  by  John  Boyd,  by  way  of  an 
appeal  from  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  in  a  complaint  against  Samuel  Jack ; 
the  Synod  do  commit  it  to  Messrs.  Andrews,  Treat,  David  Evans,  Gillespie, 
Houston,  and  Thomas  Evans,  to  go  to  the  Upper  Octorara  the  last  Tuesday 
of  October,  and  consider  and  determine  of  the  business,  and  that  any  three  of 
these  to  be  a  quorum ;  and  it  is  recommended  to  the  ministers  to  take  elders 
with  them  if  they  can. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  Donegall  was  brought  in  and  approved. 

The  affair  of  Philadelphia  reassumed,  and  after  much  discourse  upon  the 
affair,  the  further  consideration  of  it  deferred  till  next  sederunt. 

The  west  part  of  Hanover  having  applied  to  the  Synod  for  the  ordination 
of  Mr.  Cleverly,  the  Synod  do  order  it  to  be  left  to  the  Presbytery  of  Phila- 
delphia. 

The  persons  appointed  to  bring  in  a  letter  to  be  sent  to  the  Synod  of  Ireland, 
brought  in  said  letter  and  it  was  approved. 

Adjourned  to  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  p)Ost preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  letter  to  Col.  Ogden  to  be  brought  in  by  Messrs.  Pemberton  and  Dick- 
inson, was  brought  in  and  approved. 

An  account  of  the  fund  was  brought  in  according  to  a  foregoing  order,  and 
the  sum  total  found  to  be  five  hundred  twenty-four  pounds,  eighteen  shillings 
and  five  pence. 

The  affair  of  Philadelphia  reassumed,  and  a  new  supplication  being  brought 
into  the  Synod  from  that  part  of  the  congregation  which  desired  Mr.  Cross 
for  their  minister,  desiring  to  be  erected  into  a  new  congregation,  capable  to 
call  a  minister  for  themselves ;  the  motion  being  entirely  new  to  the  Synod, 
and  the  parties  not  being  prepared  to  go  on  in  that  matter,  they  do  defer  the 
consideration  of  it  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  eight  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

Ibtli  day,  at  eight  d clock,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  Philadelphia  reassumed.     John  Frame  produced  the  subscrip- 
tion  of  a  considerable  number  of  hands  to  the  supplication  put  in  yesterday, 
and  all  parties  were  heard  what  they  had  to  say  at  length,  in  reference  to  the 
16 


122  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1736. 

whole  affair,  and  they  being  removed,  the  Synod  spent  considerable  time  in 
debate  upon  the  affair,  and  at  last  agreed  that  it  should  be  put  to  the  vote, 
a  new  erection  or  not;  and  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  by  a  great  majo- 
rity. Mr.  John  Smith,  of  Bethlehem,  in  the  High-Lands  of  New  York,  de- 
sired that  his  dissent  might  be  entered  in  our  minutes. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  Philadelphia  was  brought  in  and  approved. 

Adjourned  till  two  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  two  of  tlie  clock  J  P.  M.      Post  preces  sederunt  qxii  sxipra. 

A  motion  being  made  by  some  members  of  the  congregation  of  Philadel- 
phia, showing  their  great  dissati^action  at  the  judgment  of  the  Synod  in  erect- 
ing them  into  two  separate  congregations,  and  desiring  they  would  review  the 
affair,  the  Synod  having  reasoned  much  upon  the  matter  at  last  came  to  agree 
that  the  judgment  should  be  reviewed ;  and,  accordingly,  the  Synod,  in  order 
to  their  obtaining  of  more  light,  took  occasion  to  discourse  with  several  per- 
sons of  both  parts  of  the  congregation,  and  then  all  parties  being  removed,  it 
was  put  to  the  vote,  whether  we  should  reverse  the  judgment  whereby  we 
erected  a  part  of  this  congregation  into  a  distinct  society,  and  it  was  carried  in 
the  negative.  Messrs.  Dickinson,  Pemberton,  Webb,  Elmer,  Chalker,  and 
Wales,  desired  their  dissent  to  be  entered  in  our  minutes ;  and  then,  after  some 
discourse,  the  Synod  do  agree,  that  the  above  judgment  is  not  to  be  under- 
stood as  designed  to  oblige  said  people  to  erect  themselves  now  into  a  distinct 
society,  but  only  that  the  Synod  allow  them  so  to  do.  And  if  said  people 
shall  see  cause  to  continue  united  with  the  other  part  of  the  congregation  as 
heretofore,  they  are  also  at  their  liberty.  The  Synod  do  also  agree,  that  if 
said  new  erected  congregation  shall  think  fit  to  put  the  above  granted  liberty 
of  being  erected,  into  practice,  then  they  are  to  notify  the  moderator  of  the 
commission,  who  upon  such  notification  is  hereby  ordered  to  call  the  commis- 
sion together  as  soon  as  conveniently  may  be,  to  order  supplies  for  said  new 
erection,  and  to  give  them  directions  as  they  shall  judge  meet  for  their  being 
provided  with  a  minister. 

Adjourned  to  the  third  Wednesday  of  next  September. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

1736. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Synod, 

Ihr.  15,  1736.      Vhi  post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers :  Messrs.  Thomas  Craighead,  Jedidiah  Andrews,  John  Thomson, 
James  Anderson,  Richard  Treat,  Joseph  Houston,  Robert  Cathcart,  Adam 
Boyd,  Robert  Cross,  Robert  Jamison,  Ebenczer  Groold,  Hugh  Stevenson,  Hugh 
Carlisle,  James  Martin,  William  Bertram,  Alexander  Craighead,  John  Paul, 
William  Tennent,  William  Tennent,  junior,  David  Evans. 

Elders  :  Messrs.  William  Gray,  Andrew  Hamilton,  James  Cook,  Charles 
Hufty,  Robert  McClcland,  William  Mitchell,  John  Allen,  James  Gralbreath, 
William  Sharron,  Richard  Walker,  John  Henderson,  Daniel  Wescott, 

Ministers  absent:  Messrs.  Gillespie,  Pumry,  Dickinson,  Pierson,  Webb, 
Pemberton,  Hubbell,  Horton,  John  Cross,  Chalker,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Blair, 
Wales,  Morgan,  Thomas  Evans,  Hook,  Hutchinson,  Conn,  Orme,  Glascow, 
Nutman. 

Mr.  Adam  Boyd  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  John  Thomson  clerk. 

Mr.  Robert  Cross,  last  year's  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon  on 
1  Cor.  iii.  11. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  eight  of  the  clock. 


1736.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  123 

16  day,  at  eight  of  tJic  cloclc.     Po&t  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

It  being  reported  by  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  that  Mr.  Orr  having  ob- 
tained a  dismission  from  his  congregation,  did  soon  after  disorderly  desert  the 
bounds  of  that  Presbytery  as  a  fugitive  of  discipline,  it  is  ordered,  that  his 
name  be  rased  out  of  the  catalogue. 

No  reasons  appeared  for  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent's  last  year's  absence. 

3Ir.  Hook  sent  a  letter  of  excuse  for  his  absence,  which  was  not  sustained. 

The  members  of  that  Presbytery  are  ordered  to  intimate  to  Mr.  Hook  that 
if,  for  the  future,  he  shall  absent  himself  in  like  manner,  unless  his  reasons  be 
more  weighty,  he  will  be  noticed  with  more  severity. 

No  reasons  appeared  for  Mr.  Hubbell's  absence  last  year,  nor  for  Mr.  Gil- 
bert Tennent's  and  Pumry's. 

Reasons  for  Mr.  Pierson's,  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent's,  Blair's,  Morgan's,  Thomas 
Evan's,  absence  now,  were  sustained. 

Messrs.  Anderson,  Thomson,  Andrews,  Jamison,  Houston,  Robert  Cross,  and 
the  moderator,  be  a  committee  for  the  fund,  and  any  other  business  the  Synod 
shall  recommend  to  them. 

The  Presbyterial  books  of  the  Presbyteries  of  New  Castle,  Donegall,  Lewis, 
and  East  Jersey,  were  not  brought. 

Mr.  Cathcart,  and  Mr.  Tennent,  junior,  ordered  to  revise  the  Presbytery 
book  of  Philadelphia. 

Messrs.  Thomson,  Anderson,  Houston,  Cathcart,  3Iartin,  Alexander  Craig- 
head, William  Tennent,  senior  and  junior,  report  that  they  have  brought 
something  for  the  fund. 

The  Synod  taking  notice  that  whatever  members  of  the  Synod  bring  to  the 
fund  those  years  wherein  they  attend  the  Synod,  there  is  no  care  taken  by  any 
of  them  to  procure  and  send  any  contributions  thereunto  those  years  in  which 
they  are  absent ;  and  in  order  to  make  up  this  defect,  the  Synod  orders  that 
every  Presbytery  within  our  bounds,  oblige  their  respective  members  to  be 
provided  with  their  respective  contributions  in  due  season,  before  the  meeting 
of  the  Synod  yearly,  in  order  that  if  any  of  their  members  should  be  neces- 
sarily absent  from  the  Synod,  their  contributions  may,  notwithstanding,  be 
sent  to  the  Synod. 

Messrs.  Andrews,  Anderson,  Thomson,  Gillespie,  Dickinson,  Pemberton, 
Pierson,  Thomas  Evans,  Robert  Cross,  Martin,  and  the  moderator,  are  ap- 
pointed to  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegall  report  that  Mr.  Alexander  Craighead  was  last 
winter  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  at  that  time  did  adopt  the 
Westminster  Confession  of  Faith,  &c. ;  and  also,  both  he  and  Mr.  John  Paul, 
lately  from  Ireland,  having  now  heard  the  several  resolutions  and  acts  of  the 
Synod  in  relation  to  the  adopting  said  Confession,  &c.  did,  before  the  Synod, 
declare  their  agreement  thereunto.  Also  Mr.  John  Madowell,  a  probationer 
from  Ireland,  producing  his  credentials  from  the  Presbytery  of  Temple  Pat- 
rick, and  session  of  Dunagor,  together  with  various  letters  of  recommendation 
from  several  brethren  of  note  in  the  north  of  Ireland,  all  which  were  sustained 
and  approven,  and  accordingly  he  was  received  by  the  Synod  as  a  probationer, 
and  recommended  to  the  kind  entertainment  and  encouragement  of  any  Pres- 
bytery within  our  bounds  to  which  he  may  be  disposed  to  offer  himself 

Ordered,  That  an  account  of  the  fund  be  brought  in  before  the  end  of  the 
session. 

The  members  who  were  appointed^  last  year  by  the  Synod  to  inquire  into 
the  scandalous  reports  of  Mr.  Gelston's  misbehaviour  in  the  High-Lands  of 
New  York,  did  as  appointed,  and  sent  an  account  of  what  discovery  they 
could  make  of  those  matters  to  the  Presbyteries  of  Donegall  and  New  Castle, 


124  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1736. 

who  some  time  after  met,  and  did  take  off  the  suspension  from  Mr.  Gelston 
and  restore  him  again  to  the  exercise  of  his  ministry.  Mr.  Cross  also,  toge- 
ther with  the  members  of  the  committee  appointed  to  take  Mr.  Tudor's  trials, 
viz.  Messrs.  Pumry  and  Chalker,  &c.  did  meet  according  to  appointment,  but 
did  not  ordain  said  Mr.  Tudor,  because  of  his  insufficiency.  Mr.  Webb,  Mr. 
Nutman,  Mr.  James  Cross,  being  appointed  members  of  said  committee  did  not 
attend. 

The  Presbytery  of  Lewis  did  erect  themselves  according  to  order  of  Synod 
last  year. 

It  is  reported  by  the  Presbytery  of  Lewis  that  Mr.  Patrick  Glasen,  after 
passing  through  ordinary  trials^^  and  adopting  the  Westminster  Confession, 
&c.  was  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  in  pursuance  of  a  call  from  the  peo- 
ple and  congregation  of  Monokin,  in  Somerset,  in  Maryland,  and  after  the 
usual  steps  and  trials  in  such  cases,  and  a  reported  declaration  of  his  adopting 
the  Westminster  Confession,  &c.  he  was  ordained  a  minister  of  the  gospel  and 
pastor  of  said  people  of  Monokin. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  of  the  cloch,  P.  M.     Post  jpreces  sederu7it  qui  supra. 

The  account  of  the  fund  not  yet  brought  in. 

It  is  reported  by  the  members  of  New  Castle  Presbytery  that  Mr.  Andrew 
Archbold  being  under  a  fama  clamosa  of  uncleanness  with  a  certain  young 
woman  of  his  own  congregation,  and  the  Presbytery  meeting,  pro  re  nata,  on 
that  occasion,  and  not  having  light  to  come  to  a  judgment  at  first,  appointed 
therefore  another  meeting  the  week  following,  to  inquire  further  into  the  truth 
of  said  report,  but  Mr.  Archbold  not  appearing  to  justify  himself,  and  a  depo- 
sition of  another  young  woman  in  the  neighbourhood  signifying  that  she  was 
with  child  by  him,  with  many  other  presumptions  of  guilt;  upon  this  the 
Presbytery  laid  him  under  suspension  until  he  should  appear  and  justify  him- 
self, since  which  time  he  hath  wholly  absconded. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  at  Upper  Octorara  to  inquire  into  the 
merits  of  an  appeal  of  John  Boyd,  of  said  Octorara,  from  the  judgment  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Donegall,  did  meet  according  to  appointment,  and  produced  the 
minutes  of  their  proceedings  in  that  affair,  which  were  read  and  approved,  and 
ordered  to  be  kept  in  refentis. 

The  proceedings  of  the  commission  of  the  Synod,  which  met  here  in  June 
last  to  act  in  the  affair  of  the  new  erected  congregation  in  this  city,  are  ordered 
to  be  inserted  into  our  minutes,  and  are  as  folio weth.* 

*  At  a  commission  of  the  Synod  held  at  Philadelphia, 

On  the  nth  day  of  June,  1736.     Post  preces  sederunt. 

Messrs.  Robert  Cross  moderator,  John  Thomson,  James  Anderson,  and  Thomas  Evans, 
members  present.     Thomas  Evans  chosen  clerk. 

Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Thomas  Craighead,  George  Gillespie,  Jonathan  Dickinson, 
Ebenezer  Pemberton,  and  John  Pierson,  absent. 

A  letter  of  excuse  being  come  to  hand  from  Messrs.  Dickinson,  Pierson,  and  Pember- 
ton, for  their  absence,  V7as  read,  and  the  reasons  of  their  absence  sustained. 

The  commission  now  meeting,  at  the  instance  of  the  people  allowed  to  form  themselves 
into  a  new  erection,  it  was  ordered,  that  the  minutes  of  our  Synod  relating  to  said  erec- 
tion, be  read,  which  was  done. 

A  supplication  from  the  said  erection,  or  separate  society,  in  Philadelphia,  being  pre- 
sented to  the  commission,  wherein  representing  the  unsuccessfulness  of  the  endeavours 
they  had  hitherto  used  in  order  to  a  re-union  with  the  other  part  of  the  congregation, 
they  requested  for  supplies.     The  commission  judging  that  a  re-union  of  said  separate 


1736.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  125 

The  appointments  of  the  Synod  in  reference  to  supplying  the  new  erection, 
were  fulfilled. 

A  supplication  from  the  people  of  the  new  erection  in  this  city  desiring  us 
to  appoint  one  of   our  members  to  moderate  in  their  drawing  up  a  call  to 

society  with  the  rest  of  the  congregation,  if  it  could  be  possibly  obtained  on  satisfactory 
terms  to  both  parties,  is  much  more  desirable,  as  things  now  appear,  thought  it  expedient 
to  defer  the  consideration  of  said  request  for  supplies,  until  some  proper  measures  be 
taken  to  make  a  trial  towards  the  desired  re-union.  Accordingly,  upon  our  signification 
of  this  our  mind  to  the  party  present,  and  our  pressing  them  to  do  their  part  towards 
said  re-union,  they  condescended  so  far  as  to  declare  a  willingness  to  have  a  conference 
with  the  other  part  of  the  congregation  on  that  head.  Upon  which  it  was  agreed,  in 
order  to  obtain  said  conference,  that  Messrs.  Cross  and  Evans  should  acquaint  Mr.  An- 
drews, and  some  of  the  principal  members  of  the  other  part  of  the  congregation,  with 
our  desire  of  the  same,  and  that  every  member  of  the  commission  should  use  their  en- 
deavours as  opportunity  offers  towards  effecting  said  union. 

Adjourned  till  ten  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

ISth  day,  at  ten  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Craighead  being  now  present  gave  the  reasons  of  his  absence  yesterday,  which 
were  sustained. 

Upon  reading  yesterday's  order  of  acquainting  Mr.  Andrews,  and  some  others  of  his 
now  congregation,  with  our  desire  of  using  endeavours  in  order  to  make  trial  for  the 
aforesaid  re-union,  the  moderator  reported  that  he  and  Mr.  Evans  had  been  with  Andrews 
as  appointed,  and  that  Mr.  Andrews  heartily  approved  of  the  design,  and  accordingly 
fell  in  with  it  so  far  as  to  offer  to  propose  the  same  to  the  members  of  his  committee, 
which  he  did,  and  they,  upon  INIr.  Andrews's  motion,  met,  and  after  some  conference 
among  themselves  about  the  matter,  the  result  they  came  to  was  sent  in  writing  to  Mr. 
Andrews,  in  order  to  acquaint  us  with  the  contents  thereof,  the  copy  whereof  is  as  fol- 
loweth,  viz. 

Philadelphia,  June  18ih,  1736. 
The  committee  thinks  it  very  strange  that  the  commission  of  the  Synod,  who  were 
called  here  without  the  knowledge  of  the  committee,  should  send  any  messages  to  the 
committee  concerning  the  uniting  the  two  little  congregations  of  Presbyterians  in  this 
city,  (though  a  thing  much  to  be  desired  by  all  good  men,)  because  the  committee  have 
lately  been  informed  that  the  sole  business  of  the  commission  now  was  to  appoint  minis- 
ters to  preach  to  the  congregation  which  the  Synod  most  deliberately  gave  leave  to  sepa- 
rate and  make  a  new  erection.  And  the  committee  are  also  informed  that  the  said  con- 
gregation have  provided  a  place  which  they  are  at  this  time  fitting  up  for  their  purpose, 
and  it  is  still  more  strange,  considering  the  major  part  of  the  commission  were  the  most 
active  in  contriving  and  bringing  about  the  separation,  notwithstanding  some  members 
of  the  committee  pleaded  so  much  against  it,  and  showed  such  a  dislike  to  their  proceed- 
ings. And  the  committee  are  of  the  opinion,  that  they  should  not  interfere  with  an  affair 
belonging  to  another  congregation. 

A  copy  of  -the  result  of  the  committee  sent  by  John  Snowden,  William  Gray,  William 
Spafford,  George  Sharswood,  Thomas  Powell,  Edward  Shippen. 

The  commission  having  read  and  considered  the  above  result,  do  judge  the  import 
thereof  to  be,  that  the  committee  does  look  upon  those  persons  who  were  allowed  by  the 
last  Synod  to  erect  themselves  into  a  separate  society,  to  be  a  distinct  congregation  from 
them,  and  therefore  decline  to  have  any  conference  with  them  in  order  to  re-union. 

The  commission  having  deliberately  considered  the  circumstances  of  the  whole  affair, 
do  conclude  that,  (at  least  at  present,)  there  is  no  probability  of  a  re-union  between  the 
old  congregation  of  this  city  and  the  new  erection,  and  therefore  do  conclude  that  our 
way  is  now  clear  to  order  supplies  to  the  said  new  erection,  in  compliance  not  only  with 
the  direction  of  the  Synod  in  September  last  to  that  purpose,  but  also  the  earnest  and 
repeated  desires  of  said  people,  they  having  been  industrious  to  prepare  a  house  fur  the 
public  worship  of  God  among  them. 

Adjourned  till  four  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  four  o'clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
A  supplication  from  the  abovesaid  new  erection,  requesting  that  they  might  be  supplied 


126  ^  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1736. 

a  minister,  was  read,  the  consideration  of  which  deferred  till  to-morrow 
morning. 

A  paper  from  Mr.  Henry  Hunter,  representing  grievances  in  his  present 
condition,  and  desiring  the  Synod's  advice  and  assistance  in  reference  thereunto, 
was  produced  and  read,  the  consideration  hereof  deferred  till  to-morrow. 

A  supplication  from  the  people  of  Paxton  and  Derry  to  the  Synod,  is  re- 
ferred to  the  committee  of  the  fund,  &c.  which  is  to  meet  at  eight  o'clock,  to- 
morrow morning. 

Adjourned  till  ten  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

17<A  day,  at  ten  d clock,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  account  of  the  fund  is  not  yet  brought  in. 

The  supplication  from  the  new  erection  in  this  city  came  under  considera- 
tion, and  after  some  reasoning  about  the  matter,  it  being  put  to  the  vote 
whether  their  request  should  be  granted,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  by  a 
great  majority,  and  Mr.  Thomson  was  appointed  to  moderate  and  assist  that 
people  in  drawing  up  a  call  to  any  minister  about  whom  they  shall  agree. 

Mr.  Hunter's  affair  came  under  consideration,  and  his  paper  was  read  a 
second  time.  Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  Presbytery  of  Lewis  be 
also  read,  which  was  done.  Both  Mr.  Hunter  and  the  members  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Lewis,  offered  a  great  deal  in  order  to  clearing  the  matter.  After 
some  debates  it  was  moved,  that  all  but  members  should  remove,  and  then  the 
Synod  entered  upon  a  serious  debate  about  the  whole  affair.  Mr.  Hunter 
being  called  in  and  being  interrogated,  produced  his  credentials,  which  were 
known  by  some  persons  present  to  be  genuine.  It  is  recommended  to  Mr. 
Andrews,  Mr.  Anderson,  Mr.  Elmer,  and  Mr.  Thomson,  to  endeavour  to 
draw  up  an  overture  upon  the  whole  affair,  to  be  brought  in  against  the  after- 
noon. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  dcloclt.,  P.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  account  of  the  fund  not  yet  brought  in. 

The  members  appointed  to  draw  up  an  overture  on  Mr.  Hunter's  affair, 
report  that  they  have  not  done  any  thing  in  that  affair,  on  account  that  they 
did  not  agree  in  their  judgments.  The  further  consideration  of  that  affair 
deferred  till  afterwards. 

An  overture  of  the  committee  upon  the  supplication  of  the  people  of  Paxton 
and  Derry,  was  brought  in  and  is  as  followeth.  That  the  Synod  do  declare, 
that  inasmuch  as  we  understand  that  many  persons  of  our  persuasion,  both 
more  lately  and  formerly,  have  been  offended  with  some  expressions  or  dis- 
tinctions in  the  first  or  preliminary  act  of  our  Synod,  contained  in  the  printed 

until  next  Synod  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Robert  Cross,  James  Anderson,  and  Francis  Ali- 
son, or  any  others  whom  the  commission  should  think  proper.  It  was  ordered,  that 
Messrs.  Anderson  and  Cross  supply  them  next  Sabbath,  and  Mr.  Cross  the  next  Sabbath 
following,  Mr.  Alison  the  four  Sabbaths  in  July,  Mr.  Paul  the  three  first  Sabbaths  of 
August,  Mr.  Black  the  two  last  Sabbaths  of  August,  and  the  first  Sabbath  of  September, 
Mr.  Cross  the  second  Sabbath  of  September. 

Ordered,  That  the  moderator  write  a  letter  to  Messrs.  Alison,  Paul,  and  Black,  to  ac- 
quaint them  with  these  appointments. 

The  people  of  the  new  erection  being  called  in,  and  the  above  orders  being  read  in 
their  hearing,  they  cheerfully  and  thankfully  acquiesced  in  the  same,  and  being  exhor- 
ted by  the  moderator  to  behave  themselves  christianly,  modestly,  and  humbly,  under 
the  present  encouraging  turn  of  Divine  Providence  so  much  in  their  favour,  they  were 
dismissed,  and  the  present  meeting  of  the  commission  concluded  with  prayer. 


173G.]  SYXOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  127 

paper,  relating  to  our  receiving  or  adopting  the  Westminster  Confession  and 
Catechisms,  t^c :  That  in  order  to  remove  said  offence,  and  all  jealousies 
that  have  arisen  or  may  arise  in  any  of  our  people's  minds,  on  occasion  of 
said  distinctions  and  expressions,  the  Synod  doth  declare,  that  the  Synod  have 
adopted  and  still  do  adhere  to  the  Westminster  Confession,  Catechisms,  and 
Directory,  without  the  least  variation  or  alteration,  and  without  any  regard  to 
said  distinctions.  And  we  do  further  declare,  that  this  was  our  meaning  and 
true  intent  in  our  first  adopting  of  said  Confession,  as  may  particularly  ap- 
pear by  our  adopting  act  which  is  as  followeth  :  All  the  ministers  of  the 
Synod  now  present,  (which  were  eighteen  in  number,  except  one  that  declared 
himself  not  prepared,)  after  proposing  all  the  scruples  any  of  them  had  to 
make  against  any  articles  and  expressions  in  the  Confession  of  Faith,  and 
Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms  of  the  Assembly  of  Divines  at  Westminster, 
have  unanimously  agreed  in  the  solution  of  these  scruples,  and  in  declaring 
the  said  Confession  and  Catechisms  to  be  the  confession  of  their  faith,  except 
only  some  clauses  in  the  twentieth  and  twenty-third  chapters,  concerning  which 
clauses  the  Synod  do  unanimously  declare,  that  they  do  not  receive  these 
articles  in  any  such  sense  as  to  suppose  the  civil  magistrate  hath  a  controlling 
power  over  Synods  with  respect  to  the  exercise  of  their  ministerial  authority, 
or  power  to  persecute  any  for  their  religion,  or  in  any  sense  contrary  to  the 
Protestant  succession  to  the  throne  of  Great  Britain. 

And  we  hope  and  desire,  that  this  our  Synodical  declaration  and  explication 
may  satisfy  alt  our  people,  as  to  our  firm  attachment  to  our  good  old  received 
doctrines  contained  in  said  confession,  without  the  least  variation  or  alteration, 
and  that  they  will  lay  aside  their  jealousies  that  have  been  entertained  through 
occasion  of  the  above  hinted  expressions  and  declarations  as  groundless.  This 
overture  approved  neynine  contradicente. 

An  appeal  of  some  of  Mr.  Tennent's  people  from  the  judgment  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Philadelphia,  was  brought  in  and  read  j  together  with  a  supplication 
from  said  persons  to  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  and  their  judgment  upon 
it.  After  that  Mr.  Tennent,  the  appellants,  and  the  members  of  the  Presby- 
tery of  Philadelphia,  were  heard  at  length,  at  last  all  parties  were  ordered  to 
remove,  and  the  Synod  entered  upon  a  debate  upon  this  affair,  and  at  last 
agreed  in  the  following  unanimous  judgment,  viz :  That  it  appears  evident  to 
this  Synod,  that  Mr.  Tennent  having  in  all  respects  acted,  and  been  esteemed, 
and  looked  upon,  not  only  by  this  Synod,  but  also  by  the  congregation  of 
Neshaminy,  and  particularly  by  the  appellants  themselves,  as  the  minister 
and  pastor  of  the  people  of  Neshaminy,  that  he  is  still  to  be  esteemed  as  the 
pastor  of  that  people,  notwithstanding  the  want  of  a  formal  instalment  among 
them,  (which  omission,  though  the  Synod  doth  not  justify,  yet  it  is  far  from 
nullifying  the  pastoral  relation  between  Mr.  Tennent  and  said  people,)  and 
consequently  that  the  Synod  doth  justify  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia  in  reference  to  that  matter,  and  that  said  appellants  had  no 
just  cause  of  complaining  against  or  appealing  from  said  judgment  of  the 
Presbytery. 

jMr.  Bertram  is  allowed  to  depart  on  account  of  his  indisposition. 

The  committee  ordered  to  meet  at  eight  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  ten  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning.  .  ', 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

V^th  day  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.  post preces  sedenint  qui  supra. 

The  account  of  the  fund  not  yet  brought  in. 

Mr.  Hunter's  affair  reassumed,  and  after  much  discourse  and  several  ques- 
tions asked  at  Mr.  Hunter,  together  with  his  answers  being  heard,  and  Mr. 


128  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1736. 

Hunter  and  all  but  members  being  removed,  the  Synod  entered  upon  a  serious 
debate  about  what  we  have  heard,  and  after  spending  considerable  time,  at 
last  it  was  agreed  that  Mr.  Thomson  and  Mr.  Cross  shall  each  endeavour  to 
prepare  an  overture  upon  this  afiair,  to  be  brought  in,  in  order  to  be  approven 
against  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  3  (^ clock,  P.  M.  'post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  continued. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Hunter  r^gassumed,  and  Mr.  Cross  and  Mr.  Thomson 
brought  in  their  overtures,  which  were  very  parallel,  and  the  substance  as 
approved  by  the  Synod  was  as  followed. 

The  Synod  having  maturely  weighed  and  considered  the  following  particu- 
lars, viz  : 

1.  That  Mr.  Henry  Hunter  has  his  credentials  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Antrim,  which  has  separated  from  the  Synod  of  Ireland,  and  with  whom 
we  have  no  communion,  when  he  might  have  easily  applied  to  other  Presby- 
teries. 

2.  That  he  brought  with  him  thence  a  certain  instrument  in  writing,  de- 
claring him  capable  of  administering  the  sacraments  of  the  New  Testament  j 
when  he  himself  acknowledges  that  he  was  not  set  apart  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry  by  the  imposition  of  hands  or  any  of  the  rites  of  ordination. 

3.  That  he  acknowledges  the  design  of  getting  the  above  instrument  or  cer- 
tificate was,  that  if  he  should  meet  with  any  people  of  his  principles  that 
would  entertain  him  as  their  pastor,  he  would  have  accepted  the  pastoral 
charge  of  them  under  that  circumstance. 

4.  That  when  Mr.  Hunter  was  asked  before  the  Synod,  whether  he  had  any 
other  papers  or  certificates  besides  that  of  his  license,  he  said  he  had  none,  and 
yet  afterwards  owned  he  had  the  abovesaid  paper  or  instrument. 

5.  That  it  appears  probable  to  the  Synod,  that  he  had  been  forming  a 
design,  and  that  money  hath  been  given  for  him  to  go  to  the  Bishop  of  Lon- 
don for  ordination.  These  things,  together  with  the  great  prevarication  he 
hath  been  guilty  of,  and  the  disregard  he  hath  shown  to  our  discipline  and 
government,  and  the  ground  we  have  to  suspect  his  principles,  have  deter- 
mined the  Synod  to  come  to  the  following  conclusion,  viz  :  not  to  receive  or 
entertain  the  said  Mr.  Hunter  as  a  probationer  or  minister  among  us  at  present. 
Approved  nemine  contradicente . 

The  above  judgment  being  read  unto  Mr.  Hunter,  he  applied  unto  the 
Synod  for  advice  how  to  behave  under  his  present  circumstances ;  to  which 
the  moderator  replied  in  the  name  of  the  Synod,  that  they  would  give  him  an 
answer  against  Monday  next. 

A  call  from  the  new  erection  of  this  city  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Robert  Cross, 
together  with  a  supplication  to  the  Synod,  containing  their  reasons  or  argu- 
ments to  move  the  Synod  to  concur  with  the  design  of  said  call,  were  read, 
and  the  consideration  hereof  is  deferred  until  Monday  morning,  at  ten  of  the 
clock. 

The  committee  for  the  fund  to  meet  at  nine  o'clock  on  Monday  morning. 

Adjourned  till  ten  of  the  clock  on  Monday  morning. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

20<A  day  at  10  o'clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  account  of  the  fund  is  brought  in,  and  it  amounts  to  the  sum  of  five 
hundred  forty-one  pounds  and  nine  pence. 

An  overture  concerning  the  fund  was  brought  in  by  the  committee;  and 


1736.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  129 

unanimously  approved,  and  is  as  follows  :  that  the  committee  for  the  fund  meet 
after  the  breaking  up  of  the  Synod,  in  order  to  consult  upon  a  method  for  the 
better  securing  of  the  fund,  as  well  as  distributing  according  to  the  necessity 
of  such  persons  as  will  apply  to  them  for  relief,  and  to  defray  necessary  charges 
of  the  press. 

The  Synod  taking  Mr.  Hunter's  request  for  advice  into  consideration,  after 
some  discourse,  agree  that  the  moderator  should  first  admonish  him  concerning 
his  past  misconduct,  and  the  occasion  of  jealousy  concerning  his  principles 
which  he  has  given  by  his  conduct,  and  inquiring  his  motives  in  seeking  to 
enter  upon  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  advise  him  for  the  future  to  behave 
so  as  to  testify  his  sense  of  his  misconduct,  and  his  sincere  attachment  to  sound 
principles  as  well  as  purposes  of  a  regular  walk. 

The  affair  of  the  call  of  Mr.  Cross  reassumed,  and  the  supplication  from  said 
people  again  read.  And  after  some  debate,  it  was  agreed  that  said  call  should 
be  presented  to  Mr.  Cross,  and  his  sentiments  concerning  it  desired  by  the 
Synod.  In  answer  to  which  he  declared,  that  he  was  clearly  convinced  and 
persuaded  in  his  judgment,  as  things  now  appear,  that  it  is  his  duty  to  stay 
with  the  people  of  Jamaica ;  and  that  he  thought  the  Synod  could  not  deter- 
mine this  matter  until  his  people  be  apprised  hereof,  and  have  opportunity  to 
declare  themselves  concerning  it.  After  much  and  long  debating  about  this 
affair,  at  last  it  was  agreed  that  the  clerk  and  Mr.  Elmer,  each  of  them  by 
himself,  should  endeavour  to  prepare  an  overture  upon  the  affair  to  be  brought 
in,  in  the  afternoon,  to  be  considered  by  the  Synod. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'docJc,  P.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Cathcart  is  absent  without  liberty  asked  or  obtained  of  the  Synod. 

Ordered,  That  the  janitor  for  the  future  be  paid  out  of  the  fund. 

The  next  meeting  of  the  Synod,  is  appointed  to  be  on  the  fourth  Wednesday 
of  May  next  at  Philadelphia. 

An  overture  upon  the  affair  of  Mr.  Cross's  transportation,  was  brought  in 
and  is  as  followeth. 

1st.  That  inasmuch  as  the  people  of  Jamaica,  whom  we  look  upon  as  a  party 
principally  interested  in  this  matter,  have  not  been  yet  seasonably  apprised  of 
it,  nor  have  they  had  any  opportunity  to  lay  in  their  objections  against  Mr. 
Cross's  transportation  to  the  new  erected  congregation,  the  Synod  cannot  now 
come  to  a  final  judgment  or  declaration  herein.  And  therefore  the  Synod  doth 
defer  their  judgment  concerning  it  until  next  meeting  of  the  Synod,  and  order 
that  the  people  of  Jamaica  have  a  copy  of  our  minutes  relating  hereunto ;  that 
they,  together  with  a  copy  of  the  reasons  advanced  by  this  new  congregation, 
be  sent  unto  them,  that  they  may  prepare  to  appear  in  opposition  to  said  call 
against  next  meeting,  if  they  think  fit. 

2dly.  That,  in  the  mean  time,  Mr.  Cross  be  appointed  to  supply  this  people 
two  months  before  the  next  meeting  of  the  Synod. 

3dly.  That  the  people  of  this  new  erection  be  allowed  the  nomination  of 
ministers  or  candidates  belonging  to  the  Synod  for  their  supply  the  rest  of  the 
time,  wherein  Mr.  Cross  is  not  appointed  to  supply  them,  and  that  the  Pres- 
byteries unto  which  such  ministers  to  be  appointed  to  supply  this  new  erec- 
tion do  belong,  shall  appoint  supplies  in  the  room  of  such  ministers,  while  they 
are  absent  from  their  respective  congregations  supplying  this. 

4thly.  That  the  Synod  shall  order  supplies  to  the  people  of  Jamaica  during 
the  time  of  Mr.  Cross's  supplying  here,  as  they  shall  judge  most  convenient. 

5thly.  Mr.  Cross,  and  whatever  other  actual  minister  shall  be  ordered  to 
supply  this  new  erection,  shall,  as  far  as  circumstances  will  allow,  act  and 
17 


130  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1737. 

behave  among  them,  for  promoting  of  their  edification  publicly  and  privately, 
as  if  they  stood  in  a  personal  relation  to  them. 

Some  reasons  for  supporting  this  overture, 

1st.  That  justice  shall  hereby  be  done  to  both  congregations  by  this  neces- 
sary delay. 

2dly.  Hereby  provision  will  be  made  for  this  congregation  as  much  to  their 
desire  and  edification  as  possibly  can  be  in  such  circumstances. 

3dly.  This  Synod  will  appear  to  act  tenderly  and  conscientiously,  and  to 
avoid  precipitancy  on  both  hands. 

4thly.  During  this  intervening  time,  by  Divine  Providence,  the  aspect  of 
these  affairs  may  be  so  far  altered  and  cleared,  that  the  Synod  may  be  able  to 
determine,  both  to  the  edification  and  satisfaction  of  all  parties  concerned. 

Lastly.  We  think  it  would  be  very  unsafe  at  present,  finally  to  determine  the 
matter  one  way  or  other,  lest  we  should  commit  a  very  hurtful  mistake. 

The  above  overture  and  reasons  were  approven  nemine  contradicente. 

And  accordingly  Mr.  Cross  is  appointed  to  supply  this  new  erection  next 
Sabbath,  and  as  many  Sabbaths  immediately  before  our  next  meeting  as  will 
complete  the  above  two  months.  Mr.  Pumry  is  ordered  to  supply  Jamaica  the 
second  Sabbath  of  April,  Mr.  Lamb  the  fourth  Sabbath  of  April,  Mr.  John 
Cross  the  first  two  Sabbaths  in  May. 

Mr.  Madowell  is  appointed  to  supply  this  new  erection  the  months  pf  Octo- 
ber and  November,  Mr.  Jamison  the  month  of  December,  Mr.  Alison  the 
month  of  January,  Mr.  Carlile  the  month  of  February,  Mr.  Alexander  the 
month  of  March. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  the  fund  meet  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine 
of  the  clock. 

Adjourned  till  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1737. 

According  to  appointment  the  Synod  met  at  Philadelphia, 

May  25th,  1737.      Uhi  jyost  preces  sederunt 

Ministers :  Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  John  Thomson,  James  Anderson, 
Richard  Treat,  Joseph  Houston,  Robert  Cathcart,  Adam  Boyd,  Robert  Cross, 
Robert  Jamison,  Hugh  Carlile,  James  Martin,  John  Paul,  William  Tennent, 
Gilbert  Tennent,  Henry  Hook,  G-eorge  Gillespie,  Thomas  Evans,  Samuel 
Blair,  Samuel  Black,  Francis  Alison,  Patrick  Glascow,  and  Alexander  Huch- 
eson. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Thomas  Craighead,  Ebenezer  Goold,  Daniel 
Elmer,  Hugh  Stevenson,  William  Bertram,  Alexander  Craighead,  William 
Tennent,  jun'r.,  David  Evans,  Hugh  Conn,  John  Orme,  David  Cowell,  Ebe- 
nezer Weld,  John  Cross,  John  Pierson,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Joseph  Webb, 
Samuel  Pumry,  Ebenezer  Pemberton,  Hubbell,  Horton,  Chalker,  Nutman. 

Elders  present:  Messrs.  William  Gray,  Thomas  Boyd,  Philip  Tanner, 
Jeremiah  Lockery,  John  Wilson,  James  Buchanan,  Matthew  Adams,  John 
Richey,  Samuel  Allen,  William  McCullough,  Robert  Patton. 

Mr.  Hook  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Evans  clerk. 

Mr.  Boyd,  the  last  year's  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon  on 
2  Cor.  iv.  5. 

Adjourned  till  9  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

26  day,  at  nine  dcloch,  A.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
Masters  Gillespie,  Hook,  Hucheson,  Glascow,  and  Gilbert  Tennent,  gave 
reasons  for  their  absence  last  year,  which  were  sustained. 


1737.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  131 

All  the  members  of  the  Presbytery  of  East  Jersey,  were  absent  last  year 
except  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Pierson,  Blair,  and  William  Tennent,  jun'r. 
and  no  reasons  given  ;  and  said  members  are  now  also  absent,  (except  Gilbert 
Tennent.) 

Messrs.  Thomson,  Andrews,  Boyd,  Treat,  Gillespie,  Martin,  and  the  mode- 
ratoi',  appointed  to  be  a  committee  for  the  Fund,  and  any  other  business  the 
Synod  shall  recommend  to  them. 

The  Presbytery  books  of  Lewis,  New  Castle,  and  East-Jersey,  were  not 
brought.  Messrs.  Alison  and  Cathcart,  ordered  to  revise  the  Presbytery 
book  of  Duuagall,  and  Mr.  Anderson  and  Mr.  Cross,  the  Presbytery  book  of 
Philadelphia. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  collections  for  the  fund,  it  was  found 
that  Masters  Anderson,  Thomson,  Jamison,  Paul,  William  Tennent,  and 
Gillespie,  had  brought  something,  which  was  ordered  to  be  delivered  to  Mr. 
Andrews. 

Messrs.  Anderson,  Andrews,  Thomson,  Gillespie,  Dickinson,  Pemberton, 
Pierson,  Robert  Cross,  Thomas  Evans,  Boyd,  and  the  moderator,  appointed 
to  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year  ensuing,  and  that  if  they  have 
occasion  to  meet,  they  endeavour  to  have  elders  with  them. 

Messrs.  Bertram,  David  Evans,  John  Cross,  and  William  Tennent,  jun'r. 
sent  reasons  of  their  absence,  which  were  sustained. 

It  is  reported  that  Mr.  David  Cowell  in  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  and 
Mr.  Samuel  Black  in  the  Presbytery  of  Dunagall,  and  3Ir.  Francis  Alison  in 
the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  were,  after  the  usual  trials,  ordained  since  last 
Synod,  and  that  said  persons  did  all  of  them  adopt  the  Westminster  Confes- 
sion, (tc,  according  to  order  of  Synod. 

Ordered,  That  an  account  of  the  fund  be  brought  in  before  the  Synod 
break  up. 

Mr.  Cathcart  acknowledged  his  irregularity  of  departing  from  last  Synod 
without  leave,  promising  better  care  in  that  matter  for  the  future,  which  was 
accepted. 

The  appointments  of  last  Synod,  with  respect  to  the  new  erection  in  Phila- 
delphia and  the  congregation  of  Jamaica,  were  fulfilled.  And  inquiry  being 
made  whether  there  were  any  representatives  or  letters  from  Jamaica,  relating 
to  Mr.  Cross's  transportation,  it  was  found  that  a  letter  was  come  which  was 
ordered  to  be  brought  in,  in  the  afternoon.  And  the  representatives  of  the 
new  erection  were  ordered  to  bring  in  what  they  had  to  offer  in  the  after- 
noon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  order  with  relation  to  the  fund  continued. 

Mr.  Hunter  having  petitioned  that  he  might  be  restored  to  preach  the  gos- 
pel of  Christ,  &c.  and  we  being  satisfied  of  his  good  and  becoming  carriage 
and  conduct  since  our  last,  are  willing  to  give  him  all  due  encouragement. 
But  considering  the  judgment  of  the  Synod  last  year,  and  the  reasons  of  it, 
we  cannot  allow  the  said  Mr.  Hunter  to  preach  the  gospel  until  he  has  first 
gone  through  the  ordinary  coui"se  of  trials  in  some  Presbytery  belonging  to 
this  Synod,  and  the  Synod  does  recommend  it  to  the  Presbytery  to  which  he 
may  apply,  to  treat  him  with  all  suitable  and  Christian  lenity  and  tenderness, 
which  was  approved,  nemine  contradicente. 

The  above  minute  being  read  to  Mr.  Hunter  he  desired  time  to  consider  of 
it,  which  was  granted. 

The  aflfair  of  the  new  erection  at  Philadelphia,  deferred  till  to-morrow 
morning. 


132  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1737. 

A  reference  from  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  relating  to  Mr.  Morgan's 
suspension  coming  before  us,  and  after  reading  the  minutes  of  said  Presby- 
tery, with  the  evidences  they  grounded  their  judgment  upon,  and  Mr.  Morgan 
having  liberty  to  offer  what  he  thought  fit  in  his  own  defence,  the  affair,  after 
due  consideration,  was  left  to  the  committee  to  bring  an  overture  upon  it  to- 
morrow morning. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  meet  at  eight  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 

Adjourned  till  ten  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

V 

27<A  day.     At  ten  of  the  dock.,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  order  respecting  the  fund  continued. 

The  committee  brought  in  an  overture  on  Mr.  Morgan's  affair,  which  is  as 
followeth,  viz. 

Overtured,  on  Mr.  Morgan's  affair.  That  inasmuch  as  it  would  be  both  dif- 
ficult and  tedious  for  the  whole  Synod  to  make  a  particular  inquiry  into  the 
whole  affair,  the  Synod  appoint  the  Presbyteries  of  Philadelphia  and  East 
Jersey  to  meet  as  a  committee  at  Maidenhead,  and  judge  of  said  affair,  and 
absolve  Mr.  Morgan  from  the  censure  he  lies  under,  if  he  appear  suitably 
penit-ent,  and  no  new  accusations  be  advanced  against  him ;  and  Mr.  Morgan 
to  continue  under  suspension  until  said  committee  meet,  and  that  at  least 
three  members  of  each  Presbytery  meet  as  a  quorum.  The  first  Wednesday 
of  August  to  be  the  time  of  meeting;  and  it  is  ordered,  that  every  minister 
do  endeavour  to  bring  an  elder  with  him.     Approved,  nemine  contradicente. 

Mr.  Hunter  came  in  and  professed  his  acquiescence  with  the  Synod's  con- 
clusion in  his  affair. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Cross's  transportation  reassumed,  and  a  supplication  from 
the  new  erection  pressing  the  accomplishment  of  it  pursuant  to  their  call  to 
him,  and  a  letter  from  the  congregation  of  Jamaica,  offering  reasons  against 
his  transportation,  being  read,  together  with  the  minutes  of  our  last  on  said 
affair,  the  Synod  thought  it  proper  to  inquire  of  Mr.  Cross  himself  what  his 
present  sentiments  were  respecting  said  affair ;  which  being  done  by  the  mo- 
derator, he  desired  liberty  to  defer  giving  his  answer  till  the  next  sederunt, 
which  was  granted. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  of  the  cloch,  P.  M.      Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  order  respecting  the  fund  continued. 

A  paper  being  brought  in  by  Mr.  Enoch  Armitage,  signed  by  many  hands 
of  the  congregations  of  Hopewell  and  Maidenhead,  requesting,  that  since  Mr. 
Morgan  is  not  likely  to  be  useful  any  more  as  a  minister  among  them,  from 
his  repeated  miscarriages,  if  the  Synod  should  see  cause  to  restore  him  to  his 
ministry,  he  might  not  be  reinstated  as  their  minister :  The  Synod  came  to 
this  result,  that  the  people  of  Hopewell  and  Maidenhead  be  left  at  their  liberty 
to  entertain  Mr.  Morgan  as  their  pastor  or  not,  even  supposing  the  committee 
appointed  to  meet  on  his  affair  in  August,  should  see  cause  to  restore  him  to 
the  exercise  of  the  ministry;  only  the  Synod  enjoins  the  people  to  pay  to  Mr. 
Morgan  what  arrears  are  due  to  him  for  time  past.  The  above  minute  approved. 
nemine  contradicente. 

The  afftiir  of  Mr.  Cross's  transportation  came  again  under  consideration,  and 
the  representatives  of  the  new  erected  congregation  of  this  city  put  in  a  sup- 
plication which  was  read,  the  purport  whereof  was  to  invalidate  what  was 
offered  in  the  supplication  from  Jamaica :  Mr.  Cross  was  desired  to  give  his 


1737.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  133 

sentiments  of  this  affair,  which  he  did  at  length,  and  at  last  submitted  himself 
wholly  to  the  judgment  of  the  Synod,  and  then,  all  parties  being  removed,  the 
Synod  entered  upon  a  very  serious  debate  about  this  whole  affair,  in  which 
considerable  time  being  spent,  at  last  after  solemn  calling  upon  God  for  light 
and  direction  in  sucli  a  momentous  matter,  it  was  put  to  the  vote,  Transport 
Mr.  Cross  from  Jamaica  to  Philadelphia  or  not,  and  it  was  carried  in  the 
affirmative,  nemlnc  confradicente. 

A  letter  was  brought  in  from  Mr.  Henricus  Goetschius  to  Mr.  Andrews, 
signifying  his  desire,  and  the  desire  of  many  people  of  the  German  nation, 
that  he  might  be  ordained  by  order  of  Synod  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  upon 
which  the  said  Mr.  Goetschius  was  desired  to  appear  before  the  Synod,  that 
they  might  see  his  credentials  and  have  some  discourse  with  him )  which  being 
done,  he  produced  testimonials  from  Germany,  which  were  ample  and  satis- 
factory to  the  Synod  respecting  his  learning  and  good  Christian  conversation ; 
whereupon  he  was  recommended  to  the  care  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia, 
to  act  upon  further  trials  of  him,  with  respect  to  his  ordination,  as  to  them 
should  seem  fit. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  eight  of  the  clock. 

Adjourned  till  ten  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

28^^  day.     At  ten  of  the  chck,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  siipra. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  continued. 

Upon  reading  the  minutes  of  the  last  sederunt  respecting  Mr.  Cross's  trans- 
portation, at  his  request  it  was  ordered,  that  Messrs.  Thomson  and  Anderson 
write  a  suitable  letter  to  the  congregation  of  Jamaica,  signifying  what  was  done 
in  said  affair,  and  bring  it  in  before  the  Synod  break  up. 

A  supplication  from  the  new  erection  in  this  city  being  brought  in  and  read, 
it  was  referred  to  the  committee  to  bring  in  an  overture  upon  it. 

A  supplication  from  part  of  the  congregation  of  Neshaminy,  containing 
matters  of  complaint  against  Mr.  William  Tennent,  and  also  an  answer  to  the 
several  articles  of  said  supplication  from  another  part  of  the  said  congregation 
being  brought  in,  and  both  of  them  read  article  by  article,  and  both  parties 
heard  at  length  what  they  had  to  say,  all  parties  were  ordered  to  remove,  and 
some  time  being  taken  upon  the  merits  of  that  cause,  Mr.  Thomson  was  ordered 
to  draw  up  an  overture  on  that  affair,  and  bring  it  in,  in  the  afternoon. 

Mr.  Cathcart  asked  leave  to  depart,  and  it  was  granted. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  meet  at  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M. 

Adjourned  till  four  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  four  of  the  cloclc,  P.  31.     Postjyreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  account  of  the  fund  be  brought  in  next  sederunt. 

Upon  the  affair  of  Neshaminy  overtured.  That  the  reasons  advanced  by  the 
disaffected  party  of  that  congregation  in  their  supplication,  in  justification  of 
their  non-compliance  with  the  Synod's  judgment  in  relation  to  them  last  year, 
and  their  desire  to  be  freed  from  Mr.  Tennent  as  their  pastor,  are  utterly  in- 
sufficient, being  founded,  (as  appears  to  us,)  partly  upon  ignorance  and  mis- 
take, and  partly,  (as  we  fear,)  upon  prejudice.  It  is  therefore  ordered,  that 
the  moderator  recommend  it  to  said  people  to  lay  aside  such  groundless  dis- 
satisfactions, and  return  to  their  duty,  which  they  have  too  long  strayed  from, 
otherwise  the  Synod  will  be  bound  in  duty  to  treat  them  as  disorderly.  Ap- 
proved, nemine  contradicente. 

Overtured,  That  Mr.  Cross's  instalment  be  as  soon  as  conveniently  may  be 
after  his  return  from  Jamaica,  and  that  the  Synod  on  Monday  next  appoint  the 
person  that  shall  instal  him. 


134  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1737. 

Ovcrtured,  That  Mr.  Elder  supply  the  new  erection  the  three  last  Sabbaths 
in  June,  and  the  first  in  July ;  Mr.  Alexander  the  other  four  Sabbaths  in 
July,  and  Mr.  Carlile  the  month  of  August,  if  there  be  occasion. 

Overtured,  That  one  hundred  pounds  be  allowed  out  of  the  fund  to  enable 
the  new  erected  congregation  to  build  an  house  of  worship,  and  that  said  hun- 
dred pounds  be  paid  at  the  meeting  of  the  next  Synod,  if  said  congregation  be 
obliged  to  build  a  meeting-house  for  themselves ;  and  that  the  Synod  at  their 
meeting  consider  what  is  further  to  be  done  that  way.  But  in  case  the  two 
congregations  should  unite  to  their  mutual  satisfaction,  that  then  there  be 
only  fifty  pounds  allowed  them  out  of  the  fund,  towards  purchasing  a  burying 
ground.  *^ 

The  above  overture  approved,  nemine  contradicente. 

Adjourned  till  ten  of  the  clock  on  Monday  morning. 

The  committee  to  meet  at  eight  of  the  clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

oOth  day,  at  ten  of  the  dock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  account  of  the  fund  brought  in,  and  it  appears  that  there  is  in  it  antece- 
dent to  any  disbursements  to  be  made  this  year : 

£       s.  d. 

Due  per  bonds,    -         .         -         -     516     4  11^ 

Per  interest  on  said  bonds,         -  60  19  11 

In  cash, 11  00  8 


In  all, £588     5     1^ 

A  supplication  coming  in  from  Trenton  to  the  committee,  desiring  that 
something  might  be  allowed  to  them  out  of  the  fund,  overtured  that  five 
pounds  be  allowed  them  for  this  present  year,  £5     0     0 

Overtured,  That  the  janitor  have  for  his  sei'vice  the  sum  of  1   10     0 

Pursuant  to  a  supplication  from  Mr.  Black's  congregation,  over- 
tured that  they  be  allowed  the  sum  of  five  pounds,  5     0     0 

Overtured,  That  the  treasurer  have  for  his  service  the  sum  of  6     0     0 

The  above  overtures  were  approved. 

Mr.  William  Tennent,  senior,  having  last  year  supplicated  the  committee 
to  remit  him  the  interest  of  his  bond  for  four  years  then  past,  and  the  com- 
mittee taking  this  into  consideration,  thought  it  not  proper  to  grant  him  his 
request,  but  referred  it  to  the  consideration  and  determination  of  the  Synod ; 
which  being  now  brought  into  the  Synod,  and  Mr.  Tennent  renewing  his 
petition,  they  taking  it  into  consideration,  agreed  to  grant  his  request,  the  said 
four  years'  interest  amounting  to  the  sum  of  seven  pounds  four  shillings. 

The  Synod,  according  to  the  order  of  Saturday,  coming  to  consider  who 
shall  instal  Mr.  Cross  to  the  new  erection,  do  now  appoint  Mr.  Andrews  to 
do  the  same,  and  that  from  this  time  Mr.  Cross  and  said  new  erection  be 
joined  to  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia. 

Mr.  Anderson  and  Mr.  Thomson  brought  in  their  letter  to  the  people  of 
Jamaica,  which  was  approved,  and  ordered  to  be  sent  to  them. 

An  overture  to  be  considered  by  the  committee  of  the  Synod. 

Inasmuch  as  Grod,  who  is  a  God  of  order,  requires  in  an  especial  manner, 
that  all  the  affairs  of  his  kingdom  on  earth  should  be  done  decently  and  in 
order;  and  inasmuch  as  there  may  be  frequent  occasion  in  the  course  of  Divine 
Providence,  for  the  transportation  or  moving  of  ministers,  or  probationary 
preachers,  from  one  Presbytery  to  another ;  for  preventing  many  inconve- 
niences that  may  ensue  upon  irregular  steps  that  may  be  taken  on  such  occa- 
sions, it  is  humbly  proposed  as  a  fit  expedient : 


1738.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  135 

First.  That  no  probationer  take  upon  him  to  preach  in  any  vacant  congre- 
gation without  the  order  of  the  Presbytery  under  whose  care  he  is. 

Secondly.  That  no  such  probationer  preach  to  any  vacant  congregation 
without  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery  to  which  he  belongs,  until  his  way  be 
cleared  thereunto  by  the  order  and  appointment  of  the  Presbytery  under  whose 
care  and  inspection  such  congregation  is. 

Thirdly.  That  no  I*resbytery  take  upon  them  to  appoint  such  probationer 
to  preach  within  their  bounds  without  I*rcsbyterial  credentials,  or  recommen- 
dations for  that  purpose  from  the  Presbytery  unto  which  such  probationer  be- 
longs. 

Fourthly.  That  no  vacant  congregation  take  upon  them  to  invite  or  en- 
courage any  minister,  or  probationer,  to  preach  among  them  without  the  con- 
sent and  concurrence  of  their  own  Presbytery,  nor  until  such  probationer  has 
preached  before  them  with  approbation. 

Fifthl3^  That  no  minister  take  upon  him  to  invite  any  minister,  or  proba- 
tioner, from  the  bounds  of  another  Presbytery,  to  preach  unto  any  vacant 
congregation  without  the  advice  and  concurrence  of  the  brethren  of  his  own 
Presbytery. 

To  evince  the  reasonableness  of  the  above  particulars,  besides  the  inconve- 
niences that  may  ensue  upon  the  neglecting  of  such  an  order  or  method,  it  may 
be  considered  that  both  probationers  and  vacant  congregations  are  and  ought 
to  look  upon  themselves  as  under  the  direction  and  government  of  their  respec- 
tive Presbyteries.  That  they  ought  to  be  ordered,  directed,  and  concurred 
with,  by  them,  in  all  the  steps  taken  in  oi'der  to  their  being  settled. 

It  is  also  humbly  proposed  that  the  Synod  would  make  an  order  to  inquire 
yearly,  at  our  respective  Presbyteries,  concerning  their  observation  of  the  order 
and  agreement  of  September,  1735,  in  relation  to  our  receiving  of  ministers 
and  preachers  from  Europe. 

This  above  overture  approved. 

Mr.  Barr,  in  behalf  of  the  new  erection  of  this  city,  supplicated  the  Synod 
for  their  direction  and  assistance  in  sending  to  Great  Britain,  or  Ireland,  for 
Bome  assistance  of  money  for  them.  The  Synod  agrees  to  it,  and  appoints 
Mr.  Thomson,  Mr.  Anderson,  Mr.  Cross,  and  the  moderator,  to  assist  said 
congregation  in  said  aifair. 

The  Presbytery  books  of  Philadelphia  and  Donegall  were  brought  in  and 
approved. 

Adjourned  till  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next,  and  then  to  meet  at 
Philadelphia,  at  two  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1738. 

May  the  24:th,  1738. 
The  Synod  met  at  Philadelnhia  according  to  appointment. 

U  hi  post  jiveces  sederunt 

Ministers  :  Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  William  Tennent,  David  Evans, 
Daniel  Elmer,  Pilchard  Treat,  Hugh  Garble,  David  Cowell,  George  Gillespie, 
Joseph  Houston,  Robert  Cathcart,  Francis  Alison,  Charles  Tennent,  Jonathan 
Dickinson,  John  Pierson,  Ebenezer  Pemberton,  Gilbert  Tennent,  William 
Tennent,  junior,  John  Cross,  Samuel  Blair,  Henry  Hook,  James  Martin, 
Robert  Jameson,  James  Anderson,  John  Thomson,  Adam  Boyd,  John  Paul, 
Alexander  Craighead,  and  Samuel  Black. 

Elders :  IMessrs.  William  Gray,  Richard  Walker,  James  Abraham,  James 
Erwin,   William   Semple,   Philip   Tanner,   Robert   Calwell,    Robert   Finney, 


136  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1738. 

William  McMackin,  James  McCroy,  Richard  Alison,  Andrew  Gregg,  John 
Robb,  John  Luckey,  William  Sherran,  Robert  McConachy. 

Ministers  absent:  Messrs.  Robert  Cross,  Ebenezer  Goold,  Eleazer  Wales, 
Thomas  Evans,  Alexander  Hutchinson,  Joseph  Webb,  Aaron  Burr,  Simon 
Horton,  John  Nutman,  Isaac  Chalker,  Samuel  Pumry,  Walter  Wilmot,  Patrick 
Glascow,  Hugh  Stevenson,  Thomas  Craighead,  William  Bertram,  John  Orme, 
Hugh  Conn. 

Mr.  Henry  Hook,  last  year's  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  by  a  sermon  from 
John  xxi.  14. 

Mr.  Richard  Treat  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Francis  Alison  clerk. 

Messrs.  Elmer,  Cowel,  Craighead,  Pierson,  Dickinson,  Pemberton,  Horton, 
Webb,  and  Nutman,  gave  reasons  for  their  absence  last  year,  which  were 
sustained. 

Messrs.  Thomson,  Andrews,  Dickinson,  Pemberton,  Boyd,  Gillespie,  Ander- 
son, Martin,  and  the  moderator,  appointed  for  a  committee  for  the  fund,  and 
any  other  business  the  Synod  shall  recommend  to  them, 

The  Presbytery  books  of  Lewis  and  East  Jersey  were  not  brought.  Messrs. 
Houston  and  Hook  ordered  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of  Philadelphia; 
Messrs.  Paul  and  Martin  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of  New  Castle; 
Messrs.  John  Cross  and  William  Tennent,  jun'r,  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book 
of  Dunagall. 

The  Presbytery  of  Long-Island  being  reduced  so  that  a  quorum  cannot 
statedly  meet  about  business,  it  is  ordered,  that  they  be  united  to  the  Presby- 
tery of  East-Jersey,  and  to  be  henceforth  known  by  the  name  of  the  Presbytery 
of  New  York. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

25th  daj/,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  taking  the  state  of  the  fund  into  consideration,  and  finding  that 
many  congregations  are  deficient  in  contributing  to  so  good  a  design,  and  that 
ministers  have  not  been  so  careful  as  they  might  be  in  proposing  and  endeav- 
ouring that  thing,  it  is  unanimously  agreed  by  all  the  members  of  the  Synod, 
that  every  minister  shall  either  seasonably  propose  the  aifair,  and  read  the 
Synod's  letter  to  their  respective  congregations,  and  appoint  a  day  for  a  public 
collection,  if  there  be  occasion  for  such  a  step  to  carry  on  the  design,  or  oblige 
themselves  to  pay  out  of  their  own  proper  estates  ten  shillings  to  the  fund ; 
and  that  every  Presbytery  take  care  that  their  respective  members,  observe  an 
order  made  in  the  year  1736,  (directing  absent  members  to  send  collections,) 
and  that  they,  as  soon  as  possible,  notify  what  is  now  done  to  all  the  absent 
members.  And  seeing  that  the  respective  congregations  of  the  Synod  contri- 
bute to  the  fund,  and  have  a  right  to  know  how  what  is  collected  is  disposed 
of  and  managed,  ordered,  nem.  con.  that  there  be  a  minister  and  an  elder  out 
of  every  Presbytery,  appointed  to  be  members  of  the  committee  for  the  fund. 
And  in  pursuanceof  this  order,  the  following  elders  are  appointed  for  this  year 
in  conjunction  with  the  ministers  before  mentioned,  namely,  William  Gray, 
Robert  Finney,  Richard  Alison,  James  McCoy. 

Messrs.  Anderson,  Andrews,  Thomson,  Gillespie,  Dickinson,  Pemberton, 
Pierson,  Robert  Cross,  Thomas  Evans,  Boyd,  Martin,  and  the  moderator, 
appointed  to  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year  ensuing,  and  that 
thciy  endeavour  to  bring  elders  with  them  if  they  have  occasion  to  meet,  and 
that  siay  five  of  these  members  be  a  quorum. 

It  is  reported  that  Mr.  Charles  Tennent,  in  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle, 
Mr.  Aaron  Burr  and  Mr.  Walter  Wilmott,  in  the  Presbytery  of  New  York, 
were,  after  the  usual  trials,  ordained  since  the  last  Synod,  and  that  they  did 


1738.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  137 

all  of  tliem  adopt  the  "Westminster  Confession,  &c.  according  to  order  of  this 
Synod. 

Ordered,  That  an  account  of  the  fund  bo  brought  in  before  the  Synod 
break  up. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  Synod  to  meet  at  Maidenhead  and  inquire 
into  Mr.  Morgan's  affair,  met  according  to  appointment,  and  the  minutes  of 
their  proceedings  being  read  and  approved,  were  ordered  to  be  inserted  in  the 
Synod  book,  and  they  are  as  follows  :* 

A  petition  with  some  papers  being  sent  by  Mr.  Morgan  to  the  Synod,  after 
reading  the  petition,  they  referred  the  consideration  of  said  papers  to  the  com- 
mittee. 

It  is  reported  that  3Ir.  Robert  Cross  was  installed  since  our  last,  according  to 
the  Synod's  appointment,  and  that  the  two  congregations  in  Philadelphia  were 
since  united. 

It  was  overtured  by  some  members,  that  some  order  should  be  made  to  pre- 
vent irregularities  that  may  arise  in  our  churches,  by  some  ministers  and  pro- 
bationers preaching  to  vacant  congregations  without  the  bounds  of  their  respec- 
tive Presbyteries,  without  allowance  from  the  Presbytery  under  whose  care  the 
said  vacant  congregations  may  be.  This  was  debated  for  some  time,  and  de- 
feri'ed  till  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


*  "At  a  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  and  East-Jersey,  (being  a  commit- 
tee appointed  by  the  Synod  to  transact  in  the  aifair  of  Mr.  Morgan,)  on  the  first  Wed- 
nesday of  August,  at  Maidenhead,  1737,  ubi post preces  sederunt:  Members  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Philadelphia :  Mr.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Mr.  David  Evans,  Mr.  Richard  Treat, 
Mr.  David  Cowell,  and  Mr.  Hugh  Carlile.  Members  of  East-Jersey  Presbytery :  Mr. 
"William  Tennent,  jun'r.  jMr.  John  Nutman,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Blair.  Elders :  John  Snow- 
deu,  David  Rhee,  Stoffel  Longstreat,  and  Nathaniel  Brittin.  Mr.  Andrews  chosen  mod- 
erator, and  Mr.  Treat  clerk.  Mr.  Treat  opened  the  committee  by  a  sermon  on  John 
xii.  26.  The  committee  entered  upon  the  affair  of  Mr.  Morgan,  and  read  the  minute  of 
the  Synod  that  commissioned  them  for  said  business  ;  and  finding  that  the  terms  of  Mr. 
Morgan's  suspension  being  taken  off  were  these,  viz  :  There  not  appearing  any  new  ac- 
cusations against  him,  and  his  giving  them  sensible  evidence  of  his  repentance,^  the  com- 
mittee proceeded  to  inquire  whether  any  new  accusations  were  to  be  brought  in  against 
him.  Upon  which  several  evidences  were  given  in  to  the  committee,  one  from  William 
Brittin  in  writing,  and  another  from  Nathaniel  Brittin,  and  another  from  James  Cham- 
bers, vioa  voce,  -which  were  taken  down  in  writing;  (which  are  all  kept  in  retentis,)  after 
this  the  committee  adjourned  to  eight  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

"Ath  day,  ateifjU  o'clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

"  The  affair  of  Mr.  Morgan  being  resumed,  the  committee  proceeded  according  to  di- 
rection to  inquire  into  the  signs  of  his  repentance,  and  after  a  long  conference  with  him 
in  private,  the  committee  entered  into  a  serious  debate  about  the  matter,  in  order  to 
come  to  a  judgment.  And  after  much  time  spent  in  the  business,  without  coming 
to  any  conclusion,  they  adjourned  to  four  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

"  At  four  o'clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

"  The  committee  re-entered  upon  the  consideration  of  Mr.  Morgan's  affair,  and  began 
with  a  conference  again  with  him.  And  after  Mr.  Morgan  was  withdrawn,  they  came 
to  an  inquiry  among  themselves,  what  conclusion  they  could  come  into  about  the  pre- 
mises ;  and  after  the  deepest  consideration,  and  most  serious  deliberation,  they  unani- 
mously judged,  that  inasmuch  as  some  new  and  express  accusations  have  been  brought 
against  him  since  the  order  of  last  Synod,  and  in  all  our  conference  with  Mr.  Morgan,  he 
gave  us  no  suificient  evidence  of  his  repentance,  but  still  continues  to  deny  the  most 
material  and  notorious  instances  of  the  things  formerly  proved  against  him,  they  cannot 
see  cause  to  take  off  the  suspension,  but  judge  it  their  bounden  duty  to  continue  it  as 
before.     Concluded  with  prayer." 

18 


138  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1738. 

At  three  of  the  dock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  continued. 

The  debate  concerning  ministers  preaching  without  the  bounds  of  their  own 
Presbyteries,  to  vacancies  in  the  bounds  of  another  Presbytery,  without  the 
consent  of  some  of  the  members,  was  reassumed,  and  overtured  upon  it,  that  no 
minister  belonging  to  this  Synod  shall  have  liberty  to  preach  in  any  congrega- 
tion belonging  to  another  Presbytery  whereof  he  is  not  a  member,  after  he  is 
advised  by  any  minister  of  such  Presbytery,  that  he  thinks  his  preaching  in  that 
congregation  will  have  a  tendency  to  procure  divisions  and  disorders,  until  he 
first  obtain  liberty  from  the  Presbytery  or  Synod  so  to  do.  This  being  put  to 
the  vote,  was  approved.  ^ 

Overtured,  That  in  order  to  obviate  some  mistakes,  that  it  is  supposed  some 
of  the  members  of  the  Synod  were  in,  with  respect  to  the  preceding  overture, 
that  it  be  voted  that  every  minister  belonging  to  this  Synod,  has  liberty  to 
preach  in  any  vacant  congregation  where  he  shall  be  occasionally  and  providen- 
tially called,  even  though  he  is  out  of  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery  to  which 
he  belongs,  unless  he  be  first  advised  by  some  minister  of  such  Presbytery,  that 
his  preaching  there  is  likely  to  procure  divisions  and  disorders  in  such  congre- 
gation ;  and  even  when  he  is  so  advised  by  any  minister  of  such  Presbytery,  he 
may  yet  preach  in  such  congregation,  if  by  liberty  first  obtained  from  such 
Presbytery  or  from  the  Synod,  but  not  otherwise.  Agreed  nemine  contra- 
dicente. 

Inquiry  being  made  of  the  several  Presbyteries,  whether  they  have  com- 
plied with  an  order  of  Synod  touching  the  admission  of  ministers  or  candi- 
dates that  come  from  Europe,  it  was  found  that  said  order  has  been  complied 
with. 

A  letter  from  the  Synod  of  Ireland,  was  read  and  referred  to  the  committee 
to  consider  what  is  to  be  done  in  reference  to  it. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  meet  to-morrow  morning,  at  eight  of  the 
clock. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  to-morrow.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

26th  day,  met  at  ten  o'clocTc,  according  to  appointment,  A.  M.     TJhi  post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  continued. 

Leave  being  desired  by  Mr.  Elmer  and  Mr.  Evans  to  depart,  it  was 
granted. 

Upon  the  consideration  of  the  letter  from  the  Synod  in  Ireland,  the  com- 
mittee brought  in  this  overture,  viz  :  That  a  respectful  letter  be  wrote  to  the 
Synod  in  Ireland  in  answer  to  theirs,  and  brought  into  the  Synod  for  ap- 
probation. Agreed,  and  ordered,  that  Mr.  Anderson  and  Mr.  Thomson  write 
said  letter. 

Upon  a  supplication  of  some  members  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  to 
be  erected  into  a  distinct  Presbytery  with  some  of  the  members  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Philadelphia :  Overtured,  That  their  petition  be  granted,  and  that 
all  to  the  northward  and  eastward  of  Maidenhead  and  Hopewell  unto  Raritan 
river,  including  also  Staten-Island,  Piscatua,  Amboy,  Bound-Brook,  Basking- 
Eidge,  Turkey,  Rocksiticus,  Minisiuks,  Pequally,  and  Crosswicks,  be  the 
bounds  of  that  Presbytery ;  and  that  the  said  Presbytery  be  distinguished  by 
the  name  of  the  Presbytery  of  New-Brunswick,  and  that  the  time  of  their 
meeting  to  be  the  second  Tuesday  of  August  next,  at  New-Brunswick.  This 
overture  was  approved. 

Upon  the  supplication  of  John  Caldwell,  in  behalf  of  himself  and  many 
families  of  our  persuasion,  who  arc  about  to  settle  in  the  back  parts  of  Virginia, 


1738.]  SYNOD  OF  PIIILADELnilA.  139 

desiring  that  some  members  of  the  Synod  may  be  appointed  to  wait  on  that 
government,  to  solicit  their  favour  in  behalf  of  our  interest  in  that  place  :  Over- 
tured,  That  according  to  the  purport  of  the  supplication,  the  Synod  appoint 
two  of  their  number  to  go  and  wait  upon  the  governor  and  council  of  Virginia, 
with  suitable  instructions  in  order  to  procure  the  favour  and  countenance  of 
the  government  of  that  province,  to  the  laying  a  foundation  of  our  interest  in 
the  back  parts  thereof,  where  considerable  numbers  of  families  of  our  persuasion 
are  settling,  and  that  something  be  allowed  out  of  our  fund  to  bear  the  charges 
of  said  brethren  who  shall  be  appointed  ;  and  that  also  provision  be  made  for 
supplying  the  congregations  of  said  brethren  during  their  absence  from  them, 
while  prosecuting  that  affair;  and  that  Messrs.  Robert  Cross,  Anderson,  Conn, 
and  Orme,  prosecute  said  affair;  and  that  Messrs.  Thomson,  Dickinson,  and 
Pemberton,  prepare  instructions  for  said  brethren,  and  write  a  letter  in  the 
name  of  the  Synod  to  the  said  government,  to  be  brought  in  and  approved  by 
the  Synod ;  and  that  the  respective  Presbyteries  take  care  of  these  congrega- 
tions during  the  absence  of  their  pastors.  And  it  is  further  overtured,  that 
these  brethren  be  allowed  a  discretionary  power  of  using  what  money  they  have 
occasion  for,  to  bear  their  expenses  in  a  manner  suitable  to  this  design,  being 
accountable  to  the  Synod  for  their  conduct  in  the  whole  affair.  Approved 
neni ine  con Iradlcente. 

A  supplication  from  part  of  the  congregation  of  Pequea  was  read,  desiring 
either  to  have  some  part  of  the  labours  of  Mr.  David  Alexander,  till  they  be 
judged  by  the  Presbytery  of  Duuagall  to  have  sufficient  ability  to  support  the 
gospel  themselves,  or  to  be  erected  into  a  congregation  and  having  supplies 
granted  them ;  their  affair  was  deferred  till  another  year,  which  we  hope  will 
have  a  happy  tendency  to  bring  things  to  a  good  issue,  and  till  then  they  are  to 
acquiesce  in  the  determination  of  their  Presbytery.  Which  was  approved  by  a 
great  majority. 

The  committee  to  meet  at  three  o'clock. 

Adjourned  till  four  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  four  dclocli,  P.  M.     Fostpreces  sederunt  qui  sujpra. 

The  order  respecting  the  fund  continued. 

Upon  a  supplication  from  Mr.  Morgan,  and  some  papers  of  his  that  were  laid 
before  the  Synod,  it  is  overtured,  that  inasmuch  as  Mr.  Morgan  has  given  the 
Synod  no  sufficient  evidence  of  his  repentance  for  the  gross  scandals  laid  to  his 
charge,  and  proved  against  him,  they  judge  that  Mr.  Morgan  continue  under 
censure  until  he  give  just  ground  for  the  removal  thereof,  either  to  the  Synod 
or  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia.     Approved  nemine  contradicente. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  New  Castle  approved. 

A  remonstrance  from  Mr.  George  Gillespie  was  read,  in  which  he  complains 
against  the  Presbytery  of  Donagall,  for  treating  Mr.  Zanchy,  a  probationer  in 
their  bounds,  with  too  much  lenity  in  only  rebuking  him,  and  not  suspending 
him  when  he  stood  charged  with  composing  a  discourse  in  which  were  gross 
and  evident  errors,  and  for  sending  said  notes  to  Mr.  Henry  Hunter,  who 
preached  them  to  his  own  overthrow.  Upon  which  the  Synod  came  to  the  fol- 
lowing conclusion  :  That  though  they  cannot  but  greatly  condemn  and  censure 
Mr.  Zanchy's  conduct,  in  acting  the  plagiary  in  transcribing  notes  out  of  printed 
authors,  thereby  to  impose  upon  the  Presbytery,  giving  them  a  false  view  of 
his  ministerial  powers,  and  in  sending  the  same  notes  to  another  candidate  to 
enable  him  to  impose  upon  his  Presbytery  in  the  same  manner,  as  well  as  for 
his  greatest  imprudence  in  sending  such  heretical  notes  abroad,  whereby  most 
dangerous  errors  came  to  be  vended;  yet  considering  that  Mr.  Zanchy  was 
sharply  admonished  by  his  Presbytery,  that  his  trials  were  some  time  stopt,  and 


140  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1738. 

Lis  ordination  a  considerable  time  delayed  on  the  account  of  this,  his  conduct,  we 
shall  now  lay  no  further  censure  upon  him,  but  judge  the  Presbytery  were  de- 
fective in  not  taking  notice  in  their  minutes  of  his  being  such  a  plagiary,  or 
censuring  him  on  that  account. 

The  committee  to  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  eight  of  the  clock. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.      Concluded  with  prayer. 

27th  day.     At  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  continued. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  Philadelphia  brought  in  and  approved. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Tenuent  represented  to  the  committee  that  there  had  been  dif- 
fering sentiments  in  some  important  points  of  doctrine  between  himself  and 
Mr.  Cowell,  upon  which  there  had  been  sundry  large  letters  passed  between 
them,  concerning  which  he  desires  the  Synod's  opinion.  It  is  overtured,  that 
this  affair  be  considered  by  a  committee  appointed  by  the  Synod,  who  shall  be 
directed  to  converse  with  Mr.  Tennent  and  Mr.  Cowell  together,  that  they  may 
see  whether  they  so  widely  differ  in  their  sentiments  as  is  supposed ;  and  if  they 
find  that  there  be  necessity,  distinctly  to  consider  the  papers ;  that  Mr.  Tennent 
and  Mr.  Cowell  be  both  directed  to  refrain  from  all  public  discourses  upon  this 
controversy,  and  all  methods  of  spreading  it  among  the  populace,  until  the  com- 
mittee have  made  their  report  to  the  Synod,  and  that  no  other  member  take 
notice  of  and  divulge  tha  affair. 

The  above  mentioned  committee  were  Messrs.  J.  Dickinson,  Pierson,  Pem- 
berton,  Thomson,  Anderson,  Boyd,  and  the  moderator. 

A  supplication  from  some  of  the  members  of  the  western  part  of  Hanover 
was  read,  and  after  some  serious  and  suitable  discourse  upon  it,  it  was  referred 
to  Messrs.  Thomson  and  Martin  to  bring  in  an  overture  upon  it,  against  the 
next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.,  on  Monday  next. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

29<7i  day.     3Iet  according  to  appointment,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  31.      Ubi post 
prcces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Robert  Cross  is  now  present,  and  his  reasons  for  being  absent  were 
sustained,  and  he  is  now  ordered  to  be  a  member  of  the  committee  for  the 
fund. 

The  order  with  respect  to  the  affair  of  the  fund  continued. 

An  overture  was  brought  in  upon  the  affair  between  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent 
and  David  Cowell,  by  the  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose,  which  is  as 
follows,  viz.  The  committee  having  heard  Mr.  Tennent  and  Mr.  Cowell  explain 
themselves  upon  the  debate  between  them,  think  it  proper  to  take  this  affair 
under  further  consideration,  that  they  may  have  opportunity  to  peruse  the 
papers  that  are  produced,  to  give  us  a  fuller  view  of  this  controversy,  that  so 
we  may  be  prepared  to  give  a  report  to  the  next  Synod. 

Mr.  Cross  joined  to  the  committee.     Approved,  nemine  contradicente. 

Upon  the  affair  of  West  Hanover,  overtured  as  follows.  Upon  Mr.  Budd's 
representation  of  the  affair  of  Hanover  :  Overtured,  That,  however  in  a  former 
minute  relating  to  West  Hanover,  we  have  granted,  that  solemn  obligations 
by  lot  or  etherise  may  cease,  when  by  any  turn  of  Providence  what  is  en- 
gaged unto  becomes  impossible  or  impracticable,  or  the  end  thereof  is  other- 
wise fully  and  completely  answered,  yet  it  appearing  doubtful  to  us  whether 
this  be  the  case  of  said  people  in  respect  of  the  obligation  laid  upon  them  to 
unite  or  join  with  the  people  of  East  Hanover,  by  a  lot  or  solemn  engage- 


1738.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  141 

ment  to  submit  to  the  judgment  of  the  committee  of  the  Presbytery  of  East 
Jersey,  who  were  called  to  judge  iu  that  aflfaii-,  the  Synod  does  judge  that  the 
safest  way  to  come  to  a  final  determination  of  that  affair  is,  that  a  committee 
be  appointed  to  meet  in  that  place  iu  order  to  make  as  exact  inquiry  as  they 
can  into  the  circumstances  of  that  people,  whether  there  really  be  such  a 
change  in  their  case  as  to  cause  the  above  obligation  to  cease,  and  either  give 
their  judgment  of  this  matter,  or  else  represent  it  as  it  shall  appear  to  them,  to 
the  Synod  at  our  next  meeting,  which  they  shall  judge  most  meet,  and  that 
Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  William  Tennent,  junior,  Samuel  Blair,  David 
Cowell,  Eleazar  "Wales,  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Aaron  Burr,  John  Cross,  and 
Richard  Treat,  be  a  committee  to  meet  at  Hanover  the  last  Wednesday  of 
July  next,  upon  the  affair,  at  eleven  of  the  clock,  ante  meridiem.  Approved, 
neminc  contradicenfe. 

A  proposal  was  made  by  the  Presbytery  of  Lewes  to  this  Synod,  which  is 
as  follows :  That  this  part  of  the  world  where  God  has  ordered  our  lot,  la- 
bours under  a  grievous  disadvantage  for  want  of  the  opportunities  of  univer- 
sities, and  professors  skilled  in  the  several  branches  of  useful  learning,  and 
that  many  students  from  Europe  are  especially  cramped  in  prosecuting  their 
studies,  their  parents  removing  to  these  colonies  before  they  have  an  opportu- 
nity of  attending  the  college,  after  having  spent  some  years  at  the  grammar 
school ;  and  that  many  persons  born  in  the  country  groan  under  the  same  pres- 
sure, whose  circumstances  are  not  able  to  support  them  to  spend  a  course  of 
years  in  the  European,  or  New  England  colleges,  which  discourages  much, 
and  must  be  a  detriment  to  our  church ;  for  we  know  that  natural  parts,  how- 
ever great  and  promising,  for  want  of  being  well  improved,  must  be  marred 
of  their  usefulness,  and  cannot  be  so  extensively  serviceable  to  the  public, 
and  that  want  of  due  pains  and  care  paves  the  way  for  ignorance,  and  this  for 
a  formidable  train  of  sad  consequences.  To  prevent  this  evil,  it  is  humbly 
proposed  as  a  remedy,  that  every  student  who  has  not  studied  with  approba- 
tion, passing  the  usual  courses  in  some  of  the  New  England,  or  European 
colleges,  approved  by  public  authority,  shall,  before  he  be  encouraged  by  any 
Presbytery  for  the  sacred  work  of  the  ministry,  apply  himself  to  this  Synod, 
and  that  they  appoint  a  committee  of  their  members  yearly,  whom  they  know 
to  be  well  skilled  in  the  several  branches  of  philosophy,  and  divinity,  and  the 
languages,  to  examine  such  students  in  this  place,  and  finding  them  well  ac- 
complished in  those  several  parts  of  learning,  shall  allow  them  a  public  testi- 
monial from  the  Synod,  which,  till  better  provision  be  made,  will  in  some 
measure  answer  the  design  of  taking  a  degree  in  the  college.  And  for 
encouragement  of  students  let  this  be  done,  without  putting  them  to  further 
expenses  than  attending.  And  let  it  be  an  objection  against  none,  where  they 
have  read,  or  what  books,  but  let  all  encouragement  be  only  according  to  merit. 
And  'tis  hoped  this  will  fill  our  youth  with  a  laudable  emulation,  prevent 
errors  young  men  may  imbibe  by  reading  without  direction,  or  things  of  little 
value,  will  banish  ignorance,  fill  our  infant  church  with  men  eminent  for  parts 
and  learning,  and  advance  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  honour  of  our  Synod  both 
at  home  and  among  our  neighbours,  who  conceive  a  low  opinion  of  us  for 
want  of  such  favourable  opportunities.  'Tis  further  proposed,  that  all  that 
are  not  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel,  what  university  or  college  soever  they 
come  from,  may  undergo  the  same  trials.  But  inasmuch  as  this  act  cannot  be 
put  in  force  this  year,  without  discouraging  such  as  may  not  be  apprized  of  it, 
'tis  ordered,  that  there  be  two  standing  committees  to  act  in  the  above  affair 
for  this  year,  one  to  the  northward  and  the  other  to  the  southward  of  Phila- 
delphia, and  that  Messrs.  John  Thomson,  George  Gillespie,  Thomas  Evans, 
Henry  Hook,  James  Anderson,  James  Martin,  Francis  Alison,  be  a  committee 
for  the  Presbyteries  southward  of  Philadelphia.     And  that  Messrs.  Andrews, 


142  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1738. 

Robert  Cross,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Peruberton,  Dickinson,  Cowell,  and  Pierson, 
be  a  committee  to  the  nortiiward.     Approved  by  a  great  majority. 

The  committee  to  meet  at  nine  o'clock  to-morrow,  A.  M. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock  to-morrow,  P.  31.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

30^^  day.  At  three  o'chcA;  P.  M.  met  according  to  appointment.  Ubi  post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  account  of  the  fund  brought  in,  and  it  appears  that  there  is,  antecedent 
to  any  disbursement  to  be  made  this  year : 

Principal,        .         -         -         -         £527     4  li 
Interest  due,        -         -         -         -         36  10  9* 

Cash, 19     3  5* 

V  

In  all, £582  18  4i 

Overtured,  That  since  we  shall  probably  break  in  upon  the  capital  stock  of 
our  fund,  by  the  allowance  to  Philadelphia,  and  the  charge  of  our  messengers 
to  "\"ircrinia,  it  be  resolved  that  half  our  yearly  interest  be  kept  in  stock,  until 
it  amount  to  the  sum  that  by  these  expenses  shall  be  taken  from  the  capital. 
Agreed. 

The  members  appointed  to  draw  up  the  address  to  the  government  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  instructions  for  the  members  appointed  to  go,  brought  in  what  they 
bad  done,  which  is  as  follows  : 

To  the  honourable  William  Gooch,  Esquire,  Lieutenant  Governor  of  the 
Province  of  Virginia,  the  humble  address  of  the  Presbyterian  ministers  con- 
vened in  Synod^  31ay  28th,  1738,  &c.  May  it  please  your  honour,  we  take 
leave  to  address  you  in  behalf  of  a  considerable  number  of  our  brethren  who 
are  meditating  a  settlement  in  the  remote  parts  of  your  government,  and  are 
of  the  same  persuasion  with  the  Church  of  Scotland.  We  thought  it  our  duty 
to  acquaint  your  honour  with  their  design,  and  to  ask  your  favour  in  allowing 
them  the  liberty  of  their  consciences,  and  of  worshipping  God  in  a  way  agree- 
able to  the  principles  of  their  education.  Your  honour  is  sensible  that  those 
of  our  profession  in  Europe  have  been  remarkable  for  their  inviolable  attach- 
ment to  the  Protestant  succession,  in  the  illustrious  house  of  Hanover,  and 
have  upon  all  occasions  manifested  an  unspotted  fidelity  to  our  gracious 
sovereign  King  George,  and  we  doubt  not  but  these  our  brethren  will  carry  the 
same  loyal  principles  to  the  most  distant  settlements  where  their  lot  may  be 
cast,  which  will  ever  influence  them  to  the  most  dutiful  submission  to  the 
government  which  is  placed  over  them.  This  we  trust  will  recommend  them 
to  your  honour's  countenance  and  protection,  and  merit  the  free  enjoyment  of 
their  civil  and  religious  liberties.  We  pray  for  the  Divine  blessing  upon  your 
person  and  government,  and  beg  leave  to  subscribe  ourselves  your  honour's 
most'  humble  and  obedient  servants. 

Which  was  approved. 

An  answer  to  the  letter  from  the  Rev.  Synod  in  the  north  of  Ireland 
was  brought  in  by  the  members  appointed  for  that  purpose,  and  was  ap- 
proved. 

Ordered,  That  the  clerk  transcribe  the  letter,  and  the  moderator  sign  it. 

Adjourned  till  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next,  at  three  of  the  clock, 
P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1739.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  143 

1739. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Synod  at  Philadelphia, 

3Iai/ 23d,  1739.      Uhi  post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers  of  Donagall  Presbytery :  3Iessrs.  James  Anderson,  John  Thom- 
son, Adam  Boyd,  John  Paul,  Alexander  Craighead,  Samuel  Black,  David 
Alexander,  John  Elder,  Richard  Zanchy.  Absent :  Mr.  William  Bertram, 
Mr.  Thomas  Craighead. 

Xew  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  George  Gillespie,  Alexander  Hutchinson, 
Robert  Cathcart,  Joseph  Houston,  Charles  Tennent,  Francis  Alison.  Absent : 
3Iessrs.  Thomas  Evan.s,  Hugh  Conn,  John  Orme. 

Lewes  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Henry  Hook,  James  3Iartin,  Robert  Jamison, 
John  Thomson.  Absent :  Messrs.  Hugh  Stevenson,  Hugh  Carlile,  Patrick 
Glascow. 

Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Robert  Cross,  "William 
Tennent,  David  Evans,  Ebenezer  Goold,  David  Cowell,  Richard  Treat.  Ab- 
sent :  Daniel  Elmer,  Joseph  Morgan. 

Xew  Brunswick  :  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  William  Tennent,  Samuel  Blair, 
Eleazer  Wales.     Absent :  John  Cross. 

Xew  York  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Ebenezer  Pemberton. 
Absent  :  George  Philips,  Joseph  Lamb,  Walter  Wilmot,  Joseph  Webb,  Aaron 
Burr,  John  Xutman,  excused,  X'athaniel  Hubbell,  John  Pierson,  excused,  Silas 
Leonard,  Isaac  Chalker,  Samuel  Pumry. 

X  Elders  :  Matthew  Atkinson,  Thomas  Hope,  John  Christy,  Hugh  Barclay, 
John  McCutcheon,  Jared  Graham,  Walter  Caruth,  Alexander  White,  Hugh 
McQuarter,  Robert  Smith,  John  Woodrow,  William  McCrea,  William  McKol- 
ough,  Henry  Perkar,  William  Gray,  John  Weir,  David  Chambers,  Thomas 
Worthington. 

Mr.  Treat,  the  last  year's  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon  on 
2  Cor.  V.  18. 

Mr.  James  Anderson  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Robert  Cross  clerk. 

Messrs.  Ebenezer  Goold,  David  Evans,  Alexander  Hutchinson,  Joseph  Webb, 
Simon  Horton,  John  Xutman,  William  Bertram,  gave  or  sent  reasons  for  last 
year's  absence,  which  were  sustained. 

Mr.  Thomas  Craighead  removed  by  death  since  last  Synod. 

Mr.  Joseph  Webb  sent  reasons  for  his  absence  this  year,  which  were  sus- 
tained. 

Messrs.  Thomson,  Andrews,  Dickinson,  Pemberton,  Boyd,  Treat,  Gillespie, 
Cross,  Martin,  and  the  moderator,  appointed  a  committee  for  the  fund,  and  other 
business  the  Synod  shall  recommend  to  them.  The  following  elders  appointed 
to  join  with  them  in  the  affair  of  the  fund,  viz.  John  Christy,  Alexander  White, 
Henry  Perkar,  William  Gray,  David  Chambers.  Mr.  Samuel  Blair  added  to 
the  committee  of  the  fund. 

Messrs.  Houston  and  Jamison  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of 
Dunagall ;  Messrs.  Black  and  Elder  the  Presbytery  book  of  X^'ew  Castle ; 
Messrs.  Paul  and  Cathcart  the  Presbytery  book  of  Philadelphia;  Mes.srs.  Hook 
and  Zanchy  the  Presbytery  book  of  Xew  Brunswick  ;  3Iessrs.  Alexander  and 
Alison  the  Presbytery  book  of  Xew  Y'ork ;  Messrs.  Cowell  and  William  Ten- 
nent, junior,  the  Presbytery  book  of  Lewes. 

Adjourned  till  nine  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

2^th.     Nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  collections  for  the  fund,  it  was  found 
that    Messrs.    Anderson,   Thomson,   Boyd,   Elder,    Black,   Paul,    Craighead, 


144  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1739. 

Zanchy,  Gillespie,  Hutchinson,  Catbcart,  Houston,  Charles  Tennent,  Alison, 
Hook,  Martin,  Jamison,  Andrews,  William  Tennent,  senior,  David  Evans, 
Cowell,  Treat,  Grilbert  Tennent,  Blair,  Dickinson,  and  Pemberton,  had  brought 
some ;  and  Mr.  Pierson  sent  some. 

Whereas,  by  order  of  last  Synod  absent  members  were  ordered  to  make  col- 
lections in  their  respective  congregations  for  the  future,  or  if  they  neglect  it  to 
forfeit  ten  shillings  out  of  their  own  private  purse,  and  we  find  that  Messrs. 
Wilmot,  Burr,  Leonard,  Chalker,  Nutman,  and  Pumry,  absent  members,  have 
not  sent  collections,  Mr.  Pemberton  and  Mr.  Dickinson  are  therefore  appointed 
to  inform  them  either  to  make  collections  for  this  year  or  pay  the  forfeiture. 
And  i\Ir.  Hugh  Carlile  and  Mr.  Glascow  are  to  be  informed  by  the  Presbytery 
of  Lewes  of  the  same ;  Mr.  Bertram  by  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall ;  Mr. 
Thomas  Evans  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle ;  and  Mr.  Elmer  by  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Philadelphia. 

Messrs.  Andrews,  Thomson,  \3-illespie,  Dickinson,  Pemberton,  Pierson,  Piobert 
Cross,  Thomas  Evans,  Boyd,  Treat,  Grilbert  Tennent,  Martin,  and  the  modera- 
tor, appointed  to  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year  ensuing,  and  that 
they  endeavour  to  have  elders  with  them  if  they  have  occasion  to  meet,  and 
that  any  five  of  the  ministers  above  mentioned  be  a  quorum. 

It  is  reported  that  Messrs.  Zanchy,  Alexander,  and  Elder,  in  the  Presbytery 
of  Donagall,  Mr.  John  Thomson,  jun'r.  in  the  Presbytery  of  Lewes,  and  Mr. 
Leonard"  in  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  were  after  the  usual  trials  or- 
dained since  the  last  Synod,  and  that  they  did  all  of  them  adopt  the  West- 
minster Confession,  &c.  according  to  the  order  of  the  Synod  in  that  case  pro- 
vided. 

Ordered,  That  an  account  of  the  fund  be  brought  in  before  the  Synod 
break  up. 

Inquiry  being  made  of  the  several  Presbyteries,  whether  they  have  complied 
with  an  order  of  Synod,  respecting  the  trial  of  ministers  and  candidates  coming 
from  Europe,  it  was  found  they  had  so  done. 

The  congregations  of  Turkey  and  Eocksiticus,  which  were  included 
last  year  within  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery  of  New-Brunswick,  making 
application  to  the  Synod  to  be  under  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  it  was 
granted. 

Adjourned  to  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  31.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  continued. 

A  supplication  from  the  people  of  Leacock  was  brought  in,  and  after 
much  discourse  upon  the  affair,  the  Synod  appointed  a  committee  to  meet 
upon  the  place,  and  to  view  the  circumstances  of  the  two  contending  con- 
gregations, and  finally  determine  the  controversy.  The  members  ap- 
pointed for  said  committee  were  Messrs.  Houston,  Alison,  Cathcart,  Hook, 
Cross,  and  Treat,  who  are  to  meet  at  Pequea  the  second  Wednesday  of  Oc- 
tober next. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Morgan's  suspension,  being  remitted  to  the  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia  by  last  Synod,  they  now  report  that  they  have  taken  off  his 
suspension,  and  restored  him  to  the  exercise  of  his  ministry  again ;  and 
the  minutes  of  their  proceeding  being  read,  the  Synod  approves  their  con- 
duct. 

The  affair  between  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent  and  Mr.  Cowell,  came  under  con- 
sideration in  reading  last  year's  minutes,  but  the  committee  to  whom  that  affair 
was  referred,  report  that  they  are  not  yet  prepared  to  ac(iuaint  the  Synod  with 
what   they  have  done,  which  is  therefore   referred  to  another  sederunt,  and 


1739.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  145 

the  said  committee  are  ordered  to  get  ready  and  make  report  as  soon  as 
may  be. 

The  committee  appointed  to  go  to  Hanover,  and  help  the  people  there  in  their 
difficulties,  made  report  to  the  .Syuod  of  thoir  compliance,  and  brought  in  the 
minutes  of  their  proceedings,  which  being  read  were  approved  and  ordered  to 
be  inserted  in  their  minutes,  and  are  as  follows,  viz  :* 

The  Presbytery  of  Brunswick,  upon  reading  over  the  minutes,  brought  in  a 
paper  of  objections  against  two  acts  made  last  year,  which  was  read,  and  the 
further  consideration  of  it  deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

25  day  at  nine  d clock,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  continued. 
The  atiuir  of  Mr.  Cowell  and  Mr.  Tennent  deferred. 

The  consideration  of  the  New-Brunswick  paper  reassumcd,  and  after  much 
reasoning  upon  it,  the  further  consideration  of  it  deferred  till  the  afternoon. 
Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


•  "  At  a  committee  of  the  Synod  met  at  Hanover,  July  26th,  1738,  according  to  ap- 
pointment of  ^yno^,  ubi post preces  sederunt  Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Gilbert  Tennent, 
William  Tennent,  jun'r.,  .John  Cross,  David  Cowell,  and  Richard  Treat.  Ministers  of  the 
committee  absent:  Messrs.  Samuel  Blair,  Eleazer  Wales,  and  Aaron  Burr.  Mr.  Andrews 
chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Treat,  clerk.  5Ir.  Gilbert  Tennent  opened  the  committee  by  a 
sermon,  Ezek.  xi.  1!>. 

"  The  committee  in  order  to  lay  a  clear  foundation  to  go  upon,  thought  proper  to  read 
and  consider  the  minutes  of  the  Synod  in  relation  to  the  affair ;  and  after  that  was  done 
the  moderator  proceeded  to  inquire  into  the  matter  they  were  come  about,  and  asked  the 
people  of  West-Hanover,  whether  their  circumstances  were  altered  for  the  better  since 
the  casting  of  the  lot,  and  it  was  answered  by  some  of  them  in  the  hearing  and  behalf 
of  the  whole,  that  they  were  much  increased  as  to  number  of  persons  in  their  society, 
and  that  they  were  near  one  half  abler  than  they  were.  Which  representation  was  not 
contradicted  nor  disproved  by  any,  and  plainly  appeared  to  the  committee  to  be  the  truth 
of  their  case.  A  paper  also  was  brought  in  by  Mr.  Kitchell  and  some  others,  in  behalf 
of  the  eastern  part,  as  their  committee,  setting  forth  their  weakness,  and  expressing 
their  desire  of  an  union  with  their  western  brethren,  if  it  could  be  had  upon  reasonable 
terms.  Upon  which,  that  the  committee  might  come  to  understand  the  real  truth  with 
respect  to  said  eastern  people,  the  moderator  proceeded  to  interrogate  Mr.  Kitchell  and 
others  of  said  eastern  part,  about  their  affairs,  and  they  informed  the  committee,  that 
they  were  much  stronger  than  when  the  lot  was  cast;  that  though  it  was  hard  with  them 
for  the  present  to  fuliil  their  obligations  to  Mr.  Isutman,  yet  they  cannot  but  acknow- 
ledge they  are  in  growing  circumstances,  and  able  to  support  of  themselves ;  adding 
•withal,  that  it  is  their  mind,  and  the  mind  of  their  Society,  not  to  have  an  union  with 
the  whole  of  the  western  society  but  with  a  part  only,  and  that  if  the  committee  should 
judge  them  to  unite  upon  any  of  the  former  terms,  covenants,  and  agreements,  it  would 
be  the  destruction  of  the  whole,  and  be  prejudicial  to  the  interest  of  religion  among  them. 
Whereupon  the  committee  came  unanimously  to  form  their  judgment  after  the  following 
manner,  viz  :  That  according  as  things  are  represented  to  them,  and  as  they  appear, 
they  cannot  but  judge, 

"  1.  That  the  former  obligations  of  said  people,  by  virtue  of  the  lot  formerly  cast 
among  them,  are  now  impracticable. 

"  2.  That  the  end  of  the  said  lot  will  be  much  better  answered  by  their  being  two  sepa- 
rate societies,  than  by  being  united  into  one,  as  formerly  was  desired  and  proposed. 

"  3.  That  therefore  we  judge  said  western  people  may  be  a  separate  society  by  them- 
selves. Furthermore,  to  prevent  any  disputes  or  difficulties  between  said  western  society 
and  Basking-Ridge,  it  was  proposed  and  agreed  to,  mutually  by  said  people,  that  who- 
soever were  desirous  of  going  from  the  congregation  to  which  they  belong  to  the  other, 
shall  have  liberty  so  to  do,  pro\'ided  they  pay  off  all  their  respective  debts  due  to  the 
society  to  which  they  have  belonged. 

"  The  above  determinations  of  the  committee  were  published  to  the  aforesaid  people, 
and  all  parties  expressed  their  entire  satisfaction  therein.     Concluded  with  prayer." 

19 


146  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1739. 

Hora  Btia,  P.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  continued. 

The  affair  of  New-Brunswick  Presbytery  reassumed,  and  after  much  reason- 
ing upon  it,  the  further  consideration  of  it  deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 
Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  of  the  clock. 
Concluded  with  prayer. 

26iA  day,  at  nine  d clock,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  continued,  and  Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  the 
fund  meet  next  Mondey,  at  ten  of  the  clock,  and  prepare  said  affair  to  be 
brought  into  the  Synod  at  the  next  session. 

The  New-Brunswick  Presbytery  having  brought  a  paper  of  objections  against 
the  act  made  last  year,  touching  the  previous  examination  of  candidates,  the 
Synod  consented  to  review  that  act,  and  upon  deliberation  agreed  to  the  follow- 
ing overture,  which  they  substitute  in  the  room  of  it,  viz  :  It  being  the  first 
article  in  our  excellent  Directory  for  the  examination  of  the  candidates  of  the 
sacred  ministry,  that  they  be  inquired  of,  what  degrees  they  have  taken  in  the 
university,  &c. ;  and  it  being  oftentimes  impracticable  for  us  in  these  remote 
parts  of  the  earth,  to  obtain  an  answer  to  these  questions,  of  those  who  propose 
themselves  to  examination,  many  of  our  candidates  not  having  enjoyed  the 
advantage  of  a  university  education,  and  it  being  our  desire  to  come  to  the 
nearest  conformity  to  the  incomparable  prescriptions  of  the  Directory,  that  our 
circumstances  will  admit  of,  and  after  long  deliberation  of  the  most  proper 
expedients  to  comply  with  the  intentions  of  the  Directory,  where  we  cannot 
exactly  fulfil  the  letter  of  it ;  the  Synod  agree  and  determine,  that  every  person 
who  proposes  himself  to  trial  as  a  candidate  for  the  ministry,  and  who  has  not 
a  diploma,  or  the  usual  certificates  from  an  European  or  New  England  univer- 
sity, shall  be  examined  by  the  whole  Synod,  or  its  commission,  as  to  these 
preparatory  studies  which  we  generally  pass  through  at  the  college,  and  if  they 
find  him  qualified,  they  shall  give  him  a  certificate,  which  shall  be  received  by 
our  respective  Presbyteries  as  equivalent  to  a  diploma  or  certificate  from  the 
college.  This  we  trust  will  have  a  happy  tendency  to  prevent  unqualified  men 
from  creeping  in  among  us,  and  answer,  in  the  best  manner  our  present  circum- 
stances are  capable  of,  the  design  which  our  Directory  has  in  view,  and  to 
which  by  inclination  and  duty,  we  are  all  bound  to  comply  to  our  utmost 
ability.     This  was  agreed  to  by  a  great  majority. 

Adjourned  till  Monday  next,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

28  day.     Sord  tertia,  P.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  siqjra. 

The  committee  for  the  fund  met  according  to  appointment,  but  not  having 
accomplished  said  affair,  the  Synod  appoints  said  committee  to  meet  to-morrow, 
at  eight  of  the  clock. 

Mr.  G-ilbert  Tennent  protested  in  behalf  of  himself  and  such  as  should  join 
with  him,  viz  :  William  Tennent,  sen'r.  William  Tennent,  jun'r.,  Samuel  Blair, 
Eleazer  Wales,  Charles  Tennent,  ministers.  Thomas  Worthington,  David  Cham- 
bers, William  McCrea,  John  Weir,  elders ;  against  the  above-mentioned  act 
respecting  the  trial  of  candidates. 

The  act  made  last  year  with  respect  to  ministers  preaching  out  of  their  own 
bounds,  being  taken  under  a  review,  the  Synod  determine,  that  if  any  minister 
in  the  bounds  of  any  of  our  Presbyteries,  judge  that  the  preaching  of  any 
minister  or  candidate  of  a  neighbouring  Presbytery  in  any  congregation,  has 
had  a  tendency  to  promote  division  among  them,  or  hinder  the  orderly  settle- 


1739.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  147 

ment  of  a  gospel  ministry,  in  that  case  he  shall  complain  to  the  Presbytery  in 
whose  bounds  the  said  congregation  is,  and  that  the  minister  who  is  supposed 
to  be  the  cause  of  the  foresaid  division,  shall  be  obliged  to  appear  before  them, 
and  it  shall  be  left  to  them  to  determine  whether  he  shall  preach  any  more  in 
the  bounds  of  that  congregation,  and  he  shall  be  bound  to  stand  to  their  deter- 
mination, until  they  shall  see  cause  to  remove  their  prohibition,  or  the  Synod 
shall  have  opportunity  to  take  the  affair  under  cognizance.  Approved  nemine 
contracUcente. 

Mr.  Anderson  reports,  that  in  compliance  with  an  order  of  Synod  last  year, 
he  had  waited  upon  the  Governor  of  Virginia  with  the  Synod's  address,  and 
received  a  favourable  answer,  the  substance  of  which  is  contained  in  a  letter  from 
the  governor  to  the  moderator  of  the  Synod,  which  is  as  follows  : 

"  Sir  :  By  the  hands  of  Mr.  Anderson  I  received  an  address  signed  by  you, 
in  the  name  of  your  brethren  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia.  And  as  I  have 
been  always  inclined  to  favour  the  people  who  have  lately  removed  from  other 
provinces,  to  settle  on  the  western  side  of  our  great  mountains ;  so  you  may 
be  assured,  that  no  interruption  shall  be  given  to  any  minister  of  your  profes- 
sion who  shall  come  among  them,  so  as  they  conform  themselves  to  the  rules 
prescribed  by  the  act  of  toleration  in  England,  by  taking  the  oaths  enjoined 
thereby,  and  registering  the  places  of  their  meeting,  and  behave  themselves 
peaceably  towards  the  government.  This  you  may  please  to  communicate  to 
the  Synod  as  an  answer  of  theirs.     Your  most  humble  servant. 

"William  Goocn. 

"WiUiamshurff,  Nbvemher  4:th,  1738." 

Messrs.  Conn,  Cross,  and  Orme,  gave  the  reasons  why  they  did  not  go  to 
Virginia,  which  were  sustained. 

Mr.  Anderson  reports  that  his  journey  to  Virginia  cost  fifteen  pounds,  which 
the  Synod  allows  out  of  the  fund,  and  does  approve  his  conduct  in  the  whole 
affair. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  consider  what  is  to  be  done  further  in  the 
Virginia  affair.  And  the  committee  returned  Mr.  Anderson  thanks  for  what 
he  hath  done  in  it. 

The  revisers  of  the  Presbytery  book  of  Brunswick,  offered  several  objec- 
tions against  said  book,  the  consideration  of  which  deferred  till  to-morrow 
morning. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  Philadelphia  brought  in  and  approved. 

A  reference  from  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  and  the  designed  new 
erection  at  Hopewell  and  Maidenhead  was  brought  in,  and  after  reading  some 
papers,  the  further  consideration  of  it  deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  ten  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

29th  day.     Hora  decima,  A.  M.  post preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
The  committee  for  the  fund  met  according  to  appointment. 
The  account  of  the  fund  brought  in,  and  it  appears  that  there  is  antecedent 
to  any  disbursements  to  be  made  this  year. 

£       s.    d. 

Principal 517     4  lU 

Interest  due,  -         -         -         -  46  12     9 

Cash  in  bank,     -         -         -         -        35  17     2f 


In  all, £599  14  101 

It  appearing  by  the  Presbytery  book  of  New  Brunswick,  that  notwith- 
standing the  Synod's  agreement  last  year,  that  no  candidate  for  the  ministry 


148  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1739 

who  has  had  a  private  education,  should  be  admitted  to  trials,  in  order  to  be 
licensed  to  preach  the  gospel  by  any  Presbytery  within  our  bounds,  until  such 
candidate's  learning  were  previously  examined  by  a  committee  appointed  for 
that  purpose,  that  the  Presbytery  of  New-Brunswick  have  admitted  to  trials 
and  licensed  Mr.  John  Rowland  to  preach  the  gospel  without  his  submitting 
to  such  preparatory  examination  as  was  appointed ;  the  Synod  do  therefore 
judge  the  proceedings  of  the  said  Presbytery  of  New-Brunswick  to  be  very 
disorderly,  and  do  admonish  the  said  Presbytery  to  avoid  such  divisive  courses 
for  the  future ;  and  do  determine  not  to  admit  the  said  Mr.  Rowland  to  be 
a  preacher  of  the  gospel  within  our  bounds,  nor  encourage  any  of  our  people 
to  accept  him  until  he  submit  to  such  examinations  as  were  appointed  by  this 
Synod  for  those  that  have  had  a  private  education. 

This  overture  carried  in  the  affirmative  by  a  great  majority. 

There  being  a  reference  ipade  by  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  of  some 
difficulties  brought  before  them  by  some  of  the  people  of  Hopewell  and 
Maidenhead,  and  a  complaint  made  to  the  Synod  by  some  of  the  said  people 
against  the  said  Presbytery,  the  Synod  do  judge  that  the  said  people  have  be- 
haved with  great  indecency  towards  their  Presbytery,  by  their  unmannerly 
reflections,  and  unjust  aspersions,  both  upon  the  Synod  and  the  Presbytery, 
and  that  they  have  acted  very  disorderly  in  improving  Mr.  Rowland  as  a 
preacher  among  them,  when  they  were  advised  by  the  Presbytery  that  he 
was  not  to  be  esteemed  and  improved  as  an  orderly  candidate  of  the  ministry ; 
and  the  Synod  do  wholly  disallow  the  said  complainants  being  erected  into  a 
new  congregation  until  they  do  first  submit  the  determination  of  the  place 
for  erecting  a  new  meeting-house  to  their  Presbytery,  as  was  formerly  agreed 
between  them  and  their  neighbours,  as  a  condition  of  their  being  a  separate 
congregation. 

This  overture  was  approved  by  a  great  majority. 

And  it  is  further  ordered  by  the  Synod,  That  when  the  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia  meet  at  Hopewell  and  Maidenhead,  to  fix  the  place  of  a  new 
meeting-house,  they  shall  call  the  following  correspondents :  Messrs.  John 
Pierson,  John  Nutman,  Samuel  Blair,  Aaron  Burr,  Nathaniel  Hubbell,  and 
Eleazar  Wales. 

Adjourned  till  two  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Hord  secunda.  P.  M.     Postpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  Synod  to  consider  the  controversy  be- 
tween Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent  and  Mr.  David  Cowell,  brought  in  the  following 
overture,  which  being  read,  the  Synod  had  the  great  satisfaction  to  find  the 
contending  parties  fully  agreed  in  their  sentiments  upon  the  point  in  contro- 
versy, according  to  the  doctrine  contained  in  the  said  overture,  viz.  Though 
they  apprehend  that  there  are  some  incautious  and  unguarded  expressions 
used  by  both  the  contending  parties,  yet  they  have  ground  to  hope  that  the 
principal  controversy  between  them  flows  from  their  not  having  clear  ideas  of 
the  subject  they  so  earnestly  debate  about,  and  not  from  any  dangerous  errors 
they  entertain,  since  they  both  own  that  the  glory  of  Grod  is  the  ultimate  end 
of  all  things ;  and  as  the  point  under  debate  concerns  an  important  doctrine  of 
religion,  we  would  take  liberty  to  express  our  minds  with  respect  to  it  in  a 
few  words,  which  we  hope  will  be  agreeable  to  the  sentiments  of  the  Synod, 
and  readily  agreed  to  by  the  parties  concerned  in  this  dispute.  We  apprehend 
that  the  glory  of  God  was  the  only  motive  that  influenced  him  to  all  his  ex- 
ternal operations.  For  since  nothing  else  had  an  existence,  nothing  certainly 
could  influence  him  from  without  himself.  By  his  glory  declarative,  we 
mean  the  manifestation  of  his  essential  and  adorable  perfections  for  the  great 


1740.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  149 

and  excellent  ends  he  designed  in  this  manifestation.  It  is  the  indispensable 
duty  of  every  creature,  according  to  its  utmost  capacity,  to  aim  at  the  same 
end  which  the  blessed  God  has  in  view,  and  to  endeavour  to  direct  all  his  ac- 
tions unto  it.  The  method  in  which  the  great  God  has  required  us  to  prose- 
cute this  end  is  by  a  conformity  to  his  image,  and  example,  and  a  sincere  and 
universal  obedience  to  his  laws.  In  his  infinite  and  astonishing  grace  he  has 
been  pleased  inseparably  to  connect  our  happiness  with  the  prosecution  of 
this  end.  This  obedicucc  which  we  are  to  pay  to  the  Divine  law,  and  by 
which  alone  we  can  glorify  him,  must  be  performed  by  us,  not  only  because 
it  is  the  way  to  happiness,  but  because  it  is  infinitely  just  and  reasonable  in 
itself,  agreeable  to  the  blessed  God,  whom  we  are  under  indissoluble  obliga- 
tions to  obey,  and  carry  on  the  same  designs  which  he  has  been  pleased  to  pro- 
pose in  all  his  actions.  And  these  designs  of  the  glory  of  God,  and  our  own 
happiness,  are  so  inseparably  connected  that  they  must  never  be  placed  in  op- 
position to  each  other.  For  in  all  cases,  he  that  actively  glorifies  God  pro- 
motes his  own  happiness,  and  by  a  conformity  to  the  Divine  statutes  and  laws, 
which  is  the  only  way  to  happiness,  we,  in  the  best  manner  we  are  capable, 
glorify  God. 

The  case  of  the  people  of  Norrington  being  represented  to  the  Synod,  for 
supplies  for  the  ensuing  year,  the  Synod  appointed  Messrs.  Boyd,  Black, 
Houston,  and  Alexander,  to  supply  them  every  third  Sabbath  until  next 
Synod. 

An  overture  for  erecting  a  school,  or  seminary  of  learning,  being  brought  in 
by  the  committee,  the  Synod  unanimously  approved  the  design  of  it,  and  in 
order  to  the  accomplishing  it  did  nominate  Messrs.  Pemberton,  Dickinson, 
Cross,  and  Anderson,  two  of  which,  if  they  can  be  prevailed  upon,  to  be  sent 
home  to  Europe  to  prosecute  this  affair  with  proper  directions.  And  in  order 
to  this,  it  is  appointed  that  the  commission  of  the  Synod,  with  correspondents 
from  every  Presbytery,  meet  at  Philadelphia  the  third  Wednesday  of  August 
next.  And  if  it  be  found  necessary,  that  Mr.  Pemberton  should  go  to  Boston 
pursuant  to  this  design,  it  is  ordered,  that  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  supply 
his  pulpit  during  his  absence. 

Mr.  Hamilton  Bell  having  offered  himself  to  examination,  the  Synod  ap- 
points their  commission,  together  with  any  other  members  they  think  fit,  to 
meet  to-morrow,  at  nine  o'clock,  for  that  purpose. 

A  petition  from  Thomas  Clark  was  presented  to  the  Synod,  and  it  is  recom- 
mended to  all  the  ministers  within  our  bounds,  to  whom  he  shall  apply,  to  do 
what  they  think  expedient  for  his  relief. 

An  overture  was  presented  to  the  Synod  from  Mr.  Thomas  Evans,  which  is 
ordered  to  be  kept  in  retentis  till  the  next  Synod. 

Adjourned  till  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next,  and  then  to  meet  at 
Philadelphia,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1740. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  appointment, 

Fhiladeqjhia,  May  2Sth,  1740.      UM post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  :  Messrs.  Jonathan  Dickinson, 
Walter  Wilmot,  Aaron  Burr,  John  Nutman,  John  Pierson,  Simon  Horton,  Jo- 
seph Houston.  Absent :  Ebenezer  Pemberton,  Joseph  Webb,  Nathaniel  Hub- 
bell,  Silas  Leonard,  Isaac  Chalker. 

Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  James  Anderson,  John  Thomson,  Adam 
Boyd,  Alexander  Craighead,  John  Elder,  Richard  Zanchy,  Samuel  Cavin, 
Samuel  Black.  Absent :  Samuel  Thomson,  David  Alexander,  William  Ber- 
tram. 


150  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1740. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  G-eorge  Gillespie,  Robert  Cathcart,  Charles 
Tennent,  Francis  Alison,  Samuel  Blair,  Hugh  Conn,  Alexander  Hutchinson. 
Absent :  Thomas  Evans,  John  Orme. 

Lewes  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  James  Martin,  Robert  Jamison,  Hugh  Carlile. 
Absent :  Hugh  Stevenson,  Patrick  Glascow. 

Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Robert  Cross,  William 
Tennent,  David  Evans,  David  Cowell,  Francis  McHenry,  Richard  Treat.  Ab- 
sent :  Messrs.  Elmer,  Morgan,  G-oold 

New-Brunswick  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Eleazer  Wales,  John 
Cross. 

Elders  present :  Joseph  Woodruff,  Joseph  Riggs,  John  Odel,  John  Alison, 
James  Montgomery,  Daniel  Henderson,  Robert  Matthews,  Thomas  Farrell, 
James  Swain,  John  Hamilton,  Joseph  Steel,  Hugh  Lion,  John  Steel,  James 
Perry,  James  Cockran,  Willi^  Gi'ay,  John  Cross,  Cornelius  Winekoop,  James 
Miller,  William  Emmitt,  Richard  Walker,  James  McCoy,  Robert  Cummings, 
John  Howey. 

Mr.  Anderson,  the  moderator  of  the  Synod  last  year,  opened  the  Synod  by  a 
sermon  on  Gal.  v.  15. 

Mr.  Pierson  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Treat  clerk. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock,  precisely. 

Concluded  with  prayer.  ; 

29  day,  at  nine  d clock,  A.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

It  is  reported  that  Mr.  George  Philips,  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  and 
Mr.  Paul,  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  are  dead  since  last  Synod. 

Mr.  Bertram,  Mr.  G-lascow,  Mr.  Alexander,  Mr.  Orme,  excused  for  their  ab- 
sence. 

Messrs.  Thomson,  Andrews,  Dickinson,  Boyd,  Anderson,  Gillespie,  Robert 
Cross,  Martin,  G-ilbert  Tennent,  Treat,  Alison,  and  the  moderator,  ministers ; 
and  Joseph  Woodrooff,  John  Alison,  John  Steel,  John  Cross,  Robert  Cummings, 
Elders,  appointed  a  committee  for  the  fund,  and  any  other  business  the  Synod 
shall  recommend  to  them. 

The  Presbytery  books  of  New  York,  Donegall,  and  New-Brunswick, 
forgot. 

Mr.  Hutchinson  and  Mr.  Houston,  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book 
of  Philadelphia;  Mr.  Cowell  and  Mr.  Jamison,  the  Presbytery  book  of  New 
Castle ;  Mr.  William  Tennent,  jun'r.  and  Mr.  Blair,  the  Presbytery  book  of 
Lewes. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  collections  for  the  fund,  it  was 
found  that  there  was  something  brought  by  Messrs.  Dickinson,  Burr,  Pierson, 
Horton,  Thomson,  Boyd,  Craighead,  Elder,  Zanchy,  Black,  Gillespie,  Cathcart, 
Alison,  Blair,  Martin,  Jamison,  Andrews,  Cross,  Cowell,  and  Treat. 

Messrs.  Andrews,  Thomson,  Anderson,  Gillespie,  Dickinson,  Pemberton, 
Robert  Cross,  Blair,  Treat,  Alison,  Boyd,  Martin,  Gilbert  Tennent,  and  the 
moderator,  to  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year  ensuing,  with 
elders  if  they  have  occasion  to  meet,  and  that  any  five  of  the  ministers  be 
a  quorum. 

It  is  reported  that  Mr.  Francis  McHenry,  Mr.  Samuel  Cavin,  and  Mr. 
Samuel  Thomson,  were,  after  the  usual  trials,  ordained  since  last  Synod,  and 
that  they  did  all  of  them  adopt  the  Westminster  Confession,  &c.  according  to 
the  order  of  the  Synod. 

Ordered,  That  an  account  of  the  fund  be  brought  in  before  the  Synod 
break  up. 

The  affair  of  Leacock  deferred. 


1740.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  151 

Upon  reading  over  the  minutes  of  the  last  year,  the  act  about  the  previous 
trial  of  candidates  for  the  ministry,  which  has  been  the  occasion  of  much  debate 
in  the  Synod,  and  protested  against  by  some  of  the  brethren,  came  under  con- 
sideration, upon  which  a  paper  was  brought  in  and  road,  containing  proposals 
for  accommodating  of  the  said  unhappy  debates.  Which  being  new  to  the 
Synod,  they  resolved,  that  in  compliance  with  the  desire  of  several  other  mem- 
bers of  the  Synod,  as  well  as  the  protesting  brethren,  each  of  them  should  have 
a  copy  of  the  proposals  to  consider  of  till  to-morrow  morning. 

The  other  act,  relating  to  ministers  preaching  within  the  bounds  of  other 
Presbyteries  than  that  to  which  he  or  they  do  belong,  coming  in  course  to  be 
considered,  the  Synod  agree  to  defer  any  debates  about  that  matter  till  the  pre- 
ceding affair  be  issued. 

Upon  reading  that  minute,  concerning  that  debate  between  Messrs.  Gilbert 
Tennent  and  David  Cowell,  and  the  judgment  of  the  committee  of  the  Synod 
upon  it,  Mr.  Tennent  seeming  dissatisfied  with  the  committee's  management  in 
that  debate,  requested  that  the  thing  might  be  considered  by  the  Synod  j  the 
consideration  thereof  was  deferred. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  j)ost  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  continued. 

The  affair  of  Leacock  deferred. 

The  commission  of  the  Synod  did  meet  last  year  according  to  appointment, 
in  order  to  conclude  upon  a  method  for  prosecuting  the  overture  respecting  the 
erecting  a  seminary  of  learning.  The  minutes  of  that  proceeding  were  read, 
and  although  herein  it  is  found,  that  they  concluded  upon  calling  the  whole 
Synod  together  as  necessary  in  that  affair ;  yet  the  war  breaking  out  between 
England  and  Spain,  the  calling  of  the  Synod  was  omitted,  and  the  whole  affair 
laid  aside  for  that  time.* 


*  The  commission  of  the  Synod  met  according  to  appointment. 

Philadelphia,  August  15th,  1739.      Ubi  post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers :  Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  James  Anderson,  John  Thomson,  Adam  Boyd, 
Robert  Cross,  James  Martin,  Richard  Treat. 

Correspondents :  Messrs.  Cathcart,  Alison,  and  Black. 

Members  of  the  commission  absent :  Messrs.  Dickinson,  Pemberton,  Gillespie,  Pierson, 
Thomas  Evans,  Gilbert  Tennent. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  Synod  relating  to  our  present  meeting  be  read. 

Several  members  of  the  commission  who  are  now  absent,  being  expected  this  evening, 
the  commission  without  entering  upon  business,  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine 
of  the  clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

l&th  day,  at  nine  of  the  clock.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Together  with  Messrs.  David  Evans  and  Jamison,  correspondents. 

Mr.  Pemberton  sent  a  letter  with  the  reasons  of  his  absence,  which  were  sustained. 

The  ali'air  of  the  overture  brought  in  last  Synod,  that  gave  occasion  for  our  present 
meeting,  was  taken  under  consideration,  and  after  much  reasoning  upon  it,  the  commis- 
sion unanimously  concluded  to  enter  on  said  affair ;  but  previous  to  any  particular  steps 
to  be  fallen  upon  in  order  thereto,  it  was  agreed  to  ask  counsel  of  God  by  appointing  one 
of  their  number  to  pray,  which  was  done  by  appointing  Mr.  Evans  to  that  service.  Upon 
which  they  proceeded  to  inquii-e  what  they  should  do,  and  because  of  the  weight  of  the 
affair  in  hand,  they  agreed  to  defer  the  main  inquiries  till  the  afteruoon ;  but  as  pre- 
liminary thereto,  do  judge  it  to  be  the  most  reasonable  and  probable  method  to  accom- 
plish the  good  design  of  said  overture,  to  apply  to  the  several  cougregatiuus  within  our 
bounds  for  their  concurrence  and  assistance  in  the  affair,  and  that  a  letter  of  address  be 
sent  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church  of  Scotland  for  their  assistance.  Accord- 
ingly Mr.  Andrews  was  appointed  to  draw  up  the  said  letter  to  the  General  Assembly 


152  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1740. 

Upon  reading  over  the  minutes  respecting  the  result  of  the  controversy  be- 
tween Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent  and  Mr.  Cowell,  Mr.  Tennent  moved  for  the  revising 
that  affair,  and  that  the  papers  might  be  read  that  concern  that  debate.  W  hich 
motion  of  Mr.  Tennent's,  after  much  debate  about  it,  was  put  to  the  vote, 
whether  it  should  be  complied  with  or  not,  and  it  passed  in  the  negative  by  a 
great  majority. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.      Concluded  with  prayer. 

30  day^  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  account  of  the  fund  not  yet  brought  in. 

The  affair  between  the  Synod  and  the  brethren  dissatisfied  with  the  act  of 
last  Synod,  which,  according  to  order  of  yesterday,  was  to  be  brought  under 
consideration  this  session,  de^rred  till  next  sederunt. 

The  affair  of  Leacock  reassumed.  Whereas  a  matter  of  controversy  be- 
tween the  people  of  Leacock  and  Pequea,  was  appointed  last  Synod  to  be 
determined  by  a  committee,  which  by  order  of  Synod,  were  to  meet  upon  the 
place,  and  all  the  members  except  two  that  were  appointed,  for  reasons  now 
given  and  sustained,  failed  of  attending  on  said  affair,  so  that  nothing  was  done 
in  it,  and  the  people  of  Leacock  yet  thinking  themselves  aggrieved  by  the 
judgment  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  they  now  moved  the  Synod  to  judge 

before  mentioned,  and  Mr,  Thomson  to  draw  up  the  letter  to  our  congregations,  to  be 
brought  in  next  sederunt. 
Adjourned  to  four  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Horci  quartd,  P.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  Andrews  and  Thomson  brought  in  the  letters,  according  to  appointment. 

The  affair  of  the  overture  respecting  the  erecting  a  school  of  learning,  reassumed,  and 
the  commission,  after  some  further  consideration  of  it,  weighing  the  importance  of  the 
matter,  and  considering  the  small  number  of  members  now  present,  together  with  the 
many  preparatory  letters  and  instructions  that  are  necessary  for  such  an  undertaking, 
as  going  to  Europe  for  assistance,  according  to  the  unanimous  judgment  of  the  Synod, 
will  require,  they  do  now  with  one  consent  judge  it  most  advisable  to  defer  doing  any 
more  in  said  affair  at  present,  but  leave  it  to  the  consideration  and  determination  of  the 
whole  Synod,  and  accordingly  agree  to  call  the  Synod  together,  to  meet  at  Philadelphia 
the  last  Wednesday  of  September  next,  and  enjoin  the  members  present  to  inform  their 
respective  Presbyteries  of  this  appointment ;  and  that  the  moderator  send  letters  to  the 
Presbyteries  of  New  York  and  New-Brunswick,  ordering  their  attendance  at  the  time 
appointed.  And  the  commission  further  orders,  that  Messrs.  Andrews,  Cross,  and  Treat, 
do  prepare  what  addresses,  letters,  credentials,  or  other  instruments  may  be  proper, 
against  the  meeting  of  the  Synod.  And  further,  that  a  letter  be  remitted  to  Dr.  Colman, 
to  be  communicated  to  our  reverend  brethren  in  Boston,  earnestly  desiring  their  con- 
currence and  assistance  in  this  aflFair,  and  that  said  letter  be  inclosed  in  one  to  Mr.  Pem- 
berton,  to  be  forwarded  by  him.  Ordered,  That  the  moderator  preach  at  the  opening 
of  the  Synod. 

An  affair  relating  to  the  people  of  Pilesgrove  and  Deerfield,  was,  by  the  Presbytery 
of  Philadelphia,  referred  to  the  decision  of  the  commission  ;  and  the  commission  having 
heard  the  representatives  of  said  people,  pro  and  con,  and  having  received  what  light  the 
Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  could  give  in  the  said  affair,  they  for  some  time  reasoned  and 
debated  upon  it,  and  at  length  came  to  the  following  resolution  :  That  inasmuch  as  the 
inhabitants  of  Pilesgrove  have  long  borne  a  burden,  and  met  with  great  discouragements 
in  their  endeavours  to  have  the  gospel  settled  among  them,  though  we  cannot,  however, 
but  lament  that  their  house  for  public  worship,  which  they  are  about,  is  not  to  be  situated 
more  conveniently  and  to  greater  satisfaction  of  Deerfield  ;  yet  since  the  representative 
from  the  congregation  of  Deerfield,  and  the  representative  of  Pilesgrove,  seemed  formerly 
agreed,  that  without  detriment  to  either  congregation,  the  people  of  Pilesgrove  might 
build  their  house  where  they  now  are  at  work,  and  since  the  Presbytery  accordingly 
encouraged  them  to  build  there,  the  commission  unanimously  agreed  to  confirm  their 
sentence  in  favour  of  Pilesgrove.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1740.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  153 

in  that  aiFair;  and  after  reading  some  papers,  and  hearing  all  that  was  offered 
in  the  matter,  the  Synod  unanimously  judges  as  follows :  That  inasmuch  as 
Leacock  is  a  congregation  by  allowance  of  their  own  Presbytery,  and  the 
meeting-house  erected  and  complained  of  is  at  as  great  a  distance  from  those  of 
Pequea  as  can  conveniently  accommodate  them  of  Leacock,  that,  therefore,  the 
new  erection  of  Leacock  shall  stand,  and  said  congregation  be  entitled  to  sup- 
plies to  said  meeting-house  from  Douegall  Presbytery  equal  to  other  vacancies 
within  their  bounds. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  31.  post  jireces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  continued. 

The  affair  between  the  Synod  and  the  brethren  dissatisfied  with  the  act  last 
year,  came  under  consideration,  and  the  protesting  brethren  declaring  their  dis- 
satisfaction with  the  i^roposals  for  accommodation  that  were  laid  before  them ; 
the  Synod  therefore  still  desiring  that  that  unhappy  difference  may  be  accom- 
modated, recommend  it  to  any  brethren  of  the  Synod  to  consider  any  further 
expedient  to  that  end,  to  be  brought  in  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

31  day,  at  nine  d'cloch,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  continued. 

The  affair  between  the  Synod  and  the  protesting  brethren  reassumed,  and  an 
overture  was  brought  in  by  one  of  the  brethren  as  an  expedient  to  accommo- 
date the  difference  that  has  arisen  and  yet  subsists  on  account  of  an  act  of  last 
year,  and  much  discourse  was  had  upon  it. 

It  was  agreed  by  all  the  members,  the  protesting  brethren  as  well  as  others, 
that  the  Synod  are  proper  judges  of  the  qualifications  of  their  own  members. 
But  the  protesting  brethren  thought  the  inserting  that  agreement  into  our 
minutes  unnecessary. 

The  uncomfortable  debate  about  the  agreement  of  the  Synod  last  year,  to 
bring  under  the  examination  of  the  Synod,  such  persons  as  have  had  a  private 
education  in  order  to  the  sacred  ministry,  being  reassumed,  it  was  put  to  the 
vote  whether  the  said  agreement  should  be  repeated  or  continued  till  some  other 
expedient  could  be  found  that  will  answer  the  design  of  that  agreement  to  the 
Synod's  satisfaction,  and  it  was  voted  that  it  shall  continue  at  present. 

The  protesting  brethren  renewing  their  former  protest  against  the  present 
proceeding,  the  following  members  joined  with  them  in  their  protestation,  viz  : 
Messrs.  John  Cross,  Alexander  Craighead,  Robert  Cummins,  John  Henry, 
James  Cockran,  William  Emmitt,  James  Miller,  Richard  Walker,  James 
McKoy,  Robert  Matthews,  Daniel  Henderson,  Joseph  Steel,  Hugh  Lynn, 
George  Gillespie,  and  Alexander  Hucheson,  desired  their  dissent  might  be 
entered. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  the  fund  meet  at  three  o'clock  this  after- 
noon. 

Adjourned  to  ten  o'clock  on  Monday  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

June  2d,  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  continued. 

An  overture  was  brought  in  upon  the  two  late  acts  in  order  to  explain  them, 

which  is  as  follows  :     The  Synod  having  the  last  year,  ncmine  contradicente, 

come  into  an  agreement  that  no  minister  shall  preach  out  of  the  bounds  of 

his  Presbytery  in  any  congregation,  after  his  being  warned  by  the  Presbytery, 

20 


154  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1740. 

in  whose  bounds  sucli  congregation  is,  that  his  preaching  there  is  a  cause  of 
division  in  the  congregation,  and  that  he  is  therefore  to  desist,  which  was 
agreed  to  in  order  to  prevent  divisions  in  our  congregations :  but  finding  that 
some  of  our  brethren  are  now  dissatisfied  with  that  agreement,  and  that  it  is 
wrong  interpreted  and  misunderstood  by  many  of  our  people,  as  though  it  was 
calculated  to  prevent  itinerant  preaching  :  the  Synod  do  now  declare,  that 
they  never  thought  of  opposing,  but  do  heartily  rejoice  in  the  labours  of  the 
ministry  in  other  places  besides  their  own  particular  charge.  And  that  they 
may  not  give  any  umbrage  to  the  contrary,  they  do  now  repeal  that  agreement, 
and  do  agree  that  our  ministers  shall,  in  that  respect,  conduct  themselves  as 
though  it  had  never  been.  And  to  obviate  all  misrepresentations  that  are  like 
to  be  made  of  our  agreement  the  last  year,  to  bring  such  candidates  of  the  min- 
istry under  the  examination  of  the  Synod,  or  the  commission  of  the  Synod,  as 
to  their  proficiency  in  human  karning,  who  have  had  a  private  education,  the 
Synod  declare,  that  they  do  not  thereby  call  in  question  the  power  of  subordi- 
nate Presbyteries  to  ordain  ministers,  but  only  assert  their  own  right  to  judge 
of  the  qualifications  of  their  own  members.  And  though  they  do  not  deny  but 
that  such  as  are  brought  into  the  ministry  contrary  to  this  agreement  may  be 
truly  gospel  ministers,  yet  inasmuch  as  they  cannot  but  think  that  agreement 
needful  to  be  insisted  on  in  order  to  the  well-being  of  this  part  of  the  Church 
of  Christ,  they  cannot  admit  them  when  so  brought  into  the  ministry  to  be 
members  of  this  Synod,  until  they  submit  to  the  said  agreement,  though  they 
do  consent,  that  they  be  in  all  other  respects  and  considered  as  ministers  of  the 
gospel,  any  thing  that  may  be  otherwise  construed  in  any  of  our  former  pro- 
ceedings, notwithstanding. 

Two  expedients  for  peace  were  proposed  to  answer  the  end  of  the  act  for  pre- 
serving learning  by  examination  for  candidates,  which  were  taken  under  con- 
sideration till  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,   P.   M.  met   according  to  appointment.     Vbi  post  prcces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  afiair  of  the  fund  continued. 

The  further  consideration  of  the  abovesaid  overture  deferred.  There  being 
two  representations  brought  into  the  Synod  by  Mr.  Blair  and  Mr.  Gilbert  Ten- 
nent,  representing  many  defects  in  our  ministry  that  are  matter  of  greatest 
lamentation  if  chargeable  upon  our  members  :  the  Synod  do  therefore  solemnly 
admonish  all  the  ministers  within  their  bounds,  seriously  to  consider  the  weight 
of  their  charge,  and,  as  they  will  answer  it  at  the  great  day  of  Christ,  to  take 
care  to  approve  themselves  to  God,  in  the  instances  complained  of.  And  the 
Synod  do  recommend  it  to  the  several  Presbyteries  to  take  care  of  their  several 
ministers  in  these  particulars. 

A  supplication  came  into  the  Synod  from  the  congregations  of  Tinnacum 
and  Newtown  respectively,  desiring  to  be  dismissed  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia,  and  to  be  joined  to  the  Presbytery  of  New-Brunswick,  and  it  was 
readily  granted. 

Adjourned  to  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next,  then  to  meet  at  Philadel- 
phia at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer.* 

*  At  a  meeting  of  the  commission  of  the  Synod, 

June  3d,  1740.     Ubi post  preces  sederunt 

Mr.  John  Pierson  Moderator  of  the  Synod,  Messrs.  John  Thomson,  Robert  Cross, 
George  Gillespie,  and  Jedidiah  Andrews. 

The  account  of  the  fund  was  brought  in ;  and  it  appears  before  any  disbursements 
made  this  year,  that  there  was  as  follows : 


1741.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  155 

1741. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  appointment, 

Philadcljihia ,  May  the  llth,  1741.      Uhi post preces  sederunt 

Ministers,  members  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle :  Messrs.  George  Gil- 
lespie, Robert  Cathcart,  Charles  Tennent,  Francis  Alison,  Alexander  Huch- 
eson,  Samuel  Blair.     Absent :  Mr.  Thomas  Evans. 

Members  of  the  Presbytery  of  Lewes,  ministers  present :  Messrs.  James 
Martin  and  Robert  Jamison.  Absent :  Messrs.  Hugh  Carlile,  Patrick  Glas- 
cow,  Hugh  Stevenson. 

Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  ministers  present :  Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews, 
Robert  Cross,  Daniel  Elmer,  Francis  McIIenry,  Richard  Treat,  William 
Tennent. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery,  ministers  present :  Messrs.  Eleazer  Wales, 
Gilbert  Tennent,  William  Tennent.     Absent :  Mr.  John  Cross. 

Members  of  Donegall  Presbytery  present :  Messrs.  John  Thomson,  Adam 
Boyd,  John  Elder,  Richard  Zanchy,  Samuel  Cavin,  Samuel  Thomson,  John 
Craig,  Alexander  Craighead,  David  Alexander. 

New  York  Presbytery  absent. 

Elders  present :  John  Richy,  William  McCollock,  William  Gray,  Jonathan 
Fithian,  Robert  Porter,  John  Swansey,  James  Carr,  Robert  McKnight,  Francis 
Alexander,  Abednego  Thomas,  Alexander  McKnight,  John  McCone,  John 
Ramsey,  William  McCrey,  Robert  Craig,  Robert  Rowland,  Richard  Walker, 
David  Chambers. 

Mr.  Pierson,  the  last  year's  moderator,  not  being  present,  Mr.  Andrews 
opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon  on  Mar.  ix.  24. 

£,  s.       d. 

Principal, 485  12      0^ 

Interest  due, 45  4      8^ 

Cash, 32  10  10^ 

Total £563       7       TJ 

Memorandum :  That  a  bond  of  Mr.  Paul's  deed  of  twelve  pounds,  which  is  no  part  of 
the  above  sum,  was  remitted  to  his  widow. 
Grants  from  the  fund  by  the  Synod  this  year : 

£  5.  d. 

To  the  Treasurer, 6  0  0 

To  the  Janitor, 1  10  0 

To  Mr.  Glen,      - 5  00  0 

To  Turkey, 6  00  0 

A  supplication  was  brought  in  by  Abraham  Scott  and  John  Kirkpatrick,  in  the  name 
of  a  party  at  Nottingham,  requesting  that  they  might  be  dismissed  from  the  Presbytery 
of  Donegall,  for  reasons  therein  contained.  The  commission  having  considered  the  affair, 
thought  fit  to  remit  it  to  the  consideration  of  the  next  Synod. 

Representatives  from  Norrington  desired  supplies,  and  the  commission  being  desirous 
to  do  all  they  could  for  them,  appointed  Mr.  Boyd  to  supply  them  once  a  quarter,  and  to 
come  to  them  the  first  time  the  first  Sabbath  of  August;  Mr.  Cowell  once  a  quarter,  be- 
ginning the  first  Sabbath  of  July ;  Mr.  McHenry  once  a  quarter,  beginning  the  first 
Sabbath  of  September;  and  Mr.  Black  once  a  quarter,  beginning  the  first  Sabbath  of 
November.  This  to  be  done  till  next  Synod.  The  ministers  in  town  to  help  them  as 
they  can. 

A  letter  from  Dr.  Colman,  of  Boston,  to  the  Synod  was  read,  wherein  he,  in  the  name 
of  the  associated  brethren  there,  assures  the  Synod  of  their  readiness  to  concur  with  the 
Synod  in  their  laudable  proposal  of  erecting  a  school  or  seminary  of  learning  in  these 
parts.  And  it  is  ordered  that  Mr.  Andrews  write  to  the  Doctor,  and  the  said  associated 
brethren  on  that  head. 

Ordered,  That  five  poxmds  and  ten  shillings  be  given  on  a  pious  design. 


156  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1741. 

Mr.  Andrews  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Boyd  clerk. 

Adjourned  till  nine  clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

28  day.     At  lime,  dcloch,  met  accordmy  to  apvointment.      Uhi  j^ost  prcces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Objections  being  made  against  some  members  sitting  in  Synod,  the  Synod 
entered  upon  the  consideration  of  that  affair,  and  especially  in  reference  to  Mr. 
Craighead,  and  after  much  discourse  upon  it,  and  a  paper  of  Mr.  Craighead's 
being  read,  the  Synod  deferred  the  further  consideration  of  that  affair  till  the 
afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  thnee  o'clock,  P.  M.  post  prcces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

A  supplication  from  Middle  Octorara  congregation  containing  charges 
against  Mr.  John  Thomson,  being  presented  and  read,  after  much  discourse 
upon  it,  the  Synod  agreed  that  Mr.  Thomson  have  a  copy  of  the  said  suppli- 
cation, and  that  his  Presbytery  shall,  with  all  possible  expedition,  judge  of  that 
affair. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Craighead  reassumed.  Mr.  Craighead  presented  another 
paper,  which  was  read,  and  after  debating  on  that  business,  the  Synod  agreed 
that  this  and  the  former  paper  be  perused  by  the  Donegall  Presbytery,  in  order 
to  prepare  for  trial  against  to-morrow  in  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

29<7i,  at  nine  o'cloclx.     Post  preces  scdcnmt  qui  su2)ra. 

Since  our  last  meeting  it  pleased  God  in  his  providence  to  remove  by  death, 
our  dear  brethren  Mr.  James  Anderson,  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  and 
Mr.  Joseph  Houston,  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York. 

Blr.  Samuel  Thomson,  Mr.  Patrick  Glascow,  Mr.  Alexander,  and  Mr.  Ber- 
tram were  absent  last  year,  and  having  given  or  sent  reasons  of  their  absence, 
arc  excused ;  as  also  Mr.  David  Evans. 

Inasmuch  as  Mr.  Stevenson  has  from  time  to  time,  and  for  years  past,  ne- 
glected attending  on  our  judicatures,  and  also  omitted  his  ministry  without 
giving  us  any  reasons  for  his  said  conduct,  it  is  therefore  agreed,  that  his  name 
shall  be  struck  out  of  our  records,  till  he  come  before  us  and  give  an  account 
of  his  proceedings. 

Mr.  Goold  is  removed  out  of  the  bounds  of  our  Synod. 

The  choosing  a  committee,  and  other  business  for  the  fund,  deferred. 

Messrs.  Hutchinson  and  Blair  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of 
Philadelphia ;  Messrs.  Martin  and  Jamison  the  Presbytery  book  of  Donegall. 
The  Presbytery  books  of  New  York,  New  Brunswick,  New  Castle,  and  Lewes, 
are  not  brought. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  collections  for  the  fund,  it  was  found 
that  there  was  something  brought  by  Messrs.  Gillespie,  Blair,  Jamison,  An- 
drews, William  Tennent,  senior,  Elder,  Zauchy,  and  Samuel  Thomson. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  6'cloch,  P.  M.  according  to  appointment,  post  preces  sederunt  qui 
sup>ra. 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  as  appointed,  begun  their  reply  to  Mr.  Craig- 
head's paper  in  several  particulars,  but  being  late  it 's  deferred  till  to-morrow 
morning,  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1741.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  157 

30  f/ay.     At  nine  o'clock,  met  according  to  appointment.      Uhi  post  preces 
sederunt  qui  sup)ra. 

The  above  affair  continued,  and  a  great  deal  of  discourse  maintained  upon 
it.     The  Synod  defer  the  further  consideration  thereof. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  on  Monday  next.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

June  1.     At  three  dclocTc,  P.  M.     Postpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
A  protestation  was  brought  in  by  Mr.  Cross,  read,  and  signed  by  several 
members,  which  is  kept  in  retentis.* 

*  A  Protestation  presented  to  the  Synod,  June  1,  1741. 
Reverend  Fathers  and  Brethren, 

We,  the  ministers  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  members  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  being 
wounded  and  grieved  at  our  very  hearts,  at  the  dreadful  divisions,  distractions,  and  con- 
vulsions, which  all  of  a  sudden  have  seized  this  infant  church  to  such  a  degree,  that  un- 
less He,  who  is  King  in  Zion,  do  graciously  and  seasonably  interpose  for  our  relief,  she 
is  in  no  small  danger  of  expiring  outright,  and  that  quickly,  as  to  the  form,  order,  and 
constitution,  of  an  organized  church,  which  hath  subsisted  for  above  these  thirty  years 
past,  in  a  very  great  degree  of  comely  order  and  sweet  harmony,  until  of  late — we  say, 
we  being  deeply  afflicted  with  these  things  which  lie  heavy  on  our  spirits,  and  being  sen- 
sible that  it  is  our  indispensable  duty  to  do  what  lies  in  our  power,  in  a  lawful  way,  ac- 
cording to  the  light  and  direction  of  the  inspired  oracles,  to  preserve  this  swooning  chm-ch 
from  a  total  expiration  :  and  after  the  deliberate  and  unprejudiced  inquiry  into  the  causes 
of  these  confusions  which  rage  so  among  us,  both  ministers  and  people,  we  evidently  see- 
ing, and  being  fully  persuaded  in  our  judgments,  that  besides  our  raisimprovement  of, 
and  uufruitfulness  under,  gospel  light,  liberty,  and  privileges,  that  great  decay  of  practi- 
cal godliness  in  the  life  and  power  of  it,  and  many  abounding  immoralities  :  we  say, 
besides  these,  our  sins,  which  we  judge  to  be  the  meritorious  cause  of  our  present 
doleful  distractions,  the  awful  judgment  we  at  present  groan  under,  we  evidently  see 
that  our  protesting  brethren  and  their  adherents,  were  the  direct  and  proper  cause 
thereof,  by  their  unwearied,  unscriptural,  antipresbyterial,  uncharitable,  divisive  prac- 
tices, which  they  have  been  pursuing,  with  all  the  industry  they  were  capable  of,  with 
any  probability  of  success,  for  above  these  twelve  months  past  especially,  besides  too 
much  of  the  like  practices  for  some  years  before,  though  not  with  such  barefaced  arro- 
gance and  boldness: 

And  being  fully  convinced  in  our  judgments,  that  it  is  our  duty  to  bear  testimony 
against  these  disorderly  proceedings,  according  to  our  stations,  capacity,  and  trust  re- 
posed in  us  by  our  exalted  Lord,  as  watchmen  on  the  walls  of  his  Zion,  we  having  en- 
deavoured sincerely  to  seek  counsel  and  direction  from  God,  who  hath  promised  to  give 
wisdom  to  those  that  ask  him  in  faith,  yea,  hath  promised  his  Holy  Spirit  to  lead  his 
people  and  servants  into  all  truth,  and  being  clearly  convinced  in  our  consciences,  that 
it  is  a  duty  called  unto  in  this  present  juncture  of  affairs : 

Reverend  Fathers  and  Brethren,  we  hereby  humbly  and  solemnly  protest,  in  the 
presence  of  the  great  and  eternal  God,  and  his  elect  angels,  as  well  as  in  the  presence 
of  all  here  present,  and  particularly  to  you,  Reverend  Brethren,  in  our  own  names,  and 
in  the  names  of  all,  both  ministers  and  people,  who  shall  adhere  to  us,  as  follows : 

1.  We  protest  that  it  is  the  indispensable  duty  of  this  Synod,  to  maintain  and  stand 
by  the  principles  of  doctrine,  worship,  and  government,  of  the  Church  of  Christ,  as  the 
same  are  summed  up  in  the  Confession  of  Faith,  Catechisms,  and  Directory,  composed 
by  the  Westminster  Assembly,  as  being  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God,  and  which  this 
Synod  have  owned,  acknowledged,  and  adopted,  as  may  appear  by  our  synodical  records 
of  the  j-ears  1729,  1736,  which  we  desire  to  be  read  publicly. 

2.  We  protest  that  no  person,  minister  or  elder,  should  be  allowed  to  sit  and  vote  in 
this  Synod,  who  hath  not  received,  adopted,  or  subscribed,  the  said  Confessions,  Cate- 
chisms, and  Directory,  as  our  Presbyteries  respectively  do,  according  to  our  last  expli- 
cation of  the  adopting  act ;  or  who  is  either  accused  or  convicted,  or  may  be  convicted 
before  this  Synod,  or  any  of  our  Presbyteries,  of  holding  or  maintaining  any  doctrine, 
or  who  act  and  persist  in  any  practice,  contrary  to  any  of  those  doctrines,  or  rules  con- 
tained in  said  Directory,  or  contrary  to  any  of  the  known  rights  of  Presbytery,  or  orders 
made  or  agreed  to  by  this  Synod,  and  which  stand  yet  unrepealed,  unless,  or  until  he 
renounce  such  doctrine,  and  being  found  guilty,  acknowledge,  confess,  and  profess  his 


158  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1741. 

Upon  this  it  was  canvassed  by  the  former  protesting  brethren,  whether  they 
or  we  are  to  be  looked  upon  as  the  Synod.  We  maintained  that  they  had 
no  right  to  sit  whether  they  were  the  major  or  minor  number.  Then  they 
motioned  that  we  should  examine  this  point,  and  that  the  major  number  was 

sorrow  for  such  sinful  disorder,  to  the  satisfaction  of  this  Synod,  or  such  inferior  judi- 
catory as  the  Synod  shall  appoint  or  empower  for  that  purpose. 

3.  AVe  protest  that  all  our  protesting  brethren  have  at  present  no  right  to  sit  and  vote 
as  members  of  this  Synod,  having  forfeited  their  right  of  being  accounted  members  of  it 
for  many  reasons,  a  few  of  which  we  shall  mention  afterwards. 

4.  We  protest  that,  if,  notwithstanding  of  this  our  protestation,  these  brethren  be 
allowed  to  sit  and  vote  in  this  Synod,  without  giving  suitable  satisfaction  to  the  Synod, 
and  particularly  to  us,  who  now  enter  this  protestation,  and  those  who  adhere  to  us 
in  it,  that  whatsoever  shall  be  done,  voted,  or  transacted  by  them,  contrary  to  our 
judgment,  shall  be  of  no  force  ^r  obligation  to  us,  being  done  and  acted  by  a  judica- 
tory consisting  in  part  of  members  who  have  no  authority  to  act  with  us  in  ecclesiasti- 
cal matters. 

5.  We  protest  that,  if,  notwithstanding  this  our  protestation,  and  contrary  to  the  true 
intent  and  meaning  of  it,  these  protesting  brethren,  and  such  as  adhere  to  them,  or  sup- 
port and  countenance  them  in  their  antipresbyterial  practices,  shall  continue  to  act  as 
they  have  done  this  last  year,  in  that  case  we,  and  as  many  as  have  clearness  to  join 
with  us,  and  maintain  the  rights  of  this  judicatory,  shall  be  accounted  in  nowise  dis- 
orderly, but  the  true  Presbyterian  Church  in  this  province  ;  and  they  shall  be  looked 
upon  as  guilty  of  schism,  and  the  breach  of  the  rules  of  Presbyterial  government, 
which  Christ  has  established  in  his  church,  which  we  are  ready  at  all  times  to  demon- 
strate to  the  world. 

Reverend  and  dear  Brethren,  we  beseech  you  to  hear  us  with  patience,  while  we  lay 
before  you  as  briefly  as  we  can,  some  of  the  reasons  that  move  us  thus  to  protest,  and 
more  particularly,  why  we  protest  against  our  protesting  brethren's  being  allowed  to  sit 
as  members  of  this  Synod. 

1.  Their  heterodox  and  anarchical  principles  expressed  in  their  Apology,  pages  twen- 
ty-eight and  thirty-nine,  where  they  expressly  deny  that  Presbyteries  have  authority  to 
oblige  their  dissenting  members,  and  that  Synods  should  go  any  further,  in  judging  of 
appeals  or  references,  &c.  than  to  give  their  best  advice,  which  is  plainly  to  divest  the 
ofiicers  and  judicatories  of  Christ's  kingdom  of  all  authority,  (and  plainly  contradicts  the 
thirty-first  article  of  our  Confession  of  Faith,  section  three,  which  these  brethren  pre- 
tend to  adopt,)  agreeable  to  which  is  the  whole  superstructure  of  arguments  which  they 
advance  and  maintain  against  not  only  our  synodical  acts,  but  also  all  authority  to  make 
any  acts  or  orders  that  shall  bind  their  dissenting  members,  throughout  their  whole 
Apology. 

2.  Their  protesting  against  the  Synod's  act  in  relation  to  the  examination  of  candi- 
dates, together  with  their  proceeding  to  license  and  ordain  men  to  the  ministry  of  the 
gospel,  in  opposition  to,  and  in  contempt  of  said  act  of  Synod. 

3.  Their  making  irregular  irruptions  upon  the  congregations  to  which  they  have  no 
immediate  relation,  without  order,  concurrence,  or  allowance  of  the  Presbyteries  or 
ministers  to  which  congregations  belong,  thereby  sowing  the  seeds  of  division  among 
people,  and  doing  what  they  can  to  alienate  and  fill  their  minds  with  unjust  prejudices 
against  their  lawfully  called  pastors. 

4.  Their  principles  and  practice  of  rash  judging  and  condemning  all  who  do  not  fall 
in  with  their  measures,  both  ministers  and  people,  as  carnal,  graceless,  and  enemies  to 
the  work  of  God,  and  what  not,  as  appears  in  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent's  sermon  against  un- 
converted ministers,  and  his  and  Mr.  Ijlair's  papers  of  May  last,  which  were  read  in  open 
Synod;  which  rash  judging  has  been  the  constant  j^ractice  of  our  protesting  brethren, 
and  their  irregular  probationers,  for  above  these  twelve  months  past,  in  their  disorderly 
itinerations  and  preaching  through  our  congregations,  by  which,  (alas  !  for  it,)  most  of 
our  congregations,  through  weakness  and  credulity,  are  so  shattered  and  divided,  and 
shaken  in  their  principles,  that  few  or  none  of  us  can  say  we  enjoy  the  comfort,  or  have 
the  success  among  our  people,  which  otherwise  we  might,  and  which  we  enjoyed  here- 
tofore. 

5.  Their  industriously  persuading  people  to  believe  that  the  call  of  God  whereby  he 
calls  men  to  the  ministry,  does  not  consist  in  their  being  regularly  ordained  and  set  apart 
to  that  work,  according  to  the  institution  and  rules  of  the  word  ;  but  in  some  invisible 


1741.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  159 

the  Synod.     They  were  found  to  be  the  minor  party,  and  upon  this  they  with- 
drew.    After  this  the  Synod  proceeded  to  business. 

Overtured,  That  every  member  of  this  Synod,  whether  minister  or  elder, 
do  sincerely  and  heartily  receive,  own,  acknowledge,  or  subscribe,  the  West- 
minster Confession  of  Faith,  and  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms,  as  the  con- 
motions  and  workings  of  the  Spirit,  -which  none  can  be  conscious  or  sensible  of  but  the 
person  himself,  and  with  respect  to  which  he  is  liable  to  be  deceived,  or  play  the  hypo- 
crite ;  that  the  gospel  preached  in  truth  by  unconverted  ministers,  can  be  of  no  saving 
benefit  to  souls  ;  and  their  pointing  out  such  ministers,  whom  they  condemn  as  graceless 
by  their  rash  judging  spirit,  they  effectually  carry  the  point  with  the  poor  credulous 
people,  who,  in  imitation  of  their  example,  and  under  their  patrociny,  judge  their  minis- 
ters to  be  graceless,  and  forsake  their  ministry  as  hurtful  rather  than  profitable. 

6.  Their  preaching  the  terrors  of  the  law  in  such  a  manner  and  dialect  as  has  no  pre- 
cedent in  the  word  of  God,  but  rather  appears  to  be  borrowed  from  a  worse  dialect ;  and 
so  industriously  working  on  the  passions  and  afi"ections  of  weak  minds,  as  to  cause  them 
to  cry  out  in  a  hideous  manner,  and  fall  down  in  convulsion-like  fits,  to  the  marring  of 
the  profiting  both  of  themselves  and  others,  who  are  so  taken  up  in  seeing  and  hearing 
these  odd  symptoms,  that  they  cannot  attend  to  or  hear  what  the  preacher  says  ;  and 
then,  after  all,  boasting  of  these  things  as  the  work  of  God,  which  we  are  persuaded  do 
proceed  from  an  inferior  or  worse  cause. 

7.  Their,  or  some  of  them,  preaching  and  maintaining  that  all  true  converts  are  as 
certain  of  their  gracious  state  as  a  person  can  be  of  what  he  knows  by  his  outward 
senses  ;  and  are  able  to  give  a  narrative  of  the  time  and  manner  of  their  conversion,  or 
else  they  conclude  them  to  be  in  a  natural  or  graceless  state,  and  that  a  gracious  person 
can  judge  of  another's  gracious  state  otherwise  than  by  his  profession  and  life.  That 
people  are  under  no  sacred  tie  or  relation  to  their  own  pastors  lawfully  called,  but  may 
leave  them  when  they  please,  and  ought  to  go  where  they  think  they  get  most  good. 

For  these  and  many  other  reasons,  we  protest,  before  the  Eternal  God,  his  holy  angels, 
and  you.  Reverend  Brethren,  and  before  all  here  present,  that  these  brethren  have  no 
right  to  be  acknowledged  as  members  of  this  judicatory  of  Christ,  whose  principles  and 
practices  are  so  diametrically  opposite  to  our  doctrine,  and  principles  of  government  and 
order,  which  the  great  Eang  of  the  Church  hath  laid  down  in  his  word. 

How  absurd  and  monstrous  must  that  union  be,  where  one  part  of  the  members  own 
themselves  obliged,  in  conscience,  to  the  judicial  determinations  of  the  whole,  founded 
on  the  word  of  God,  or  else  relinquish  membership;  and  another  part  declare,  they  are 
not  obliged  and  will  not  submit,  unless  the  determination  be  according  to  their  minds, 
and  consequently  will  submit  to  no  rule,  in  making  of  which  they  are  in  the  negative. 

Again,  how  monstrously  absurd  is  it,  that  they  should  so  much  as  desire  to  join  with 
us,  or  we  with  them,  as  a  judicatory,  made  up  of  authoritative  ofl[icers  of  Jesus  Christ, 
while  they  openly  condemn  us  wholesale ;  and,  when  they  please,  apply  their  condemna- 
tory sentences  to  particular  brethren  by  name,  without  judicial  process,  or  pi-oving  them 
guilty  of  heresy  or  immorality,  and  at  the  same  time  will  not  hold  Christian  communion 
with  them. 

Again,  how  absurd  is  the  union,  while  some  of  the  members  of  the  same  body,  which 
meet  once  a  year,  and  join  as  a  judicatory  of  Christ,  do  all  the  rest  of  the  year  what 
they  can,  openly  and  above  board,  to  persuade  the  people  and  flocks  of  their  brethren 
and  fellow  members,  to  separate  from  their  own  pastors,  as  gi'aceless  hypocrites,  and  yet 
they  do  not  separate  from  them  themselves,  but  join  with  them  once  every  year,  as  mem- 
bers of  the  same  judicatory  of  Christ,  and  oftener,  when  Presbyteries  are  mixed.  Is  it 
not  most  unreasonable,  stupid  indolence  in  us,  to  join  with  such  as  are  avowedly  tearing 
us  in  pieces  like  beasts  of  prey  ? 

Again,  is  not  the  continuance  of  union  with  our  protesting  brethren  very  absurd,  when 
it  is  so  notorious  that  both  their  doctrine  and  practice  are  so  directly  contrary  to  the 
adopting  act,  whereby  both  they  and  we  have  adopted  the  Confession  of  Faith,  Catechisms 
and  Directory,  composed  by  the  Westminster  Assembly? 

Finally,  is  not  continuance  of  union  absurd  with  those  who  would  arrogate  to  them- 
selves a  right  and  power  to  palm  and  obtrude  members  on  our  Synod,  contrary  to  the 
minds  and  judgment  of  the  body? 

In  fine,  a  continued  union,  in  our  judgment,  is  most  absurd  and  inconsistent,  when  it 
is  so  notorious,  that  our  doctrine  and  principles  of  church  government,  in  many  points, 
are  not  only  diverse,  but  directly  opposite.  For  how  can  two  walk  together,  except  they 
be  agreed  ? 

Reverend  Fathers  and  Brethren,  these  are  a  part,  and  but  a  part,  of  our  reasons  why 


160  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1741 

fession  of  his  faith,  and  the  Directory,  as  far  as  circumstances  will  allow  and 
admit  in  this  infant  church,  for  the  rule  of  church  order.  Ordered,  That  every 
session  do  oblige  their  elders,  at  their  admission,  to  do  the  same..  This  was 
readily  approved,  nemine  contradicente. 

Messrs.  Cross,  Thomson,  Martin,  Alison,  Cathcart,  Boyd,  and  the  moderator, 
ministers ;  and  Robert  McKnight,  William  McCulloch,  Robert  Rowland,  and 
James  Kerr,  elders,  appointed  a  committee  for  the  fund,  and  any  other  business 
the  Synod  shall  recommend  to  them. 

Messrs.  Thomson,  Dickinson,  Pemberton,  Pierson,  Robert  Cross,  Alison, 
Boyd,  Martin,  and  the  moderator,  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year 
ensuing,  with  elders,  if  they  have  occasion  to  meet,  and  that  any  five  of  the 
ministers  be  a  quorum. 

It  is  reported  that  Mr.  John  Craig  was,  after  the  usual  trials,  ordained  since 
last  Synod,  and  that  he  subscribed  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith,  ac- 
cording to  order  of  Synod. 

Ordered,  That  an  account  of  the  fund  be  brought  in  before  the  Synod 
break  up. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  the  fund  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  eight 
of  the  clock,  to  bring  in  the  account  of  the  fund.  And  the  Synod  to  meet  at 
ten  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

M  day.     At  ten  o'clock,  according  to  appointment.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui 
supra. 

The  committee  for  the  fund  met,  and  overtured,  that  pursuant  to  the  suppli- 
cation of  the  undertakers  of  the  meeting-house  at  Wilmington,  viz  :  Capt. 
Chambers  and  Capt.  Hucheson,  representing  the  difficulties  that  attend  de- 


we  protest  as  above,  and  which  we  have  only  hinted  at,  but  have  forborne  to  enlarge  on 
them,  as  we  might,  the  matter  and  substance  of  them  are  so  well  known  to  you  all,  and 
the  whole  world  about  us,  that  we  judged  this  hint  sufficient  at  present,  to  declare  our 
serious  and  deliberate  judgment  in  the  matter;  and  as  we  profess  ourselves  to  be  re- 
solvedly against  principles  and  practice  of  both  anarchy  and  schism,  so  we  hope  that 
God,  whom  we  desire  to  serve  and  obey,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  whose  ministers  we  are, 
will  both  direct  and  enable  us  to  conduct  ourselves,  in  these  trying  times,  so  as  our  con- 
sciences shall  not  reproach  us  as  long  as  we  live.  Let  God  arise,  and  let  his  enemies  be 
scattered,  and  let  them  that  hate  him  fly  before  him,  but  let  the  righteous  be  glad,  yea, 
let  them  exceedingly  rejoice.  And  may  the  spirit  of  life  and  comfort  revive  and  comfort 
this  poor  swooning  and  fainting  church,  quicken  her  to  spiritual  life,  and  restore  her  to 
the  exercise  of  true  charity,  peace,  and  order. 

Although  we  can  freely,  and  from  the  bottom  of  our  hearts,  justify  the  Divine  pro- 
ceedings against  us,  in  suffering  us  to  fall  into  these  confusions  for  our  sins,  and  par- 
ticularly for  the  great  decay  of  the  life  and  power  of  godliness  among  all  ranks,  both 
ministei's  and  people,  yet  we  think  it  to  be  our  present  duty  to  bear  testimony  against 
these  prevailing  disorders,  judging  that  to  give  way  to  the  breaking  down  the  hedge  of 
discipline  and  government  from  about  Christ's  vineyard,  is  far  from  being  the  proper 
method  of  causing  his  tender  plants  to  grow  in  grace  and  fruitfulness. 

As  it  is  our  duty  in  our  station,  without  delay,  to  set  about  a  reformation  of  the  evils 
whereby  we  have  provoked  God  against  ourselves,  so  we  judge  the  strict  observation  of 
his  laws  of  government  and  order,  and  not  the  breaking  of  them,  to  be  one  necessary 
mean  and  method  of  this  necessary  and  much  to  be  desired  reformation.  And  we  doubt 
not,  but  when  our  God  sees  us  duly  humbled  and  penitent  for  our  sins,  he  will  yet  return 
to  us  in  mercy,  and  cause  us  to  flourish  in  spiritual  life,  love,  unity,  and  order,  though 
perhaps  we  may  not  live  to  see  it,  yet  this  testimony  that  we  now  bear,  may  be  of  some 
good  use  to  our  children  yet  unborn,  when  God  shall  arise  and  have  mercy  on  Zion. 

Ministers :  Robert  Cross,  John  Thomson,  Francis  Alison,  Robert  Cathcart,  Richard 

Zanchy,  John  Elder,  John  Craig,  Samuel  Caven,  Samuel  Thomson,  Adam  Boyd, 

James  Martin,  Robert  Jamison. 
Elders :  Robert  Porter,  Robert  McKnight,  William  McCulloch,  John  McEuen,  Robert 

Rowland,  Robert  Craig,  James  Kerr,  Alexander  McKnight. 


1742.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  161 

fraying  the  charges  of  that  meeting-house,  the  sum  of  ten  pounds  bo  given  out 
of  the  fund  fur  the  aforesaid  use,  and  that  the  Synod  lend  to  said  use  upon 
sufficient  security,  the  sum  of  thirty  pounds,  if  said  sum  can  be  had  next  fall, 
free  from  interest  for  three  years,  and  that  the  same  be  repaid  at  ten  pounds  a 
year.  And  in  case  no  money  come  into  the  Synod's  fund,  that  the  Synod  agree 
to  pay  the  interest  of  fifty  pounds  for  five  years  if  required. 

£  s.  d. 

To  the  Treasurer,     -        -        -        -     6  00  0 

To  the  Janitor,  -         -         -         1  10  0 

To  Mrs.  Glen,  -         -         -         -     3  00  0 

To  Mrs.  Paul,  -        -        -        1  00  0 

Which  overture  was  read  and  approved. 

The  Synod  taking  to  their  serious  consideration,  that  God's  judgments  are 
abroad  in  the  earth,  and  that  the  war  in  which  we  are  engaged,  the  threatening 
scarcity  of  grain  by  the  discouraging  prospect  of  our  crops,  and  the  mournful, 
melancholy  divisions  among  us,  who  profess  to  be  the  followers  of  the  Prince 
of  Peace,  do  loudly  call  for  it,  that  we  should  keep  a  day  of  humiliation,  fast- 
ing, and  prayer,  to  implore  the  merciful  and  compassionate  regard  of  our  good 
God  in  these  difficulties,  and  that  it  be  left  to  each  Presbytery  to  appoint  the 
time  as  it  will  best  suit  within  their  respective  bounds.  Agreed,  nemine  contra- 
clicentc. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Thomson,  Thomas  Evans,  and  Alison,  defend  the  pro- 
testation in  print  if  need  be. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Thomson  supply  at  Norrington  the  first  Sabbath  of  June, 
Mr.  Andrews  the  first  Sabbath  of  July,  Mr.  Boyd  the  first  Sabbath  of  August, 
Mr.  Cross  the  fii-st  Sabbath  of  September,  Mr.  Alison  the  first  Sabbath  of  Oc- 
tober, Mr.  Elder  the  first  Sabbath  of  November,  Mr.  McHenry  the  first  Sabbath 
of  December,  Mr.  Zanchy  the  first  Sabbath  of  March,  Mr.  Andrews  the  first 
Sabbath  of  April,  and  Mr.  Cross  the  first  Sabbath  of  May. 

Adjourned  to  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next,  then  to  meet  at  Philadel- 
phia, at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


174S. 

The  Synod  met  at  Philadelphia,  according  to  appointment. 

May  2Gth,  174:2.      Uhi post  preces  sederunt 

New  York  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Ebenezer  Pemberton, 
John  Pierson,  John  Nutman,  Simon  Horton,  Silas  Leonard,  Azariah  Horton. 
Absent :  Messrs.  Walter  Wilmot,  Aaron  Burr,  Nathaniel  Hubbel,  Isaac  Chalker, 
Samuel  Pumry. 

Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  John  Thomson,  Adam  Boyd,  Richard  Zan- 
chy, Samuel  Caven,  Samuel  Black,  Samuel  Thomson,  Alexander  McDowell. 
Absent :  Messrs.   William  Bertram,  John  Elder,  John  Craig. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Robert  Cathcart,  Francis  Alison.  Absent : 
Messrs.  Thomas  Evans,  Hugh  Conn,  and  John  Orme. 

Lewes  Presbytery.  Absent :  Messrs.  James  Martin,  Robert  Jamison,  Hugh 
Carlile. 

Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Robert  Cross,  David 
Evans,  Daniel  Elmer,  David  Cowell,  Francis  McHenry,  John  Guild,  Samuel 
Evans. 

Elders:  Messrs.  David  Whittit,  Nathaniel  Hazard,  John  Ball,  Timothy 
Whittit,  John  Hally,  Andrew  Gray,  Thomas  Hope,  Walter  Caruth,  George 
21 


162  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1742. 

Davison,  James  McTire,  William  Lindsay,  Samuel  Steel,  William  Gray, 
John  Cross,  Jonathan  Fithian,  Samuel  Hart,  David  Grifl&th,  Thomas  Stid- 
more. 

Mr.  Dickinson  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Alison  clerk. 

Mr,  Andrews,  the  last  year's  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon  on 
2  Cor.  iv.  5. 

The  absence  of  New  York  Presbytery  last  year,  considered,  and  the  excuses 
of  some  of  the  members  sustained. 

Since  our  last  it  hath  pleased  God  to  remove  by  death,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Henry 
Hook,  of  the  Presbytery  of  Lewes. 

Ordained  since  our  last,  Mr.  Azariah  Horton,  missionary  for  the  Indians,  in 
the  Presbytery  of  New  York ;  Mr.  John  Guild  and  Mr.  Samuel  Evans,  in  the 
Presbytery  of  Philadelphia ;  and  Mr.  Alexander  McDowell  in  the  Presbytery 
of  Donegall. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  ^Ith  at  nine  o^docJc,  met,  and  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
Upon  a  motion  made  by  the  moderator,  that  our  Synod  should  hold  a  con- 
ference with  the  Brunswick  brethren  that  they  rejected  last  year,  in  order  to 
accommodate  the  difference  and  make  up  that  unhappy  breach,  it  is  agreed,  that 
Messrs.  Dickinson,  Pemberton,  Pierson,  Cross,  Andrews,  Thomson,  Cathcart, 
David  Evans,  and  Alison,  meet  with  these  brethren,  and  try  all  methods 
consistent  with  gospel  truth,  to  prepare  the  way  for  healing  the  said  breach. 
Agreed  that  the  conference  be  held  at  the  usual  place  of  the  Synod's  meeting, 
at  three  in  the  afternoon,  and  that  the  Synod  adjourn  till  nine  o'clock  to-mor- 
row morning. 

28?^  day  J  at  nine  o^  clock,  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  Synod  be  resolved  into  an  interloquitur  of  ministers  and 
elders,  to  manage  the  conference  with  the  ejected  brethren,  who  are  allowed, 
if  they  see  cause,  to  bring  with  them  the  ministers  that  they  ordained,  that 
were  never  allowed  to  be  ministers  of  this  Synod,  and  all  their  respective 
elders. 

After  a  great  deal  of  time  spent  to  no  purpose,  the  interloquitur  found  that 
all  attempts  for  a  coalition  were  vain  and  fruitless,  and  therefore  it  is  agreed  to 
adjourn  till  three  o'clock,  afternoon.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  d clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Robert  Jamison  is  now  present  and  his  absence  excused. 

The  Synod  entered  upon  the  affair  complained  of  by  the  ejected  members, 
and  the  question  put  for  the  managing  said  affair  was,  who  should  be  the  judges 
of  the  case  ?  The  ejected  members  would  submit  the  business  to  the  considera- 
tion of  none  as  judges,  but  such  as  had  not  signed  the  protest  last  year.  And 
the  protesting  brethren  answered  to  the  point :  That  they,  with  the  members 
that  had  adhered  to  them,  after  ejecting  said  members,  were  the  Synod,  and 
acted  as  such  in  the  rejection,  and  in  so  doing  they  only  cast  out  such  members 
as  they  judged  had  rendered  themselves  unworthy  of  membership,  by  openly 
maintaining  and  practising  things  subversive  of  their  constitution,  and  there- 
fore would  not  be  called  to  account  by  absent  members,  or  by  any  judicature 
on  earth,  but  were  willing  to  give  the  reasons  of  their  conduct  to  their  absent 
brethren,  and  to  the  public  to  consider  or  review  it. 

Ordered,  That  the  Synod,  ministers  and  elders,  meet  at  nine  in  the  morning 
in  an  interloquitur. 

Adjourned  till  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1742.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  163 

29^^  day,  at  11  o^ clock,  A.  M.  met  uhi post  preces  sederunt  qid  supra. 

The  interloquitur  having  entered  upon  some  business  without  coming  to  a 
conclusion,  the  Synod  is  adjourned  till  Monday  morning  at  ten  of  the  clock. 
Concluded  with  prayer. 

31   day,  at  ten  o'cloc/c,  met  according  to  appointment/      Uhi  post  preces 
sederunt  qui  snj^ra. 

Ordered,  That  iMessrs.  Andrews,  Cross,  Pemberton,  Pierson,  Thomson, 
Martin,  Boyd,  Cathcart,  Samuel  Evans,  McHenry,  Alison,  and  the  moderator, 
be  a  committee  for  the  fund,  and  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  follow- 
ing year;  and  Messrs.  Gray,  John  Steel,  Hazard,  and  William  Linsey, 
be  joined  with  the  said  committee  in  the  affair  of  the  fund,  and  that  the 
ministers  of  the  commission  have  elders  with  them  if  they  have  occasion  to 
meet. 

A  protest  was  given  in  by  some  members  of  our  Synod,  which  is  as  follows, 
viz : 

To  the  reverend  Synod  now  sitting  in  Philadelphia :  We  the  subscribers, 
in  our  own  and  in  the  name  of  all  that  we  shall  see  meet  to  join  with  us,  look 
upon  ourselves  obliged  in  the  most  public  manner,  to  declare  our  opinions  with 
respect  to  the  division  made  in  our  Synod  the  last  year,  by  a  protest  that  was 
delivered  in  by  several  of  our  members. 

First.  We  declare  against  the  excluding  the  Presbytery  of  New-Bruns- 
wick and  their  adherents,  from  the  communion  of  the  Synod  by  a  protest, 
without  giving  them  a  previous  trial,  as  an  illegal  and  unprecedented  pro- 
cedure, contrary  to  the  rules  of  the  gospel  and  subversive  of  our  excellent 
constitution. 

Secondly.  We  declare  and  protest  against  the  conduct  of  our  brethren,  the 
last  year's  protestors,  in  refusing  to  have  the  legality  of  their  said  protest  tried 
by  the  present  Synod. 

Thirdly.  We  therefore  declare  and  protest,  that  these  members  of  the  New- 
Brunswick  Presbytery,  and  their  adherents,  that  were  excluded  by  the  last 
year's  protest,  are  to  be  owned  and  esteemed  as  members  of  this  Synod,  until 
they  are  excluded  by  a  regular  and  impartial  process  against  them,  according 
to  the  methods  prescribed  in  sacred  Scripture,  and  practised  by  the  churches 
of  the  Presbyterian  persuasion. 

Fourthly.  We  protest  against  all  passages  in  any  of  the  pamphlets  which 
have  been  lately  published  in  these  parts,  which  seem  to  reflect  upon  the  work 
of  divine  power  and  grace,  which  has  been  carrying  on  in  so  wonderful  a 
manner  in  many  of  our  congregations,  and  declare  to  all  the  world,  that  we 
look  upon  it  to  be  the  indispensable  duty  of  all  our  ministers  to  encourage 
that  glorious  work  with  their  most  faithful  and  diligent  endeavours.  And  in 
like  manner,  we  protest  and  declare  against  all  divisive  and  irregular  methods 
and  practices,  by  which  the  peace  and  good  order  of  our  churches  have  been 
broken  in  upon. 

This  is  what  our  duty  to  God,  and  our  regard  to  the  peace  and  prosperity 
of  his  church  oblige  us  to  protest  and  declare,  and  we  desire  it  may  be  recorded 
in  the  minutes  of  the  Synod  in  perpetuam  rei  memoriavi. 

Jonathan  Dickinson,  Azariah  Horton, 

John  Pierson,  Nathaniel  Hazard, 

Ebenezer  Pemberton,  David  Whitehead, 

Simon  Horton,  Silas  Leonard, 

Daniel  Elmer,  Timothy  Whitehead. 

Philadelphia,  May  29,  1742. 


164  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1743. 

[This  is  in  the  first  article  ^^ro^esto^to  contra  factum  ;  for  they  were  excluded 
by  a  vote  of  the  Synod  if  they  refused  to  give  satisfaction  for  the  points  com- 
plained of,  and  upon  this  they  withdrew.] 

I,  the  subscriber,  do  hereby  desire,  that  it  may  be  inserted  in  the  Synod's 
minute  book,  that  I  judge  it  an  open  infringement  on  the  rights  of  society,  and 
particularly  on  our  rights  as  Presbyterians,  for  any  absent  members  to  pretend 
to  a  right  to  call  the  body  to  an  account,  and  judge  of  the  legality  of  proceed- 
ings in  acts,  resolutions,  and  conclusions  made  in  their  absence.  Though  I 
firmly  believe  that  it  is  the  duty  of  such  a  body  to  submit  such  resolutions  and 
conclusions  to  a  review  of  the  next  Synod ;  and  though  I  look  on  it  as  giving 
up  some  of  our  rights,  yet  it  is  my  earnest  desire,  and  what  I  insist  on, 
that  the  merits  of  the  cause  for  which  last  year's  Synod  excluded  the  Bruns- 
wick brethren  and  adherents,  ^be  fairly  tried  by  this  present  Synod,  in  order  to 
manifest  the  justness  of  said  proceedings. 

Francis  Alison. 

Adjourned  till  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May,  at  three  o'clock,  afternoon, 
and  then  to  meet  at  Philadelphia.     Concluded  with  prayer.* 

1743. 

The  Synod  met  at  Philadelphia,  according  to  appointment, 

3Iay  25th,  1743.-     Vhi post preccs  sederunt 

Ministers  of  New  York  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Ebene- 
zer  Pemberton,  John  Pierson,  Aaron  Burr,  John  Nutman.  Absent :  Messrs. 
Walter  Wilmot,  Nathaniel  Ilubbel,  Silas  Leonard,  Azariah  Horton,  Simon 
Horton,  Samuel  Pumry. 

New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Robert  Cathcart,  Francis  Alison,  Robert 
Jamison.     Absent :  Messrs.  Hugh  Conn,  John  Orme,  and  Hugh  Stevenson. 

Donegall  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  John  Thomson,  Adam  Boyd,  Samuel  Black, 
John  Elder,  Richard  Zanchy,  Samuel  Caven,  Alexander  McDowell,  Hamilton 

*  The  commission  of  the  Synod  met  at  four  in  the  afternoon. 

Upon  a  supplication  of  the  people  of  Apoquinimy,  to  be  joined  to  the  Presbytery  of 
New  Castle,  and  Mr.  Jamison  representing  that  their  Presbytery  was  so  weak  that  they 
could  not  meet  upon  business,  it  was  agreed  that  the  Presbytery  of  Lewes  do  join  with 
that  of  New  Castle. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  having  applied  for  advice  to  the  Synod,  with  relation  to 
Mr.  John  Steel,  a  probationer  from  Ireland,  who  offered  himself  to  our  care  as  a  candi- 
date for  the  sacred  work  of  the  ministry,  but  was  under  some  difficulty  with  relation  to 
a  marriage  promise  claimed  by  a  young  woman  in  Ireland,  as  his  testimonials  set  forth, 
and  by  reason  of  some  steps  taken  by  him  in  his  marriage  in  this  country :  The  com- 
mission finding  in  all  things,  that  his  conduct  at  home  and  in  this  country,  has  been  fair 
and  unblamable,  those  things  excepted,  do  advise  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  to  defer 
taking  him  on  trials  till  December  next.  And  in  the  mean  time,  desire  that  both  the 
young  man  and  the  Presbytery,  write  to  the  Presbytery  of  London-Derry,  in  Ireland,  to 
see  if  any  further  light  may  be  obtained  in  said  affair. 

Upon  the  supplication  of  several  of  the  back  inhabitants  of  Virginia,  desiring  that  the 
commission  of  the  Synod  would  draw  up  a  supplication  to  be  sent  to  the  General  Assem- 
bly in  Scotland  or  their  commission,  begging  the  favour  that  they  may  send  over  a  pro- 
bationer or  minister,  that  they  think  suitably  qualified  for  that  place,  to  take  the  pas- 
toral charge  of  said  people.  It  is  agreed  that  Messrs.  Andrews  and  Cross  write  to  them 
by  the  first  suitable  opportunity. 

The  Synod  having  given  orders  last  year  to  some  of  their  number,  to  answer  siu^h  wri- 
tino-s  as  might  be  needful  to  set  the  present  debate  in  a  true  light ;  notwithstan  ling  we 
think  it  is  the  Synod's  business  to  see  the  Pi'inter's  accounts  cleared,  yet  the  conuuissiun 
recommend  it  earnestly  to  every  Presbytery,  and  to  every  person,  to  be  careful  to  bring 
in  the  price  of  the  books  disposed  of  in  their  bounds  or  by  themselves,  in  order  to  defray 
said  expense,  before  they  proceed  to  contribute  any  thing  further  out  of  the  fund. 
Concluded  with  prayer. 


1743.]  SYNOD  OF  PnlLADELPHIA.  165 

Bell,  John  Hindman.  Absent :  Messrs.  William  Bertram,  Samuel  Thomson, 
John  Craig. 

Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Robert  Cross,  Daniel 
Elmer,  David  Cowell,  Francis  McIIenry,  and  Samuel  Evans.  Absent: 
Messrs.  David  Evans  and  John  Guild. 

Elders:  Messrs.  Alexander  AValker,  James  Donnel,  Matthew  Atchinson, 
Daniel  Henderson,  George  Davison,  "William  Stevenson,  John  McEwen, 
Arthur  Patterson,  AVilliam  Gray,  John  Ogden,  Samuel  Hart,  and  David 
Griffith. 

Mr.  Dickinson,  the  last  year's  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon 
on  1  Cor.  i.  10. 

Mr.  David  Cowell  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Alison  clerk. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

26  day  at  ten  o'clock,  post  preccs  sederunt  qui  sxipra. 

Messrs.  Leonard  and  the  Hortons'  absence  excused.  Mr.  Chalker  is  re- 
moved out  of  our  bounds. 

Mr.  Hugh  Stevenson  absent.     This  affair  to  be  considered. 

Messrs.  Thomas  Evans  and  James  Martin,  of  the  Presbytery  of  New 
Castle,  removed  by  death  since  our  last,  and  likewise  Mr.  Joel  Evans,  proba- 
tioner. 

Since  our  last,  Mr.  Bell  and  Mr.  Hindman  were  ordained  by  the  Presby- 
tery of  Donegall. 

Messrs.  Bertram,  Samuel  Thomson,  and  Craig  are  excused  for  their  absence. 
Mr.  David  Evans  excused  for  his  absence. 

A  paper  being  brought  in  by  Thomas  Cookson,  Esq.  one  of  his  majesty's 
justices,  for  the  county  of  Lancaster,  in  the  name  of  the  Governor,  to  be  laid 
before  and  considered  by  us,  the  Synod  agrees  to  defer  all  other  business,  and 
set  aside  the  common  methods  of  their  proceeding,  to  consider  it,  and  orders 
it  to  be  read.  The  above  mentioned  paper,  with  an  affidavit  concerning  it, 
being  read  in  open  Synod,  it  was  unanimously  agreed  :  That  it  is  full  of  trea- 
son, sedition,  and  distraction,  and  grievous  perverting  of  the  sacred  oracles  to 
the  ruin  of  all  societies  and  civil  government,  and  directly  and  diametrically 
opposite  to  our  religious  principles,  as  we  have  on  all  occasions  openly  and 
publicly  declared  to  the  world ;  and  we  hereby  unanimously,  with  the  greatest 
sincerity,  declare  that  we  detest  this  paper,  and  with  it  all  principles  and  prac- 
tices that  tend  to  destroy  the  civil  or  religious  rights  of  mankind,  or  to  foment 
or  encourage  sedition  or  dissatisfaction  with  the  civil  government  that  we  are 
now  under,  or  rebellion,  treason,  or  any  thing  that  is  disloyal.  And  if  Mr. 
Alexander  Craighead  be  the  author  we  know  nothing  of  the  matter.  And  we 
hereby  declare,  that  he  hath  been  no  member  of  our  society  for  some  time 
past,  nor  do  we  acknowledge  him  as  such,  though  we  cannot  but  heartily 
lament  that  any  man  that  was  ever  called  a  Presbyterian,  should  be  guilty  of 
what  is  in  this  paper.  And  we  order,  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  draw 
up  an  address  to  the  governor  on  this  occasion,  and  that  the  committee  be 
Messrs.  Dickinson,  Pemberton,  Alison,  and  the  moderator,  and  bring  it  into 
the  Synod  for  approbation. 

Adjourned  till  four  o'clock,  P.  IM.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  four  d clock,  P.  M.  met,  uhi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Stevenson's  affair  deferred. 

The  address  was  brought  in  and  approved.  Ordered,  That  the  ministers 
of  the  Synod  wait  on  the  governor  and  present  this  address,  together  with  a 
copy  of  our  minute  with  relation  to  this  affair. 


166  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1743. 

Mr.  Elder's  absence  last  year  is  excused, 

Mr.  Jones  was  ordained  by  the  New  York  Presbytery  since  our  last. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Andrews,  Cross,  Dickinson,  Pemberton,  Pierson, 
Thomson,  Boyd,  Cathcart,  Samuel  Evans,  McHenry,  Alison,  and  the  mode- 
rator, be  a  committee  for  the  fund,  and  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the 
following  year ;  and  that  William  Gray,  Arthur  Patterson,  and  James  Donnel, 
be  joined  with  the  said  committee  in  the  affair  of  the  fund :  and  that  the  mi- 
nisters of  the  commission  shall  endeavour  to  bring  elders  with  them  if  they 
have  occasion  to  meet,  and  that  six  of  them  with  the  moderator,  shall  be  a 
quorum. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McDowell  and  Mr.  Bell  revise  the  Presbytery  Book  of 
Philadelphia.  And  that  all  our  Presbyteries  punctually  bring  their  books, 
having  all  neglected  to  do  so,  Philadelphia  Presbytery  only  excepted. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  this  year  brought  money  to  the  fund,  it  was 
found  that  Mr.  Alison,  Mr.  Bell,  Messrs.  Andrews  and  Cross,  and  Mr.  Cowell, 
had  brought  something. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.      Concluded  with  prayer. 

27th  day,  at  ten  o^clocJc,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  Hugh  Stevenson  was  taken  under  consideration,  upon  which 
the  Synod  came  into  the  following  resolution :  The  Presbytery  of  New  Cas- 
tle having  suspended  Mr.  Stevenson  on  account  of  some  scandals  alleged 
against  him,  and  his  neglecting  to  appear  before  them  to  vindicate  himself, 
notwithstanding  he  was  called  upon  to  do  it,  and  having  referred  the  further 
consideration  of  this  affair  to  the  Synod,  the  Synod  having  considered  their 
reference,  do  look  upon  the  conduct  of  the  New  Castle  Presbytery  as  regular, 
and  continue  Mr.  Stevenson  under  suspension  till  he  shall  be  presbyterially 
cleared  from  these  scandals  alleged  against  him,  and  desire  the  New  Castle 
Presbytery  to  take  the  first  opportunity  they  conveniently  can,  to  inquire  into 
Mr.  Stevenson's  conduct,  in  order  to  a  final  determination. 

Adjourned  till  four  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  four  o'cloch,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Some  papers  were  given  in  to  the  Synod  from  some  of  the  congregation  at 
Abington.     The  consideration  of  them  deferred. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  ten  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2Sth  day.     At  ten  0^ cloch,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  Abington  papers  be  read ;  and  the  persons  that  brought 
them  were  referred  back  to  their  own  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  on  Monday  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

On  Monday  morning  the  meeting  of  the  Synod  was  deferred  till  four  o'clock, 
P.  M.  that  some  proposals  of  peace  and  agreement  might  be  prepared  and 
sent  to  the  Brunswick  Presbytery. 

80    day.     Met    at   four   o'cloch,    P.  M.       Uhi  post   preces   sederunt   qui 
supra. 

An  overture  was  brought  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  which  was  ordered 
to  be  read,  and  was  as  followcth,  viz  : 

At  a  Presbytery  convened  at  Newark,  May  15,  1743. 

An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  to  be  proposed  to  the  Synod 
of  Philadelphia,  at  their  next  meeting. 


1743.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  167 

The  Presbytery  taking  into  consideration  the  melancholy  divisions  that  have 
of  late  obtaiuod  in  the  Synod,  to  the  great  dishonour  of  God,  the  scandal  of 
our  holy  profession,  the  prejudice  of  our  religious  interests,  and  the  too  great 
encouragement  of  those  dangerous  errors  and  delusions  which  are  making  such 
a  progress  among  us,  think  it  our  duty  to  contribute  all  we  can  towards  healing 
these  breaches,  and  promoting  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bonds  of  peace, 
and  do  therefore  propose  : 

1.  That  inasmuch  as  the  Presbytery  cannot  see  how  the  excluding  the  Pres- 
bytery of  New-Brunswick,  and  those  other  ministers  that  join  with  them  by  a 
protestation,  without  a  particular  hearing,  and  deliberate  vote  of  the  Synod, 
formed  upon  such  a  distinct  hearing  of  the  case,  can  be  agreeable  to  the  laws 
of  Christ,  or  any  rules  of  discipline  that  have  ever  been  known  among  any 
churches  of  our  profession  :  we  therefore  propose  that  the  said  protestation 
be  withdrawn,  and  those  members  peaceably  take  their  place  in  the  Synod  as 
formerly. 

2.  Whereas  it  is  of  greatest  necessity  that  the  education  of  our  candidates 
for  the  ministry  be  well  regulated,  and  that  our  former  diiFerence  upon  that 
subject  be  healed,  we  propose  that  all  such,  who  for  the  future  shall  be  pri- 
vately educated  with  a  design  for  improvement  in  the  ministry  of  the  gospel, 
shall  submit  to  the  former  agreement  of  the  Synod  in  that  case,  or  else  be  sent 
to  one  of  the  colleges  in  New  England,  and  accept  of  such  a  station  there  as  they 
are  found  qualified  for,  and  that  they  continue  there  at  least  one  year,  and  obtain 
their  degree  of  bachelor  of  arts.  And  in  case  there  should  be  any  pious  and 
promising  youths  that  are  privately  educated  for  the  ministry,  who  cannot  well 
bear  the  charge  of  continuing  so  long  at  the  college,  they  shall,  upon  the  com- 
mendation of  their  respective  Presbyteries,  and  the  approbation  of  the  Synod, 
or  commission  of  the  Synod,  have  such  allowances  from  the  Synod  for  their 
support  at  the  college,  as  the  Synod  or  their  commission  shall  think  proper,  and 
so  much  of  the  income  of  the  fund  as  is  sufficient  shall  be  appropriated  to  that 
purpose. 

3.  Whereas  there  have  been  differences  among  us  with  respect  to  itinerant 
preaching,  with  the  consequences  of  it,  we  propose  that  there  be  an  united 
agreement  of  the  Synod,  that  all  our  pulpits  be  open  to  those  ministers  that  are 
in  our  communion,  and  we  unanimously  resolve  to  invite  each  other  to  preach 
in  our  respective  parishes  as  occasion  offers.  And  for  any  minister  to  refuse 
another  minister  the  use  of  his  pulpit  when  regularly  applied  to,  and  to  continue 
in  that  refusal  from  time  to  time,  shall  be  looked  upon  as  an  unbrotherly  prac- 
tice, tending  to  division  and  separation  among  us.  Provided  always,  that  the 
minister  refusing  his  pulpit  as  aforesaid,  has  not  such  reason  for  his  conduct  as 
shall  be  approved  by  the  Presbytery,  or  Synod,  or  commission  of  the  Synod. 
And  that  there  may  be  no  schism  or  confusions  maintained  in  our  congrega- 
tions, it  be  proposed  that  all  our  ministers  shall  be  obliged,  that  they  will  not 
for  the  future  promote  or  encourage  any  divisions  or  separations,  neither  by 
setting  up  separate  meetings  in  any  of  our  congregations,  nor  by  any  methods 
whatsoever  endeavouring  to  alienate  the  affections  of  the  people  from  their 
minister ;  but  that  every  one  of  us  shall  do  what  we  can  to  assist  one  another, 
and  strengthen  each  other's  hands  in  the  work  of  the  Lord.  And  every  contra- 
vention of  this  article  shall  be  looked  upon  as  just  matter  of  censure  either  by 
Presbytery  or  Synod. 

4.  It  is  also  proposed  that,  if  any  of  our  ministers  either  really  have  or  sup- 
pose they  have  just  matter  of  complaint  against  any  of  their  brethren  in  the 
ministry  within  our  bounds,  with  respect  either  to  his  doctrine,  manner  of 
preaching,  diligence  in  his  discharge  of  the  more  public  or  private  parts  of  his 
ministerial  duties,  or  with  respect  to  his  conduct  or  conversation,  such  minister 
shall  first  in  a  kind,  tender,  and  affectionate  manner,  particularly  make  known 


168  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1743. 

the  matter  of  his  complaint  to  such  of  his  brethren  in  a  private  conference. 
And  if  these  endeavours  fail  of  desired  success,  he  shall  put  into  his  hands  a 
written  copy  of  his  complaints,  with  a  citation  to  answer  them  before  his  Pres- 
bvtery,  or  before  the  Synod,  or  commission  of  the  Synod,  as  the  complainant 
shall  think  fit. 

5.  It  is  also  proposed,  that  all  former  matters  of  difference  and  debate  in  the 
Synod,  be  now  entirely  buried  in  oblivion,  and  that  each  minister  of  the  Synod 
do  from  this  time  treat  one  another  with  the  same  intimate  love,  kindness,  and 
respect,  as  if  such  differences  had  never  been.  This  article  not  being  to  be 
understood  as  excluding  any  of  our  ministers  from  reasoning  either  publicly  or 
privately  in  a  brotherly,  or  a  Christian  manner,  against  any  point  of  doctrine 
which  they  suppose  erroneous  or  dangerous. 

6.  The  Presbytery  considering  the  absolute  necessity  of  union  and  good 
agreement  in  a  religious  society,  since  a  kingdom  divided  against  itself  cannot 
Stand,  do  earnestly  pray,  that  this  or  some  other  plan  of  accommodation  be 
come  into  at  this  meeting  of  the  Synod.  But  if  our  hopes  in  that  matter  should 
prove  abortive,  and  no  methods  can  be  obtained,  it  is  proposed  that  this  Synod 
do  unitedly  agree  that  another  Synod  be  erected,  by  the  name  of  the  Synod  of 
New  York,  and  that  any  of  our  members  shall  have  liberty  to  join  themselves 
to  which  of  the  two  Synods  they  shall  think  fit ;  and  in  order  to  our  communion 
one  with  another,  and  to  consult  the  general  interest  of  religion  in  these  parts, 
it  Is  proposed  that  there  be  two  correspondents  sent  yearly  from  each  Synod  to 
the  other. 

Ebenezer  Pemberton,  Moderator. 

These  inserted  in  the  next  year's  minutes. 

Some  remarks  upon  the  above  overture  were  read ;  and  after  some  considera- 
tion it  was  put  to  vote,  whether  this  overture  was  to  be  accepted  as  a  plan  of 
accommodation  or  not,  and  it  was  unanimously  voted  in  the  negative. 

A  paper  was  upon  this  given  in  by  Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  in  his  own  name, 
and  in  the  names  of  Messrs.  Ebenezer  Pemberton,  John  Pierson,  and  Aaron 
Burr,  having  previously  declared  that  they  complain  of  no  unfriendly  or  unbro- 
therly  treatment  from  the  Synod  with  relation  to  themselves,  but  that  their 
conduct  in  this  affair  may  be  liable  to  misrepresentations,  which  said  paper  is  as 
follows  : 

As  I  look  upon  myself  to  be  a  member  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  and 
have  a  continued  right  to  sit  and  act  in  the  same  as  such,  so  I  look  upon  the 
New  Brunswick  Presbytery,  and  those  other  brethren  that  adhere  to  them,  and 
are  therefore  shut  out  of  the  Synod  on  that  account,  to  be  truly  members  of  this 
Synod  as  myself,  or  any  others  whatsoever,  and  have  a  just  claim  to  sit  and  act 
with  us.  I  cannot,  therefore,  at  present  see  my  way  clear  to  sit  and  act  as 
though  we  were  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  while  the  New  Brunswick  Presby- 
tery, and  the  other  members  with  them,  are  kept  out  of  the  Synod  in  the  manner 
they  now  are. 

A  proposal  of  agreement  and  union  between  us  and  the  brethren  of  New 
Brunswick  was  sent  to  those  brethren  by  Mr.  Aaron  Burr,  which  is  as  fol- 
loweth,  viz. 

Proposals  made  to  the  New  Brunswick  brethren,  in  order  to  their  being  ad- 
mitted to  take  their  places  in  the  Synod,  upon  a  Scripture  foundation. 

Forasmuch  as  we  are  informed  that  the  New  Brunswick  brethren  are  willing 
and  desirous  of  reconciliation  and  union  with  the  Synod,  and  to  know  on 
what  terms  this  may  be  obtained  :  That  the  said  brethren  may  be  fully  per- 
suaded that  we  have  no  delight  in  division  for  its  own  sake,  but  on  the  con- 
trary, are  sincerely  desirous  of  union  and  peace  upon  just  and  reasonable  terms, 
so  that  upon  our  cordial  agreement  there  be  a  foundation  laid,  that,  through 


1743.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  169 

Grod's  blessing,  may  prevent  the  havock  and  destruction  of  tbe  churcli  threat- 
ened by  our  common  enemies.     Therefore  we  propose : 

1.  That  as  they  desire  to  be  received  and  treated  as  members  of  our  Synod 
they  will  submit  to  the  determinations  and  conclusions  of  our  judicatures,  even 
in  those  cases  wherein  they  are  negatives  in  giving  their  votes,  and  so  allow  a 
determination  to  be  by  the  majority,  or  else  no  longer  plead  a  right  of  member- 
ship ;  and  that  they  renounce  their  principles  delivered  in  their  Apology,  espe- 
cially that  whereby  they  declare  that  Presbyteries  and  Synods  have  no  right  to 
make  any  agreements,  or  come  to  any  determinations  by  votes  that  shall  bind 
any  members  who  do  not  give  their  consent  to  those  conclusions  or  determina- 
tions. For  without  this  recantation  they  can  never  be  members  of  this  Synod, -^^»^, 
seeing  they  put  in  a  claim  for  arbitrary  power  to  destroy  and  overturn  all  our 
agreements,  and  to  despise  and  disregard  our  censures,  as  they  have  already  ^  ^^ 
professedly  done,  in  licensing  and  ordaining  so  many  men  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry. 

2.  If  they  profess  they  will  use  all  endeavours  to  secure  a  learned  ministry, 
we  desire  that  they  testify  this  by  desisting  from  licensing  or  ordaining  men 
for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  who  have  not  complied  with  the  Synod's  agree- 
ment, or  the  alternative  proposed  in  the  last  year's  conference  with  these  breth- 
ren, and  that  they  give  up  all  those  persons  that  they  have  heretofore  licensed 
or  ordained  in  opposition  to  our  public  agreement,  to  be  examined  and  tried  by 
the  Synod  whether  they  have  suitable  ministerial  qualifications,  or  that  they 
will  not  maintain  ministerial  communion  with  any  of  them  for  the  future,  who 
refuse  to  be  examined  by  the  Synod,  or  who,  upon  examination,  are  found  defi- 
cient, until  they  give  suitable  satisfaction. 

3.  That  for  the  future  they  will  desist  from  either  acting  or  preaching,  or 
sending  their  missionaries  within  the  bounds  of  our  Presbyteries,  or  fixed  pas- 
toral charges  as  heretofore ;  that  they  will  not  encourage  new  separate  societies 
in  congregations  as  heretofore,  nor  supply  with  preaching  the  societies  they  have 
made  or  occasioned,  among  the  people  under  our  care,  but  declare  that  all  such 
practices  are  of  pernicious  tendency,  and  inconsistent  with  the  Presbyterian 
plan. 

4.  That  they  will  not  publicly  nor  privately  endeavour  to  diminish  the  char- 
acter of  any  minister  as  graceless,  unconverted,  or  unworthy  of  his  office,  until  '  '■^^^ 
he  be  tried  by  a  proper  judicature  and  censured;  and  that  they  claim  no  right 

to  judge  of  men's  spiritual  estates  towards  God,  so  as  to  determine  whether  they - 
be  gracious  or  graceless,  if  sound  in  the  faith,  and  of  a  gospel  life  and  conversa- 
tion, and  that  they  condemn  all  such  practices. 

5.  That  they  renounce  all  such  tenets  or  doctrines  that  have  been  advanced 
in  Mr.  Tennent's  Nottingham  sermon,  which  are  contrary  to  our  Presbyterian 
plan  and  subversive  of  gospel  order,  and  a  floodgate  to  let  in  divisions  and  dis- 
orders into  the  church,  such  as  an  allowance  to  church  members  to  guess  at 
the  spiritual  state  of  their  pastors,  and  upon  this  guess,  without  further  trial, 
to  leave  them  as  graceless  and  unconverted ;  their  asserting  an  inward  caU  to 
the  ministry,  in  opposition  and  contradiction  to  the  outward  call,  or  ordaining 
to  the  gospel  ministry,  and  all  who  maintain  them  can  be  no  members  of  a 
Presbyterian  society  or  church,  because  they  take  all  government  out  of  the 
hands  of  a  Synod  or  Presbytery,  and  give  it  to  any  person  that  hath  ignorance 
and  impudence  enough  to  bring  God's  house  into  confusion. 

6.  That  they  acknowledge  that  too  many  of  them  have  been  guilty  in  all 
these  points,  and  that  notwithstanding  whatever  zeal  and  intention  to  advance 
a  work  of  grace  they  might  have  been  influenced  by,  yet  now  they  are  con- 
\unced  that  these  practices  have  had  a  dreadful  tendency  to  promote  and  spread 
the  divisions  and  confusions  that  perplex  and  disturb  this  church. 

7.  We  propose  that,  if  they  have  any  ground  of  complaint  against  any  of 

22 


170  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1743. 

our  members,  with  respect  to  their  doctrine,  their  conversation,  or  diligence  in 
the  ministry,  that  they  shall  be  welcome  to  table  the  charge  against  them  in  a 
proper  judicatory,  whether  they  comply  with  these  terms  or  not;  and  that, 
if  they  satisfy  us  in  these  points,  and  accept  their  seats  in  our  Synod,  all  other 
grounds  of  complaint  shall  be  removed,  either  by  public  trial,  or  such  other 
method  as  they  and  we  in  conjunction  shall  determine,  and  will  best  promote 
the  glory  of  Grod,  and  the  good  of  his  church.  And  we  declare  that  if  all  or 
any  of  these  brethren  accept  these  terms,  or  any  other  that  we  and  they  can 
devise  or  come  to,  that  will  lay  a  foundation  to  secure  these  important  rights  of 
societies,  a  learned  and  pious  ministry,  and  to  prevent  errors  and  divisions,  in  a 
way  agreeable  to  God's  word,  and  the  Presbyterian  constitution,  we  are  heartily 
willing  to  receive  them ;  and  we  desire  that  they  may  give  us  their  answer  to 
these  heads  as  soon  as  they  can  conveniently. 

These  proposals  were  sent  in  an  extra-judicial  way  to  the  Brunswick  brethren, 
upon  reading  of  which  in  open*"  Synod,  it  was  agreed  that  these  proposals  were 
reasonable,  in  order  to  open  a  way  toward  an  accommodation  and  interview 
between  these  brethren  and  us.  And  to  these  we  received  an  answer  by  Mr. 
William  Tennent,  junior,  which  is  as  followeth : 

Upon  a  paper  sent  to  us  from  the  ministers  that  protested  against  us,  propos- 
ing certain  terms  of  union,  this  conjunct  meeting  of  the  Presbyteries  of  New 
Brunswick  and  New  Castle  does  judge  that  there  can  be  no  regular  methods  of 
proceeding  towards  the  compassing  a  stated  union  between  them  and  us,  until 
their  illegal  protest  be  withdrawn ;  yet  so  they  and  we  may  both  stand  upon  an 
equal  foot  in  the  regular  trial  of  the  differences  between  us.  That  their  paper 
contains  sundry  misrepresentations  and  unreasonable  demands,  and  that  we  have 
several  charges  against  them  to  be  satisfied  in  before  we  could  come  into  a 
settled  union  with  them. 

Upon  reading  our  minutes,  it  was  proposed,  that  as  the  protestation  of  the 
New  York  brethren  seems  to  complain  of  the  conduct  of  this  Synod,  in  the 
year  1741,  ordered,  that  the  protestation  delivered  in  that  year  be  entered  into 
our  minutes ;  which  protestation  is  accordingly  to  be  found  at  the  end  of  the 
minutes  for  this  year. 

A  paper  in  answer  to  the  New  York  brethren's  protestation,  being  read  in 
open  Synod,  it  was  unanimously  agreed,  that  it  be  kept  in  retentis. 

Upon  a  supplication  brough  by  Mr.  Alison,  desiring  that  Mr.  McDowell  be 
joined  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  in  order  to  answer  the  repeated  suppli- 
cations of  Elk-River  and  White-Clay  Creek,  ordered,  that  he  be  joined  to  it,  and 
that  they  supply  Nottingham  for  a  year. 

Messrs.  Andrews  and  Cross  did  write  to  the  General  Assembly  in  Scotland, 
in  favour  of  the  back  inhabitants  of  Virginia,  as  was  desired. 

Ordered,  that  the  committee  for  the  fund  meet  to-morrow,  at  eight  o'clock, 
and  the  Synod  at  ten.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

31   dai/,  at  ten  o'clock,  A.   M.  accorcling  to  a2'>point'ment.      Uhi post  prcces 
sederunt  qui  supra.  (Some  excepted  who  were  gone  home.) 

The  committee  have  not  brought  in  the  account  of  the  fund ;  Ordered,  They 
settle  it  now  and  bring  it  against  the  next  meeting. 

Agreed  to  remit  a  bond  of  Mr.  Houston's,  dated  July  25th,  1740,  in  favour 
of  his  widow  and  her  family. 

A  proposal  was  made  to  write  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  church  of 
Scotland,  and  lay  before  them  the  low  and  melancholy  condition  of  the  infant 
church,  both  for  want  of  probationers  to  supply  our  numerous  vacancies,  and 
also  for  want  of  a  suitable  encouragement  for  ministers  in  new  settlements,  and 
intreat  them  both  to  send  ministers  and  probationers  to  us,  and  to  allow  them 


£ 

s. 

d. 

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00 

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00 

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00 

0 

1744.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  171 

some  small  support  out  of  their  fund  for  some  years  in  new  places.  And  that 
they  be  pleased  to  enable  us  in  some  measure,  or  by  some  method,  to  erect  a 
seminary  or  school  for  educating  young  men  for  these  ends  among  ourselves. 
This  was  agreed  to,  and  ordered,  that  Messrs.  Cross,  Andrews,  and  Thomson, 
write  a  letter  to  the  Assemlily,  and  let  them  know  our  circumstances. 

Ordered,  That  the  l*resbytery  of  Philadelphia  regard  the  people  of  Abing- 
ton,  and  supply  there  as  oft  as  they  can  conveniently,  if  they  hud  that  their 
case  requires  it. 

Ordered,  That  JMessrs.  Alison  and  McDowell  write  to  some  gentlemen  in 
Virginia,  ac(juainting  them  with  our  application  to  the  General  Assembly  of 
Scotland,  and  begging  their  interest  to  further  that  design. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Andrews,  Cross,  Cathcart,  and  the  moderator,  wait 
on  the  governor,  and  present  the  address. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  the  fund  meet  at  two  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Disbursements  from  the  fund  allowed  per  the  committee  for  the  year  1743, 
as  foUoweth,  viz. 

To  Archibald  McMullen  for  services  done, 
To  the  Treasurer,        .         .         .         .         . 
To  the  Janitor,  .... 

To  Mrs.  Glen, 

To  Mrs.  Hook, 

The  sum  total  of  the  fund  before  any  disbursements,  as  computed  by  the 
committee,  1743,  five  hundred  and  seventy  pounds,  sixteen  shillings  and  seven 
pence. 

Adjourned  till  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 
and  then  to  meet  at  Philadelphia.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1744. 

The  Synod  met  at  Philadelphia  according  to  appointment. 

May  23(i,  1744.      Vhipostpreces  sedemnt 

Minister  of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Mr.  Alexander  McDowell.     Absent — 

Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  John  Thomson,  Adam  Boyd,  John  Craig, 
John  Elder.    Absent — 

Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Kobert  Cross,  Daniel 
Elmer,  Samuel  Evans. 

New  York  Presbytery  absent. 

Elders :  Alexander  Montgomery,  James  Read,  Hugh  Rippey,  William 
Wilson,  William  Johnston,  William  Gray,  Edward  Lummis,  and  James 
Abraham. 

Mr.  Andrews  opened  the  Synod  by  a  sermon  on  Ezek.  iii.  17.  Mr.  Cowell, 
the  last  year's  moderator,  being  absent. 

Many  of  the  members  being  absent,  and  expected  to  be  present  to-morrow, 
it  is  concluded  that  the  Synod  adjourn  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning, 
before  they  enter  upon  business.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

I^th  day  at  nine  o^chch.  Met  according  to  appointment.  Uhi  posi  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

And  upon  calling  the  roll  the  following  members  present  who  were  absent 
yesterday,  viz :  Messrs.  George  Gillespie,  Robert  Cathcart,  and  Francis 
Alison,  of  the  New  Castle  Presbytery.  And  that  Presbytery  reports,  that 
since  our  last  they  have  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  Mr.  Timothy 
Griffith  and  Mr.  John  Steel,  they  having  passed  the  usual  trials  and  adopted  the 


172  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1744. 

Westminster  Confession  and  Catechisms  as  the  confession  of  their  faith,  ac- 
cording to  order  of  the  Synod  in  that  case  provided.  They  also  inform  us, 
that  pursuant  to  a  call  drawn  up  by  the  people  of  Snow-Hill,  Buckingham, 
and  the  Ferry,  in  Worcester  in  Maryland,  and  with  the  Presbytery's  concur- 
rence, sent  to  the  Presbytery  of  Paisley  in  North  Britain,  the  Rev.  Mr.  James 
Scougal  accepted  the  said  call.  And  having  produced  sufficient  testimonials 
of  his  piety,  learning,  prudence,  soundness  in  the  faith,  blameless  conversation 
and  ordination  by  them,  was  admitted  as  a  member  of  the  Presbytery  of  New 
Castle.     And  the  Synod  admitted  these  brethren  into  membership. 

Of  Donegall  Presbytery,  Mr.  Black  is  now  present.  Absent :  Messrs. 
Samuel  Thomson,  Richard  Zanchy,  Bertram,  Hindman,  and  Samuel  Caven. 
(Mr.  Bell  was  suspended  by  said  Presbytery.) 

Present  now  of  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Messrs.  David  Evans  and  Prancis 
McHenry. 

Elders  of  the  ministers  absent  yesterday  :  Messrs.  John  McMichael,  William 
McCulloch,  Thomas  James,  David  Patterson,  Samuel  Hart,  James  Kerr. 

Mr.  McHenry  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  McDowell  clerk. 

We  find  that  upon  reading  the  last  year's  roll,  Mr.  Robert  Jamison  is  re- 
moved by  death  since  our  last,  as  also  Mr.  Hugh  Stevenson. 

Mr.  Samuel  Pumry's  absence  now  excused,  on  account  of  bodily  indisposi- 
tion. 

Mr.  David  Evans  gave  reasons  for  his  last  year's  absence,  which  were  sus- 
tained. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Andrews,  Cross,  Dickinson,  Pierson,  Nutman,  John 
Thomson,  Boyd,  Black,  Samuel  Evans,  Cathcart,  Alison,  Grillespie,  and  the 
moderator,  be  the  committee  for  the  fund  and  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for 
the  ensuing  year.  And  Messrs.  William  Gray,  Samuel  Hart,  William  McCul- 
loch, William  Wilson,  elders,  be  joined  with  them  in  the  affair  of  the  fund; 
and  that  every  minister  endeavour  to  have  an  elder  with  him  if  the  Synod's 
commission  have  occasion  to  meet;  and  that  five  ministers  and  the  moderator 
be  a  quorum  of  the  commission. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Boyd  and  Griffith  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of 
Philadelphia ;  and  Messrs.  Alison  and  Cathcart  the  Presbytery  book  of  Done- 
gall,  and  that  these  books  be  delivered  the  next  sederunt. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  not  having  their  book  now, 
do  put  it  in  order  and  bring  it  to  be  revised  by  the  Synod  the  next  year. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  money  to  the  fund,  it  was  found  that 
Messrs.  Andrews,  Cross,  McHenry,  and  Craig,  had  brought  some. 

Upon  reading  our  last  year's  minutes,  we  find  an  overture  presented  by  the 
Presbytery  of  New  York,  and  that  remarks  upon  it  were  read  in  Synod,  but 
these  remarks  not  being  entered  in  the  Synod  book,  it  is  now  ordered,  that  they 
be  inserted  here  in  this  place.     They  are  as  follows : 

Some  short  hints  by  way  of  remark  on  an  overture  designed  to  be  laid  before 
the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  by  the  brethren  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  sub- 
mitted by  the  said  brethren  to  the  consideration  of  the  other  members  of  the 
Synod  in  a  private  extra-judicial  way. 

On  the  introduction  remark  :  How  far  the  following  particulars  of  the  over- 
ture are  conducive  to  the  good  end  proposed,  will  be  best  known  by  a  j^articular 
consideration  of  them. 

On  article  first  remark :  Notwithstanding  of  what  is  alleged  by  our  breth- 
ren, we  are  still  of  the  mind  that  the  exclusion  of  the  New  Brunswick 
brethren  by  the  protestation  mentioned,  is  sufficiently  justified  by  the  reasons 
specified  in  the  said  protestation ;  which  reasons  are  further  strengthened  by 
the  conduct  of  the  said  brethren  ever  since.  And  were  it  needful  to  produce 
them,  there  are  not  wanting  precedents  of  this  method  of  procedure  in  Pres- 


1744.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  173 

Ityterian  churches,  yea  and  in  civil  judicatures;  and  therefore  we  think  it 
altogether  inconsistent  with  duty  and  a  good  conscience,  to  withdraw  said 
protest  or  recede  from  it.  And  further,  it  is  our  judgment,  that  the  only 
sensible  expedient  in  order  to  reunion,  in  the  present  circumstances  is,  that 
the  New  Brunswick,  &c.  would  let  us  know  under  their  hand,  how  far  they 
will  or  can  comply,  to  give  the  Synod  satisfaction  for  the  offences  complained 
of,  by  acknowledging  their  past  misconduct,  and  by  giving  satisfactory  security 
against  the  fears  of  the  like  offences  for  the  future. 

On  the  second  article  remark  :  If  the  Brunswick  brethren  would  once  give 
such  satisfaction  to  the  Synod  for  their  past  conduct,  in  opposition  to  our  act 
of  Synod,  relating  to  the  examination  of  candidates  for  the  ministry,  it  seems 
not  unlikely  that  we  mijiht  affree  either  in  the  amendment  thereof,  or  in  iusti- 
tuting  an  equivalent  for  the  future.  But  if  no  reparation  be  made  tor  the 
damages  done  by  their  past  conduct  in  opposition  to  said  act,  we  think  it  vain 
to  talk  of  substituting  an  equivalent  for  the  future.  And,  therefore,  we  also 
would  desire  to  know  from  these  brethren  under  their  hands,  what  satisfaction 
they  are  willing  to  give  the  Synod  on  this  head. 

On  article  the  third :  Our  judgment  in  respect  of  being  obliged  to  open  our 
pulpits  to  itinerants,  and  to  invite  them  to  preach  in  them,  sub  j^oena  of  being 
esteemed  unbrotherly,  and  promoters  of  division  and  separation,  is  so  far  differ- 
ent and  opposite  to  our  New  York  brethren's  judgment,  that  we  verily  be- 
lieve, that  such  a  constitution  or  order  as  our  brethren  talk  of,  is  of  most  visi- 
ble and  obvious  tendency  to  promote  division  and  separation,  and  every  thing 
that  is  unbrotherly  and  uncharitable.  Neither  is  it  enough  that  there  are  no 
endeavours  to  set  up  separate  meetings  in  our  congregations,  but  also  that  all 
these  already  set  up,  be  obliged  to  return  to  their  pastors  and  congregations, 
or  else  be  deemed  and  dealt  with  as  disorderly.  And  that  the  New  Bi'uns- 
wick  brethren,  &c.  shall  take  such  methods  as  the  Synod  shall  prescribe,  to 
persuade  those  whom  they  have  influenced  to  separate,  to  return  again  to  their 
respective  folds  and  pastors.  In  fact  we  think  the  proposal  has  a  visible, 
plain,  and  native  tendency  to  advance  the  mischief  it  pretends  to  prevent,  and 
to  prevent  and  destroy  the  good  it  pretends  to  advance.  We  think  that  to 
give  any  minister  a  right  to  preach  in  any  brother's  pulpit  contrary  to  his 
inclination,  without  presbyterial  order  for  that  purpose,  is  the  direct  way  to 
breed  and  foment  divisions,  and  quench  brotherly  love  among  ministers. 
Where  love  and  esteem  actually  subsist  there  is  no  need  for  such  right  to  be 
pleaded  by  the  itinerant;  and  when  jealousy,  and  want  of  love  and  esteem  do 
prevail,  such  an  order  would  undoubtedly  increase  them.  Besides,  we  think 
that  itinerant  preaching,  properly  so  called,  (i.  e.  when  preaching  is  the  prin- 
cipal end  for  travel,)  except  by  express  order  of  Presbytery,  hath  no  founda- 
tion in  the  word  of  God.  Even  Paul  and  Barnabas  had  a  particular  order  for 
their  travelling  among  the  Gentiles.  And  therefore  we  propose  that  it  still  be 
left  as  it  always  hath  been,  to  the  discretionary  agreement  of  the  ministers 
concerned,  when  one  minister  shall  preach  in  another's  pulpit,  and  that_  no 
minister  be  allowed  to  travel  abroad  to  preach,  i.  e.  for  preaching's  sake,  with- 
out an  actual  or  virtual  order  from  his  respective  Presbytery,  together  with  the 
concurrence  of  the  Presbytery  where  he  preaches. 

On  article  fourth  remark :  This  article  is  for  substance  the  same  with  what 
hath  been  in  force  and  practice  in  all  well  regulated  Presbyterian  churches; 
saving  that  the  order  of  process  is  inverted  or  perverted,  inasmuch  as  it  puts" 
it  in  the  accuser  or  prosecutor,  to  bring  things  per  saltum,  before  a  superior 
jurisdiction.  It  is  therefore  our  judgment,  that  according  to  the  natural  order 
of  things,  and  the  known  practice  of  all  Presbyterian  churches  in  the  world, 
that  every  person  or  case  be  tried  by  or  before  its  next  or  lowest  judicature  to 
which  he  or  it  is  subject. 


174  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1744. 

On  tlae  fifth  remark  :  This  article  we  approve  on  supposition,  that  union  on 
a  20od  foundation  were  obtained ;  otherwise  we  think  this  article,  if  in  force, 
would  enjoin  what  is  not  only  unreasonable  but  also  impossible  in  the  nature 
of  the  thing,  viz :  That  the  Brunswick  brethren  and  we  should  be  sincere  in 
treating  one  another  with  the  same  intimate  love,  kindness,  and  respect,  as  if 
such  differences  had  never  been,  while  yet  we  have  received  no  satisfaction 
for  the  past  most  public  and  injurious  treatment,  which  we  have  suffered  at 
their  hands.  And  to  enjoin  it,  we  think  would  be  in  the  consequence  of  it, 
foolish,  wicked,  and  utterly  inconsistent  with  the  principles  of  rational  self- 
preservation,  and  the  trust  reposed  in  us  by  our  exalted  Lord.  Inasmuch  as  it 
would  be  to  put  it  in  the  power  of  those  who  have  been  tearing  our  bowels, 
and  the  bowels  of  Christ's  church  under  our  care  these  years  past,  to  persist 
without  resistance  in  the  same  practice,  and  to  act  the  same  cruelty  over  again. 
While  we  have  not  any  reasenable  scriptural  evidence  of  their  repentance  for 
past  injuries,  nor  security  against  the  like  treatment  for  the  future.  Besides 
that  it  is  contrary  to  the  general  Scripture  rules  of  dealing  with  scandalous 
offenders.  Them  that  sin  rebuke  before  all.  Count  him,  viz  :  the  obstinate 
offender  as  an  heathen  or  publican,  and  avoid  the  authors  of  division  as  persons 
who  serve  not  the  Lord  Christ  but  their  own  bellies. 

On  article  sixth  remark :  To  give  into  this  article  would  be  to  approve  of 
and  confii'm  schism  by  our  Synodical  authority.  For  seeing  the  reason  for 
erecting  such  a  new  Synod,  is  because  we  cannot  live  in  union  and  concord ; 
surely  one  of  the  parties  at  least,  must  be  certainly  and  really  in  the  fault  j 
and  for  our  Synod  to  approve  of  a  faulty  party,  separating  on  the  score  of  con- 
tention, is  evidently  to  ratify  schism  by  Synodical  authority;  besides,  this 
would  infer  our  consenting  to  the  perpetuating  a  continual  temptation  to  build 
up  the  interest  of  our  own  respective  parties  or  Synods  respectively,  in  oppo- 
sition to  one  another,  i.  e.  in  opposition  to  the  opposite  Synod,  which  we  our- 
selves have  erected  and  approved.  Therefore  we  cannot  in  conscience  com- 
ply with  it.  But  if  our  New  York  brethren,  &c.  shall  now  see  cause,  con- 
trary to  our  judgment  and  inclination,  to  divide  themselves  from  us,  and  to 
erect  themselves  into  a  new  separate  body,  as  it  is  not  in  our  power  to  hinder 
them,  though  we  cannot  in  conscience  approve  of  their  so  doing,  yet  we  hope, 
that  by  the  grace  of  God,  we  shall  sincerely  and  conscientiously  endeavour  to 
cherish  and  cultivate  a  truly  Christian  and  charitable  disposition  towards  them, 
as  far  as  such  a  contentious  separation  will  allow,  and  as  far  as  we  can  attain 
unto,  in  opposition  to  the  remains  of  the  corruption  and  uncharitableness, 
which  we  have  reason  to  acknowledge  doth  too  much  and  too  often  prevail  in 
and  over  us  all.  Provided  always,  that  our  brethren  shall  not  hereby  think 
that  we  will  bind  ourselves  from  vindicating  our  conduct,  with  respect  to  this 
breach  in  the  most  public  manner,  so  that  the  Reformed  churches  and  impartial 
world  may  have  an  opportunity  to  judge  in  the  affair. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Af  tli7'ee  0^ clock,  P.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  McDowell's  affair  referred  to  further  consideration. 

The  time  of  meeting  of  the  committee  for  the  fund  deferred, 

Messrs.  Andrews  and  Cross  wrote  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church  of 
Scotland,  according  to  appointment. 

The  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  they  have  supplied  the  people  of 
Abington  divers  times,  according  to  last  year's  appointment. 

Messrs.  Alison  and  McDowell  report,  that  they  have  writ  to  some  gentlemen 
in  Virginia,  acquainting  them  of  our  application  to  the  General  Assembly  of 
Scotland,  as  appointed  last  year. 


1744.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  175 

Messrs.  Andrews,  Cross,  Catheart,  &c.  report,  that  they  waited  on  the 
Governor  with  the  address,  according  to  appointment. 

Mr.  Bell  materially  appealed  from  a  judgment  of  suspension  laid  on  him 
by  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  and  requested  the  Syncxi  would  appoint  a 
committee  to  meet  at  Donegall  on  that  affair.  And  it  is  ordered,  that  Messrs. 
John  Thomson,  Robert  Cross,  Adam  Boyd,  Samuel  Thomson,  Hindman, 
Gillespie,  McDowell,  and  Griffith,  be  a  committee  to  meet  there  the  second 
"Wednesday  of  June  next,  at  twelve  o'clock,  to  hear  and  determine  that  affair, 
and  that  ]Mr.  Bell  continue  under  suspension  till  the  committee  meet.  And 
it  is  further  determined  that  a  copy  of  this  minute  be  sent  to  the  congregation 
of  Donegall  as  soon  as  possible,  and  that  Mr.  Black  or  Mr.  Elder  take  care 
to  deliver  the  said  c*ipy,  to  be  communicated  to  the  members,  that  they  prepare 
evidences  and  be  ready  for  a  trial  of  that  affair.  And  it  is  ordered,  that  Mr. 
Gillespie  open  the  committee  with  a  sermon. 

A  representation  from  many  people  of  North  Carolina,  was  laid  before  the 
Synod  showing  their  desolate  condition,  and  requesting  the  Synod  to  take 
their  estate  into  consideration,  and  petitioning  that  we  would  appoint  one  of 
our  number  to  correspond  with  them.  Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Thomson 
correspond  with  them. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  David  Evans,  Samuel  Evans,  and  Griffith,  write  to 
Wales,  representing  the  state  of  our  church,  and  to  desire  a  probationer  may 
be  sent  from  them  to  us  if  they  possibly  can. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

25^7t  day,  at  ten  o'clock.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  desiring  Mr.  McDowell  might  be  entirely  loosed 
from  Donegall  and  joined  to  them ;  and  Mr,  McDowell  desiring  the  advice  of 
the  Synod  to  determine  him  in  this  affair,  it  was  unanimously  voted  that  he 
should  be  joined  to  New  Castle  Presbytery,  and  the  congregation  of  Notting- 
ham is  continued  and  wholly  joined  with  New  Castle  Presbytery. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  deferred. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Hutchinson,  containing  his  opinion  of  the  proceedings  of 
the  Synod  and  New-Brunswick  party,  and  advices  to  the  Synod,  was  read  be- 
fore us.  And  the  Synod  judges,  that  so  far  as  his  advices  appear  agreeable  to 
the  word  of  God,  they  have  walked  agreeable  to  them,  and  hope  they  will 
endeavour  still  to  make  conscience  of  doing  so.  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Alison 
write  to  Mr.  Hutchinson  an  answer  to  his  letter. 

The  minutes  of  a  committee  held  at  the  great  valley,  November  16th,  1743, 
by  a  private  agi-eement  between  the  Presbyteries  of  Philadelphia,  New  Castle, 
and  Donegall,  were  laid  before  us,  showing  that  the  said  committee  consid- 
ered the  necessity  of  using  speedy  endeavours  to  educate  youth  for  supply- 
ing our  vacancies.  But  the  proper  method  for  this  end  cannot  be  so  well  com- 
passed without  the  Synod ;  they  refer  the  further  consideration  of  the  affair  to 
that  reverend  body,  but  agree  that  in  the  mean  time  a  school  be  opened  for  the 
education  of  youth.  And  the  Synod  now  approve  that  design,  and  take  the 
said  school  under  our  care,  and  agree  upon  the  following  plan  for  carrying  on 
that  design : 

1.  That  there  be  a  school  kept  open  where  all  persons  who  please  may  send 
their  children  and  have  them  instructed  gratis  in  the  languages,  philosophy,  and 
divinity. 

2.  In  order  to  carry  on  this  design,  it  is  agreed  that  every  congregation 
under  our  care,  be  applied  to  for  yearly  contributions,  more  or  less,  as  they  can 
afford,  and  as  God  may  incline  them  to  contribute,  until  Providence  open  a  door 
for  our  supporting  the  school  some  other  way. 

3.  That  if  any  thing  can  be  spared  besides  what  may  support  a  master 


176  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1744 

and  tutor,  that  it  be  employed  by  tbe  trustees  for  buying  books  and  other 
necessaries  for  said  school,  and  for  the  benefit  of  it,  as  the  trustees  shall 
see  proper.  And  Mr.  Alison  is  chosen  master  of  said  school,  and  has  the 
privilege  of  choosing  an  usher  under  him  to  assist  him;  and  the  said  Mr. 
Alison  is  exempted  from  all  public  business,  save  only  attending  church 
judicatures,  and  what  concerns  his  particular  pastoral  charge.  And  the 
Synod  agree  to  allow  Mr.  Alison  twenty  pounds  per  annum,  and  the  usher 
fifteen  pounds. 

The  further  consideration  of  this  affair  deferred  till  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


At  three  ddocky  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  aifair  of  the  fund  deferrM. 

The  affair  of  the  school  resumed. 

4.  Agreed  that  Messrs.  Jedidiah  Andrews,  Cross,  and  Evans,  junior,  of 
Philadelphia  Presbytery ;  and  John  Thomson,  Black,  and  Boyd,  of  Donegall ; 
and  Gillespie  and  Griffith,  Cathcart,  and  Steel,  and  McDowell,  of  New  Cas- 
tle Presbytery,  be  appointed  trustees  for  the  management  of  the  affairs  of  the 
said  school,  for  this  year ;  and  as  many  more  as  can  conveniently,  may  meet 
with  them.  And  it 's  ordered,  that  said  trustees  meet  on  the  third  Wednesday 
of  September  next,  and  that  any  five  of  them  be  a  quorum,  and  that  they  ap- 
point three  of  their  number  to  meet  at  three  other  times  in  the  year  at  said 
school.  These  trustees  are  to  inspect  into  the  master's  diligence  in,  and  me- 
thod of,  teaching ;  consider  and  direct  what  authors  are  chiefly  to  be  read  in 
the  several  branches  of  learning ;  to  examine  the  scholars  from  time  to  time, 
as  to  their  proficiency,  and  apply  the  money  procured  from  our  people  as  or- 
dered above,  and  to  what  other  uses  they  find  proper ;  and  in  sum,  to  order  all 
affairs  relating  to  said  school  as  they  see  expedient,  and  be  accountable  to  the 
Synod,  making  report  of  their  proceedings  and  the  state  of  the  school  yearly. 
And  ordered,  that  Messrs.  Thomson,  Griffith,  and  Steel,  and  McDowell,  be 
the  four  that  shall  meet  first  at  said  school,  and  that  on  the  last  Tuesday  of 
June  next. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Dorsius,  pastor  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in  Bucks 
county,  laid  a  letter  before  us  from  the  deputies  of  North  and  South  Holland, 
wherein  they  desire  of  the  Synod  an  account  of  the  state  of  the  High  and 
Low  Dutch  churches  in  this  province,  and  also  of  the  churches  belonging  to 
the  Presbyterian  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  and  whether  the  Dutch  churches 
may  be  joined  in  communion  with  said  Synod,  or  if  this  may  not  be,  that 
they  would  form  themselves  into  a  regular  body  and  government  among 
themselves.  In  pursuance  of  which  letter  the  Synod  agree,  that  letters  be 
wrote  in  the  name  of  the  Synod,  to  the  deputies  of  these  Synods  in  Holland, 
in  Latin,  and  to  the  Scotch  ministers  in  Rotterdam,  giving  them  an  account 
of  the  churches  here,  and  declaring  our  willingness  to  join  with  the  Calvinist 
Dutch  churches  here,  to  assist  each  other  as  far  as  possible  in  promoting  the 
common  interests  of  religion  among  us,  and  signifying  the  present  great  want 
of  ministers  among  the  High  and  Low  Dutch,  with  desire  that  they  may  help 
in  educating  men  for  the  work  of  the  ministry.  And  the  Synod  ordered, 
that  Messrs.  Andrews,  Cross,  Evans,  junior,  and  the  moderator,  do  write  said 
letters. 

A  paper  from  the  New  Brunswick  party  was  presented  to  us  by  Mr.  Blair, 
the  consideration  of  which  is  deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1745.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  177 

26/^  dai/,  at  nine  ddoch,  post  preccs  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  doforrod. 

The  Synod  took  under  consideration  the  paper  sent  to  us  yesterday  by  I\Ir. 
Blair,  from  the  New  Brunswick  party,  demanding  a  part  of  the  fund  belong- 
ing to  this  Synod  may  be  allowed  them.  By  which  demand  we  find  that  they 
discover  no  intention  to  endeavours  for  peace,  and  to  heal  the  lamentable 
divisions  that  prevail  in  our  distressed  church.  And  as  we  look  on  that  party, 
made  up  partly  of  those  who  have  by  their  conduct  forfeited  their  right  to 
membership  among  us,  and  of  consequence  to  all  the  privileges  thereof,  and 
partly  of  those  who  never  belonged  to  our  Synod,  and  of  consequence  have  no 
more  riglit  to  any  privileges  whatsoever  appertaining  to  the  Synod,  than  any 
other  whatsoever  who  will  pretend  thereunto  without  any  colour  of  reason  or 
equity;  and  therefore,  on  the  whole,  we  judge  their  demand  herein  to  bo 
highly  unreasonable  and  unjust,  and  not  to  be  complied  with.  Approved,  j 
nemine  contradicente.  — »- 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  minute  be  signed  by  the  moderator,  and 
sent  to  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent,  moderator  of  the  New  Brunswick  party ;  which 
accordingly  was  done  by  the  janitor. 

Ordered,  That  every  minister  recommend  it  to  their  respective  congregations, 
to  contribute  yearly  toward  defraying  the  expenses  of  their  respective  elders  in 
attending  on  the  Synod. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  the  fund  meet  here  at  three  o'clock  this 
afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next,  at  three  o'clock,  post 
meridiem.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1745. 

The  Synod  met  at  Philadelphia,  according  to  appointment, 

MayTld,  1745.      Vhi post preces  sederunt 

Of  New  York  Presbytery,  ministers:  Messrs.  Dickinson,  Pierson,  and 
Pemberton.  Absent:  Messrs  Nutman,  Burr,  Hubbell,  Leonard,  Azariah 
Horton,  and  Simon  Horton. 

Of  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Andrews,  Cross,  David  Evans,  Elmer, 
McHenry,  Cowell,  Samuel  Evans.     AUsent :  Mr.  Guild. 

Of  Donegall  Presbytery,  ministers :  Messrs.  Boyd,  Thomson,  Zanchy. 
Absent :  Messrs.  Bertram,  Black,  Elder,  Samuel  Thomson,  Caven,  Hindman, 
Craig. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Gillespie,  Cathcart,  Alison,  McDowell, 
Scougal,  Griffith,  Steel. 

Elders:  William  Gray,  Thomas  Harris,  William  Ramsey,  John  Parry, 
William  Ewen,  William  Wallace,  William  Nill,  Robert  Mackey,  William 
Lindsay,  Samuel  James,  James  Donnal,  Nathaniel  Hazard,  Brice  Innis. 

Our  Rev.  Brethren,  Mr.  Pumry,  of  Newtown,  and  Mr.  Wilmot,  of  Jamaica, 
on  Long  Island,  are  deceased  since  our  last. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  a  sermon  on  Prov.  xi.  30,  by  Mr.  McHenry,  last 
year's  moderator. 

Mr.  Robert  Cathcart  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  McDowell  clerk. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o'clock. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 
23 


178  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1745. 

2Sd  day.  At  nine  ddocJc  the  Synod  met,  and  post  preces  sederimt  qui 
supra. 

Mr.  Cowell's  and  Mr.  Zancliy's  absence  last  year  excused,  for  reasons  given. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Dickinson,  Pierson,  Pemberton,  Andrews,  Black, 
Zauchy,  Cross,  McHenry,  Gillespie,  Alison,  McDowell,  and  the  moderator, 
be  the  committee  for  the  fund,  and  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year 
ensuing;  and  that  William  Gray,  Robert  McKnight,  William  Ewen,  and 
Nathaniel  Hazard,  elders,  be  joined  with  them,  and  that  each  member  always 
endeavour  to  have  an  elder  with  him  in  case  the  commission  of  the  Synod  have 
occasion  to  meet,  and  that  any  five  ministers,  with  the  moderator,  be  a  quorum 
of  the  commission. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Steel  and  Mr.  Zanchy  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of 
Philadelphia,  and  that  it  be  given  them  the  next  sederunt  for  that  end. 

New  York,  Donegall,  and  New  Castle  books  being  not  here  now,  Ordered, 
That  each  of  these  Presbyteries  put  their  books  in  order  and  bring  them  to  be 
revised  the  next  year. 

Messrs.  Dickinson,  Pierson,  and  Pemberton,  in  the  name  of  the  New  York 
Presbytery,  and  by  a  commission  from  them,  desire  that  the  Synod  appoint  a 
committee  to  confer  with  them  to  try  whether  an  overture  can  be  prepared,  re- 
moving any  grounds  of  dissatisfaction  or  difference  between  them  and  the  Synod. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Andrews,  Cross,  Alison,  Thomson,  Boyd,  Gillespie, 
McDowell,  Samuel  Evans,  and  the  moderator,  meet  with  them  as  a  committee  for 
that  purpose,  at  three  o'clock,  and  as  many  other  members  as  please  may  attend. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  money  for  the  fund,  it  was  found  that 
Messrs.  Andrews  and  Samuel  Evans  had  brought  some.  And  it  was  recom- 
mended to  the  other  members  that  had  brought  none,  carefully  to  observe  the 
order  in  that  case  made  for  the  future. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  Synod  to  hear  and  determine  Mr.  Bell's 
affair,  met  according  to  appointment;  and  the  reading  of  their  minutes  is 
deferred  till  next  sederunt. 

The  order  that  Messrs.  David  Evans,  Samuel  Evans,  and  Grifl&th,  write  to 
Wales,  not  being  yet  fulfilled,  is  continued. 

Upon  reading  the  minutes  relating  to  the  school,  it's  ordered,  that  such  as 
have  raised  no  collections  for  the  school  as  yet,  should  immediately  apply  to 
their  congregations  for  contributions;  and  that  all  the  members  do  so  again 
between  this  and  our  next,  and  that  such  as  supply  in  vacant  congregations 
endeavour  to  obtain  collections  from  them  also,  for  supporting  the  school,  and 
that  each  Presbytery  see  that  those  they  appoint  to  supply  vacancies  do  so. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  McHenry,  Samuel  Evans,  Boyd,  Black,  Griffith, 
and  Steel,  be  a  committee  and  trustees  for  the  school,  and  meet  at  said  school 
the  second  Tuesday  of  October  and  March. 

The  letters  were  wrote  to  Holland  according  to  appointment. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

24<A  day,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
The  minutes  of  the  committee  appointed  to  hear  and  try  Mr.  Bell's  affair 
were  read,  and  the  committee's  conduct  in  that  affair  approved,  in  deposing 
him  from  the  ministerial  office  upon  the  grounds  contained  in  these  minutes 
following.* 

*  The  Editor  has  omitted  the  minutes  of  this  committee,  as  they  embrace  a  large  body 
of  testimony  in  Mr.  Bell's  trial,  ■which,  properly  speaking,  constitutes  no  part  of  the 
minutes.  It  has  always  been  usual  to  exclude  such  matters  from  synodical  records,  and 
even  in  case  of  trial  before  Presbyteries  the  testimony  is  usually  kept  on  file. 


1745.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  179 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  the  New  York  brethren  not  having 
got  an  overture  prepared  to  bring  in  to  the  Synod,  the  whole  Synod  was  resolved 
into  a  committee  to  consider  that  affair. 

xlfter  much  consultation  had  in  this  aflPair,  they  appoint  again  that  Messrs. 
Thomson,  Alison,  (Jriffith,  Steel,  and  McDowell,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  a 
plan  for  union,  against  our  next  sederunt :  any  three  of  them  to  be  a  quorum 
to  do  this. 

Adjourned  till  five  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

The  Synod,  after  waiting  long  for  the  committee  appointed  at  our  last  to 
prepare  a  plan,  understanding  that  they  have  not  prepared  said  plan,  do  adjourn 
till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Ibth  day.     At  nine  o^ clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  draw  a  plan,  &c.,  being  inquired  at,  answer  that 
they  have  drawn  a  plan  to  be  now  laid  before  the  Synod.  Previous  to  reading 
it,  some  inquired  at  their  New  York  brethren,  whom  of  the  New  Brunswick 
brethren  they  alleged  to  be  members,  whether  all  that  are  now  of  that  party, 
or  only  such  of  them  as  enjoyed  membership  befoi*e,  and  they  declared  they 
account  only  such  as  have  been  members  and  had  their  seats,  to  be  now  mem- 
bers, and  no  others. 

The  overture  drawn  up  by  the  committee  was  read  twice,  and  the  vote  put, 
whether  it  was  a  proper  plan  for  accommodation  to  be  now  proposed,  and  it  was 
voted  proper  to  propose  it,  and  it  is  as  follows  : 

I.  The  glory  of  God  and  the  advancement  of  Christ's  kingdom,  by  the  per- 
suading souls  to  embrace  the  Lord  Jesus  on  gospel  terms,  and  by  preserving 
peace,  truth,  and  good  order  in  the  churches,  ought  to  be  the  grand  design  of 
all  Christians,  and  of  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  in  particular.  But  to  our 
great  concern  and  sorrow,  the  disorderly  intrusions  into  the  pastoral  charges  of 
ministers,  and  surmises  that  were  raised  to  blacken  their  characters  as  carnal 
and  unconverted ;  the  bold  violation  of  our  synodical  acts  and  regulations,  and 
the  new  method  of  itinerant  preaching  where  there  is  a  stated  gospel  ministry, 
hath,  in  a  great  measure,  marred  this  noble  design,  by  rending  the  churches 
of  Christ,  and  filling  the  minds  of  people  with  uncharitable  opinions  of  one 
another. 

To  check  these  evils  prevailing  by  means  of  some  claiming  to  themselves  a 
privilege,  under  pretence  of  extraordinaries,  to  trample  under  foot  the  rights  of 
mankind,  to  destroy  all  pastoral  relation,  and  to  lay  aside,  at  least  for  a  season, 
that  form  of  government  and  discipline  that  was  practised  and  used  in  our 
Presbyterian  churches,  a  number  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  protested  against 
such  illegal,  disorderly  practices  in  the  year  1741.  And  being  wearied  with 
fruitless  attempts  to  redress  these  delusive,  unscriptural  methods  of  proceeding, 
determined  to  withdraw  from  Synodical  communion,  unless  such  as  were  guilty 
of  such  practices  gave  proper  satisfaction  according  to  gospel  rules.  The  ma- 
jority of  the  Synod  then  present,  made  this  protest  their  act,  and  declared  that 
those  brethren  should  either  give  such  satisfaction  or  withdraw  from  member- 
ship, upon  which  they  chose  to  withdraw. 

This  method  of  procedure  was  complained  of  next  year,  as  contrary  to  the 
method  of  proceeding  in  our  churches,  by  some  members  that  were  absent  when 
this  separation  was  made.  Upon  which  it  was  proposed  that  the  whole  afiair 
should  be  reviewed  by  the  Synod  then  met,  and  if  any  thing  was  found  illegal, 
it  should  be  redressed.  But  these  brethren  could  find  clearness  to  do  nothing, 
till  these  disorderly  brethren  who  withdrew,  should  again  be  allowed  to  take 
their  seats  as  members,  which  the  majority  of  the  Synod  could  not  comply 


180  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1745 

with.  Upon  which  they  entered  a  declaration  against  the  method  of  proceed- 
ing the  year  before.  At  our  next  Synod  meeting,  they  proposed  methods  to 
heal  the  breach  between  those  brethren  who  withdrew  and  the  Synod ;  which 
occasioned  the  Synod  to  send  them  proposals  of  peace,  which  they  rejected, 
and  still  continued  their  divisive  practices  of  counteracting  the  Synod's  regula- 
tions, and  crumbling  of  congregations  to  pieces,  erecting  altar  against  altar,  to 
the  great  scandal  of  religion  and  ruin  of  vital  piety.  Those  brethren  from  the 
Presbytery  of  New  York,  who  were  dissatisfied  at  the  method  by  which  that 
party  stand  excluded,  having  on  this  occasion  laboured  to  have  their  own 
scruples  removed,  and  at  the  same  time  to  have  peace  and  unity  restored  among 
all  that  ever  were  members  of  the  Synod ;  all  the  Synod  now  met,  heartily 
concur  with  them  in  this  noble  undertaking,  if  it  can  be  obtained  in  such  a 
method  as  may  and  will  maintain  sound  doctrine,  and  preserve  the  peace  and 
good  order  of  the  church.         *• 

In  order  to  accomplish  this,  these  brethren  proposed  it  as  an  expedient  to 
remove  their  scruples  and  heal  all  our  divisions,  that  every  person  that  is  or 
has  been  a  member,  shall  now  voluntarily  subscribe  the  essential  agreements 
on  which  our  Synod  formerly  was  established,  and  which  are  the  general 
approved  agreements  of  our  churches.  And  as  we  think  that  a  subscription 
of  these  articles  will  be  a  renouncing  disorder  and  divisive  practice,  and  will, 
when  obtained,  lay  a  foundation  for  maintaining  peace,  truth,  and  good  order, 
which  was  what  was  desired  in  the  protest,  by  which  the  Brunswick  brethren 
stand  excluded;  we,  therefore,  in  compliance  with  the  request  of  these  breth- 
ren, and  in  order  to  remove  all  scruples,  propose  that  all  that  are  now  or 
ever  have  been  members  of  this  Synod,  shall  subscribe  the  following  funda- 
mental articles  and  agreements  as  their  acts,  and  all  who  will  do  so  shall  be 
members  of  this  Synod. 

II.  That  in  all  prudential  acts  for  the  regular  management  of  the  affairs  of 
the  church  of  God  among  us,  every  member  shall  either  actively  concur  or 
peaceably  submit  to,  and  not  counteract  such  things  as  are  determined  by  the 
majority,  as  being  founded  upon  Grod's  word;  or  if  any  do  declare  they  have 
not  freedom  of  conscience  to  comply,  they  shall  withdraw  and  no  more  be 
acknowledged  as  members  of  this  Synod,  unless  they  afterwards  find  clearness 
and  so  return  and  comply. 

III.  That  if  any  member  suppose  he  has  reason  of  complaint  against  any  of 
his  brethren  for  unsound  doctrine,  or  irregularities  of  life,  or  unfaithfulness  in 
his  pastoral  office,  he  shall  proceed  in  a  Christian  way  according  to  the  rules 
of  God's  word,  and  our  known  methods  of  discipline,  and  shall  not  in  public 
or  private  spread  his  surmises,  oflFences,  or  scandals,*  without  proceeding  as 
aforesaid ;  or  else  be  accounted  guilty  of  unchristian  conduct,  and  liable  to 
censure.  Accordingly  we  look  upon  such  practices  to  be  contrary  to  the  gospel, 
and  of  pernicious  tendency  to  the  church  of  Christ. 

IV.  That  no  member  of  this  Synod  shall  pi-each  in  the  congregation  of 
another  brother  without  judicial  appointment,  or  being  invited  by  his  brother 
to  preach  for  him.  And  whoever  acts  contrary  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  un- 
brotherly  treatment  and  divisive  practice,  and  be  censured  accordingly  ;  and 
the  same  way,  no  Presbytery  shall  invade  the  charge  and  rights  of  other 
Presbyteries.  And  all  erections  within  the  bounds  of  regulated  congregations, 
that  have  been  or  shall  be  set  up  by  such  itinerant  preaching  and  divisive  prac- 
tices, shall  be  deemed  contrary  to  the  peace  and  good  order  of  this  church,  and 
consequently  shall  not  be  maintained  or  supported  by  any  member  belonging 
to  us. 

V.  We  agree,  that  none  who  have  not  heretofore  enjoyed  membership  in  this 
Synod,  shall  be  admitted  thereto  without  submitting  to  the  manner  of  admis- 
sion determined  by  our  former  acts ;  and  such  as  may  and  shall  be  provided  in 


1745.]  SYNOD  OF  nilLADELPniA.  181 

tliat  case,  and  complying  with  these  general  articles  now  agreed  upon.  And  all 
such  as  upon  proper  trial  shall  be  duly  qualified  with  respect  to  learning,  sound- 
ness in  the  faith,  and  a  gospel  conversation,  shall,  upon  agreeing  to  these  arti- 
cles, and  submitting  to  our  method  of  church  government,  be  cordially  admitted 
to  Synodical  communit)n. 

VI.  We  agree  that  each  member  of  this  Synod  shall  keep  a  day  of  public 
and  solemn  fasting,  and  tliereupon  confess  and  bewail  the  prevailing  evils  of 
infidelity,  profancness,  the  untenderness  and  barrenness  of  professors,  and  the 
deeay  of  religion  in  general ;  and  particularly  the  debates,  divisive  practices, 
uncharitable  censures,  and  unbrotherly  treatment  that  have  torn  and  divided  the 
church  of  Christ  in  these  parts,  to  the  dishonour  of  God,  the  hurt  of  practical 
piety,  the  ofiiincc  and  scandal  of  the  weak,  and  the  hardening  the  wicked,  and 
the  opening  the  mouths  of  the  profane  ;  and  deprecate  the  divine  displeasure, 
and  implore  the  blessing  of  God  upon  this  and  all  other  proper  means  for  the 
advancement  of  true  and  uudefiled  religion,  and  the  maintaining  and  propagating 
the  great  truths  of  the  gospel,  and  the  peace,  unity,  and  increase  of  this  infant 
church. 

The  brethren  of  New  York  Presbytery  immediately  answered,  they  would  not 
accept  this  plan,  nor  be  united  with  us  upon  it ;  and  therefore  as  being  commis- 
sioned by  New  York  Presbytery  to  transact  in  this  affair,  they  desire  that  a  copy 
of  this  overture  may  be  given  them  to  carry  to  their  Presbytery. 

Propose  to  the  Synod  that  it  should  be  mutually  agreed,  that  they  be  allowed 
with  the  consent  of  this  body,  to  erect  another  Synod,  under  the  name  of  the 
Synod  of  New  York.  This  they  desire  to  do  with  the  consent  of  this  body, 
that  they  may  not  be  thought  to  set  up  and  act  in  opposition  to  this,  and  that 
there  may  be  a  foundation  for  the  two  Synods  to  consult  and  act  in  mutual  con- 
cert with  one  another  hereafter,  and  maintain  love  and  brotherly  kindness  with 
each  other. 

The  Synod  aj^point  Messrs.  Thomson,  Alison,  Griffith,  and  McDowell,  to  pre- 
pare an  answer  to  this  proposal,  and  bring  it  in  to  the  Synod  the  nest  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  Monday  morning  at  ten  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

21  ill  day,  ten  ddoch,  A.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  draw  up  an  answer  to  the  proposal  of  the  New 
York  brethren,  brought  in  one  accordingly,  which  was  considered,  and  after 
much  discourse  upon  it,  was  approven  as  it  here  follows  :  The  unhappy  divisions 
which  have  subsisted  among  us  for  some  years,  cannot  but  deeply  afiect  all  that 
wish  the  welfare  of  Zion ;  and  it  particularly  affects  us,  that  some  of  our 
brethren  of  New  York  do  not  at  present  see  their  way  clear  to  continue  in  Synodi- 
cal communion  with  us.  And  though  we  judge  they  have  no  just  ground  to 
withdraw  from  us,  yet  seeing  they  propose  to  erect  themselves  into  a  Synod  at 
New  York,  and  now  desire  to  do  this  in  the  most  friendly  manner  possible,  we 
declare,  if  they  or  any  of  them  do  so,  we  shall  endeavour  to  maintain  charitable 
and  Christian  affections  toward  them,  and  show  the  same  upon  all  occasions  by 
such  correspondence  and  fellowship,  as  we  shall  think  duty,  and  consistent  with 
a  good  conscience. 

Adjourned  till  two  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  tioo  d clock,  P.  31.  post preces  sedertmt  qui  supra. 

A  letter  from  a  gentleman  in  Virginia,  with  a  printed  charge  given  by  the 
governor  of  that  colony  to  the  grand  jury,  was  laid  before  the  Synod ;  by  which 
it  appears  that  the  government  of  that  colony  is  highly  provoked  by  the  conduct 
of  some  of  the  new  party  who  have  preached  there,  and  therefore  the  Synod 


182  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1745, 

judge  it  necessary  to  send  an  address  to  that  governor,  informing  him  of  the 
distinction  between  this  Synod  and  that  separated  party,  that  so  their  conduct 
may  not  be  imputed  to  us,  nor  provoke  that  government  to  deny  us  the  liberties 
and  favours  we  have  enjoyed  under  it:  Therefore,  the  Synod  appoints  Messrs. 
Cross,  Thomson,  Alison,  and  Griffith,  to  be  a  committee  to  draw  up  said  address 
against  the  next  sederwit.*^ 


•  *  We  have  procured  a  copy  of  the  charge  above  alluded  to,  from  the  American  Weekly 
Mercury,  published  in  Philadelphia,  August,  1745,  and  placed  in  the  Philadelphia  Libra- 
ry, which  we  subjoin  for  the  gratification  of  the  readei*. — Editor. 

"The  charge  of  the  Honourable  William  Gooch,  Esq.,  Lieutenant  Governor  and  com- 
mander in  chief  of  the  colony  and  dominion  of  Virginia,  delivered  to  the  gentlemen  of 
the  grand  jury,  at  the  capital  in  Williamsburg,  on  Thursday  the  18th  of  April,  17-45. 

"Without  taking  any  notice  of  the  ordinary  matters  and  things  you  are  called  to 
attend,  and  sworn  to  make  inquisition  for,  I  must,  on  this  occasion,  turn  to  your  thoughts 
and  recommend  to  your  present  service,  another  subject  of  great  importance,  which,  I 
thank  God,  has  been  unusual,  but  I  hope  will  be  most  effectual ;  I  mean  the  information 
I  have  received  of  certain  false  teachers  that  are  lately  crept  into  this  government ; 
who,  without  orders  or  licenses,  or  producing  any  testimonial  of  their  education  or  sect, 
professing  themselves  ministers  under  the  pretended  influence  of  ?ieiu  light,  extraordinary 
impulse,  and  such  like  fanatical  and  enthusiastical  knowledge,  lead  the  innocent  and  igno- 
rant people  into  all  kinds  of  delusion ;  and  in  this  frantic  and  profane  disguise,  though 
such  is  their  heterodoxy,  that  they  treat  all  other  modes  of  worship  with  the  utmost 
scorn  and  contempt,  yet,  as  if  they  had  bound  themselves  by  an  oath  to  do  many  things 
against  the  religion  of  the  blessed  Jesus,  that  pillar  and  stay  of  the  truth,  our  reformed 
church,  to  the  great  dishonour  of  Almighty  God,  and  the  discomfort  of  serious  Chris- 
tians, they  endeavour  to  make  their  followers  believe  that  salvation  is  not  to  be  obtained 
in  her  communion. 

"  As  this  denunciation,  and,  if  I  am  rightly  advised,  in*  words  not  decent  to  repeat, 
has  been  by  one  of  them  publicly  affirmed,  and  shows  what  manner  of  spirit  they  all  of 
them  are  of,  in  a  country  hitherto  remarkable  for  uniformity  in  worship,  and  where  the 
saving  truths  of  the  gospel  are  so  constantly  inculcated ;  I  did  promise  myself,  that 
either  their  preaching  would  be  in  vain,  or  that  an  insolence  so  criminal  should  not  long 
be  connived  at. 

"  And  therefore,  gentlemen,  since  these  workers  of  a  deceitful  work,  blaspheming  our 
sacraments,  and  reviling  our  excellent  liturgy,  are  said  to  draw  disciples  after  them,  and 
we  know  not  whereunto  this  separation  may  grow,  but  may  easUy  foretell  into  what  a 
distracted  condition,  by  longer  forbearance,  this  colony  will  be  reduced ;  we  are  called 
upon  by  the  rights  of  society,  and  what  I  am  persuaded  will  be  with  you  at  least  as 
prevailing  an  inducement,  by  the  principles  of  Christianity,  to  put  an  immediate  stop  to 
the  devices  and  intrigues  of  these  associated  schismatics ;  who  having,  no  doubt,  assumed 
to  themselves  the  apostasy  of  our  weak  brethren,  we  may  be  assured  there  is  not  any- 
thing so  absurd  but  what  they  will  assert,  nor  any  doctrines  or  precepts  so  sacred  but 
what  they  will  pervert  and  accommodate  to  their  favourite  theme,  railing  against  our 
religious  establishment,  for  which  in  any  other  country,  the  British  dominions  only  ex- 
cepted, they  would  be  very  severely  handled. 

"  However,  not  meaning  to  inflame  your  resentment  as  we  may,  without  breach  of 
charity,  pronounce,  that  it  is  not  liberty  of  conscience,  but  freedom  of  speech  they  so 
earnestly  prosecute ;  and  we  are  very  sure  they  have  no  manner  of  pretence  to  any  shel- 
ter under  the  acts  of  toleration,  because,  admitting  they  have  had  regular  ordination, 
they  are  by  these  acts  obliged,  nor  can  they  be  ignorant  of  it,  not  only  to  take  the  oaths, 
and  with  the  test  to  subscribe,  after  a  deliberate  reading  of  them,  some  of  the  articles  of 
our  religion,  before  they  presume  to  officiate,  but,  that  in  this  indulgent  grant,  though 
not  expressed,  a  covenant  is  intended,  whereby  they  engage  to  preserve  the  character  of 
conscientious  men,  and  not  to  use  their  liberty  for  a  cloak  of  maliciousness. 

"  So  that  I  say,  allowing  their  ordination,  yet,  as  they  have  not,  by  submitting  to  these 
essential  points,  qualified  themselves  to  gather  a  congregation,  or,  if  they  had,  in  speaking 
all  manner  of  evil  against  us,  have  forfeited  the  privilege  due  to  such  compliance,  inso- 
much that  they  are  entirely  without  excuse,  and  their  religious  profession  is  very  justly 
suspected  to  be  the  result  of  Jesuitical  policy,  which  also  is  an  iniquity  to  be  punished 
by  the  judges. 

*  That  we  worship  the  devil,  and  are  damned. 


1745.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  183 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Andrews,  Cross,  Thomson,  Alison,  and  Samuel 
Evans,  be  a  committee  to  draw  up  a  declaration  against  the  present  disorders 
and  divisive  practices  that  prevail  in  the  church  against  the  next  sederunt. 

Ordered,  That  every  minister  who  has  been  ordered  to  let  money  belonging 
to  the  Synod,  and  take  Ijonds  for  it  in  their  own  name,  shall  now  give  a  decla- 
ration of  trust  to  the  Syuod.  And  agreed,  that  no  member  shall  hereafter  be 
allowed  to  borrow  any  money  from  the  Synod. 

Some  young  men  offering  themselves  to  examination  according  to  our  acts 
in  that  case,  agreed  that  the  whole  Synod  resolve  itself  into  a  committee,  and 
immediately  enter  upon  said  examination  at  Mr.  Cross's  house. 

Adjom-ued  till  to-morrow  morning  at  ten  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

28<^  day  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.      Ubi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  address  to  the  governor  of  Virginia  was  brought  in  and  approved,  and 
is  as  follows : 

To  the  Honourable  William  Gooch,  Esq.  Lieutenant  Governor  of  the  colony 
of  Virginia,  &c.     The  humble  address,  &c. : 

Jlay  it  please  your  Honour :  The  favourable  acceptance  which  your  Honour 
was  pleased  to  give  our  former  address,  and  the  countenance  and  protection 
which  those  of  our  persuasion  have  met  with  in  Virginia,  fills  us  with  grati- 
tude, and  we  beg  leave  on  this  occasion  in  all  sincerity  to  express  the  same. 
It  very  deeply  aifccts  us  to  find,  that  any  who  go  from  these  parts,  and  per- 
haps assume  the  name  of  Presbyterians,  should  be  guilty  of  such  practices, 
such  uncharitable,  unchristian  expressions,  as  are  taken  notice  of  in  your  Ho- 
nour's charge  to  the  grand  jury.  And  in  the  mean  time  it  gives  us  the  greatest 
pleasure,  that  we  can  assure  your  Honour,  these  persons  never  belonged  to 
our  body,  but  are  missionaries  sent  out  by  some,  who  by  reason  of  their  divi- 
sive and  uncharitable  doctrines  and  practices,  were  in  May,  1741,  excluded 
from  our  Synod,  upon  which  they  erected  themselves  into  a  separate  society, 
and  have  industriously  sent  abroad  persons  whom  wo  judge  ill  qualified  for 
the  character  they  assume,  to  divide  and  trouble  the  churches.  And,  there- 
fore, we  humbly  pray,  that  while  those  who  belong  to  us  and  produce  proper 
testimonials,  behave  themselves  suitably,  they  may  still  enjoy  the  favour  of 
your  Honour's  countenance  and  protection.  And  praying  for  the  divine  bless- 
ing on  your  person  and  government,  we  beg  leave  to  subscribe  ourselves, 
May  it  please  your  Honour, 

Your  Honour's  most  obliged, 

most  obedient,  and  most  humble  servant. 

Signed  in  the  name  and  per  order  of  the  Synod, 

Robert  Cathcakt,  Moderator. 

J%  28,  1745. 


"I  must,  as  in  duty  bound  to  God  and  man,  charge  you  in  the  most  solemn  manner, 
to  make  strict  inquiry  after  these  seducers ;  and  if  they  or  any  of  them  are  still  in  the 
government,  by  presentment  or  indictment,  to  report  them  to  the  court,  that  we,  who 
are  in  authority  under  the  Defender  of  our  Faith,  and  the  appointed  guardians  to  our 
constitution  in  church  and  state,  exercising  our  power  in  this  respect  for  the  protection 
of  the  people  committed  to  our  care,  may  show  our  zeal  in  the  maintenance  of  the  true 
religion ;  not  as  the  manner  of  some  is,  by  yiolent  oppression,  but  in  putting  to  silence, 
by  such  method  as  our  laws  direct,  the  calumnies  and  invectives  of  these  bold  ac- 
cusers, and  in  dispelling,  as  we  are  devoutly  disposed,  so  dreadful  and  dangerous  a  com- 
bination. 

"  In  short,  gentlemen,  we  should  deviate  from  the  pious  path  we  profess  to  tread  in, 
and  should  be  unjust  to  God,  to  our  king,  to  our  country,  to  ourselves,  and  to  our  poste- 
rity, not  to  take  cognizance  of  so  great  wickedness,  whereby  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  is  turned  into  lasciviousness." 


184  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1746. 

The  committee  appointed  to  draw  the  declaration,  not  having  prepared  it 
yet,  ordered,  that  they  bring  it  in  against  the  next  sederunt.  And  the  com- 
mittee meet  on  the  affair  of  the  fund. 

Adjourned  to  Mr.  Andrews's  house,  at  two  o'clock,  afternoon. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  tivo  dclocTi  met  at  Mr.  Andrews's  house  as  appointed. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  at  Mr.  Cross's  house  yesterday,  P.  M. 
met  accordingly,  and  after  due  examination  of  the  young  men  that  offered 
themselves,  in  the  languages  and  several  parts  of  philosophy,  who  were  David 
Thom,  John  Hamilton,  and  Hector  Alison,  they  were  all  three  approved. 

Ordered,  That  the  clerk  give  them  a  copy  of  this  minute  as  a  certificate. 

Adjourned  till  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Concluded  with  prayer.         ^ 

1746. 

The  Synod  met  at  Philadelphia,  at  nine  of  the  clock,  A.  M. 

May  9,  1746.      Uhi post  preces  sederunt 

Of  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Andrews,  Cross,  McHenry,  Samuel 
Evans.     Absent :  Messrs.  David  Evans,  Elmer,  Cowell,  and  Gruild. 

Of  Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Boyd,  Samuel  Thomson,  and  Black. 
Absent :  Messrs.  John  Thomson,  Zanchy,  Elder,  Caven,  Craig,  and  Hind- 
man. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Cathcart,  Alison,  McDowell,  Steel,  and 
Griffith. 

Elders  :  Messrs.  William  Gray,  Samuel  Hart,  David  Griffith,  Thomas  Hope, 
Charles  Gillgore,  James  Reid,  William  Lindsay,  George  Curry,  John  Mont- 
gomery, John  Dick,  Simon  James. 

Mr.  Cathcart  opened  the  Synod  yesterday,  by  a  sermon  on  1  Tim.  iii.  15, 
16,  the  last  year's  moderator. 

Many  of  the  members  being  absent,  the  present  members  agreed  not  to  con- 
stitute till  nine  o'clock  this  morning,  when  more  members  were  expected. 

Mr.  Alison  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Griffith  clerk. 

Since  our  last  Mr.  William  Bertram  of  Donegall  Presbytery,  and  Mr.  James 
Scougall  of  New  Castle  Presbytery,  are  deceased. 

Mr.  David  Evans  sent  the  reasons  of  his  absence,  which  were  sustained. 

Mr.  Samuel  Thomson's  absence  last  year  excused  because  of  bodily  indis- 
position. 

The  Synod  finding  several  of  their  members  absent  from  year  to  year,  and 
particularly  some  members  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  cannot  look  upon 
such  conduct  otherwise  than  irregular,  and  of  dangerous  consequence,  do 
therefore  order,  that  every  Presbytery  acquaint  their  respective  members 
thereof;  and  that  the  Synod  expects  some  reasons  of  such  absence  and  better 
attendance  hereafter. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  minute  be  sent  to  each  Presbytery. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Andrews,  Cross,  McHenry,  Samuel  Evans,  Boyd, 
Thomson,  Gillespie,  Cathcart,  McDowell,  Griffith,  and  the  moderator,  be  the 
commission  of  the  Synod,  and  committee  for  the  fund,  for  the  ensuing  year ; 
and  that  William  Gray,  John  Montgomery,  Thomas  Hope,  elders,  be  joined 
with  them,  and  that  each  member  shall  endeavour  to  bring  elders  with  them, 
if  they  have  occasion  to  meet ;  and  that  any  five  ministers,  with  the  moderator, 
shall  be  a  quorum. 


1746.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPinA.  185 

Finding  the  Presbytery  books  are  not  brought,  Ordered,  That  they  be 
brought  next  year. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  money  for  the  fund,  it  was  found  that 
Messrs.  Andrews  and  Cross,  McHenry,  Cathcart  and  Alison  had  brought 
some. 

Ordered,  upon  reading  tlie  minutes  concerning  the  school,  That  the  order 
of  last  year  be  continued,  and  every  Presbytery  be  accountable  to  the  Synod 
for  their  compliance  thereunto  yearly. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Andrews,  Cross,  McHenry,  Samuel  Evans,  Boyd, 
Zanchy,  Black,  JMcDowell,  Steel,  Cathcart,  and  Griffith,  be  a  committee  and 
trustees  for  the  school  for  the  ensuing  year,  to  meet  on  the  second  Tuesday  of 
October  and  March. 

A  letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson  being  read  before  the  Synod, 
Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Andrews,  Cross,  McHenry,  McDowell,  Griffith,  and  the 
moderator,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  an  answer  to  said  letter  by  to-morrow 
morning. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  the  fund  inquire  into  last  year's  determina- 
tion with  respect  to  the  same,  and  make  report  to  the  Synod  before  this  session 
be  over. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  William  Gooch,  Esq'r.  Governor  of  Virginia, 
in  answer  to  our  last  year's  address,  was  read  in  Synod,  which  is  as  followcth : 

Gentlemen  : — The  address  you  were  pleased  to  send  me  as  a  grateful  acknow- 
ledgment for  the  favour  which  teachers  of  your  persuasion  met  with  in  Virginia, 
was  very  acceptable  to  me,  but  altogether  needless  to  a  person  in  my  station, 
because  it  is  what  by  law  they  are  entitled  to. 

And  in  answer  to  your  present  address,  intended  to  justify  yourselves  and 
members  from  being  concerned  in  a  late  outrage  committed  against  the  purity 
of  our  worship,  and  the  sacred  appointment  of  pastors  for  the  service  of  the 
altar  of  the  established  church,  which  some  men  calling  themselves  ministers, 
were  justly  accused  of  in  my  charge  to  the  grand  jury,  you  must  suffijr  me  to 
say,  that  it  very  nearly  affects  me,  because  it  seems  to  insinuate  as  if  I  was^  so 
uncharitable  as  to  suspect  men  of  your  education  and  profession  could  be  guilty 
of  unchristian  expressions  that  can  only  tend  to  the  increase  of  schism  and 
irreligion,  which  I  give  you  my  word  was  far  from  my  thoughts. 

As  the  wicked  and  destructive  doctrines  and  practices  of  itinerant  preachers 
ought  to  be  opposed  and  suppressed  by  all  who  have  concern  for  religion,  and 
just  regard  to  public  peace  and  order  in  church  and  state,  so  your  missionaries 
producing  proper  testimonials,  complying  with  the  laws,  and  performing  divine 
service  in  some  certain  place  appropriated  for  that  purpose,  without  disturbing 
the  quiet  and  unity  of  our  sacred  and  civil  establishments,  may  be  sure  of  the 
protection  of,  Reverend  Sirs,  your  most  humble  servant, 

William  Gooch. 
Williamsburg.     June  20th,  1745. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Black,  present  this  afternoon,  gave  his  reasons  for  his  absence  last  year, 
and  his  late  coming  this  year,  which  were  sustained. 

In  pursuance  of  an  order  of  the  commission  of  the  Synod,  met  at  Brandy- 
wine,  August  20th,  1745,  Messrs.  Andrews  and  Cross  wrote  to  the  Reverend 
President  and  Trustees  of  Yale  College,  a  letter  which  is  in  retentis,  and  an 
answer  to  said  letter  is  now  laid  before  the  Synod,  and  the  consideration  of  the 
whole  affair  referred  to  an  interloquitur  of  the  Synod. 
24 


186  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1746. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  Alison,  Evans,  and  Griffith,  write  an  answer  to 
said  letter,  and  bring  it  in  before  the  end  of  the  session. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

30/^  day,  at  ten  d clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

An  answer  to  Mr.  Dickinson's  letter,  laid  before  us  by  Mr.  Andrews,  was 
brought  in  by  the  committee,  and  being  read  was  unanimously  approved,  and  is 
as  follows : 

Reverend  and  dear  Brother : — ^We  had  yours  laid  before  us  by  Mr.  Andrews, 
and  trust  we  can  heartily  join  in  all  proper  methods  to  promote  the  glory  of 
God,  the  interest  of  Christ's  kingdom,  and  welfare  of  the  churches  in  these 
parts,  and  shall  readily  join  with  you  in  remembering  each  other  at  the  throne 
of  grace,  and  praying  for  each  other's  gospel  endeavours  to  advance  religion. 
We  are  also  pleased  that  att^pts  are  making  by  you  to  prevent  divisive 
methods.  But  we  would  desire  you  might  communicate  to  us  the  plan  on 
which  you  have  erected  yourselves,  what  general  agreements  you  brought  the 
members  under  at  their  admission,  and  who  are  members  with  you.  When  we 
are  better  acquainted  with  these  things,  we  can  the  more  readily  judge  how  we 
shall  be  able  to  answer  your  desires.  We  can  assure  you  of  our  regard  and 
friendship,  and  our  praying  for  the  Divine  blessing  on  your  person  and  minis- 
terial labours.  We  take  leave  to  subscribe.  Reverend  Sir,  your  affectionate 
brethren  and  humble  servants.  Signed  in  the  name  and  by  the  order  of  the 
Synod,  by 

Francis  Alison,  Moderator. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  an  answer  to  Mr.  Clap's  letter  brought 
it  in,  and  it  was  ordered  that  Messrs.  Andrews,  Gillespie,  Cathcart,  Boyd, 
Black,  McDowell,  and  Steel,  be  a  committee  to  revise  said  answer,  and  make 
report  in  the  afternoon. 

Ordered,  That  the  Synod  finding  some  difficulties,  the  Synod  resolve  into 
a  committee  of  the  whole  house,  to  consider  the  affair  of  the  fund,  and  all  the 
papers  relating  thereto,  to  be  brought  in  this  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  post  preces  sederunt  qui  s^tpra. 
The  committee  appointed  in  the  morning  to  revise  the  letter,  report  that 
they  approve  of  the  substance  of  it;  and  the  Synod  appoint  Messrs.  Andrews, 
Cross,  and  the  moderator,  to  be  a  committee  to  draw  a  fair  copy  of  said  letter 
and  bring  it  to-morrow  morning. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  continued  till  to-morrow  morning. 
Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

31  day,  at  eight  of  the  clock,  A.  M.      Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  for  the  letter  not  having  finished,  it's  ordered,  that  we  pro- 
ceed to  the  affair  of  the  fund. 

The  committee  for  the  letter  to  Mr.  Clap  brought  it  in,  and  it  was  approved, 
and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

Philadelphia,  May  nOfJi.,  1746. 

Very  Reverend  Sir : — We  received  the  favour  of  yours  of  the  21st  of  No- 
vember last,  and  acknowledge  our  obligation  to  the  President  and  Fellows  of 
Yale  College  for  considering  our  request  and  expressing  their  readiness  to  pro- 
mote the  interest  of  religion  and  learning  among  us. 

We  agree  with  you  that  the  affair  is  of  great  importance,  and  are  willing  to 
satisfy  you  to  the  utmost  as  to  the  plan  and  constitution  of  our  school,  and 


1746.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  187 

the  present  state  of  our  Synod,  under  whose  care  it  is.  Some  years  ago  our 
Synod  found  the  interest  of  Christ's  kingdom  likely  to  suffer  in  these  parts 
for  want  of  a  college  for  the  education  of  young  men.  And  our  supplies 
either  from  Europe  or  New  England  were  few  in  proportion  to  the  numerous 
vacancies  in  our  growing  settlements.  Mr.  AVilliam  Tcnncnt  set  up  a  school 
among  us,  where  some  were  educated,  and  afterwards  admitted  to  the  minis- 
try without  sufficient  qualiticatious  as  was  judged  by  many  of  the  Synod. 
And  what  made  the  matter  look  worse,  those  that  were  educated  in  this  pri- 
vate way  decried  the  usefulness  of  some  parts  of  learning  that  we  thought  very 
necessary.  It  was  therefore  agreed  to  try  to  erect  a  college,  and  apply  to  our 
friends  in  Britain,  and  Ireland,  and  New  England,  to  assist  us.  Wc  wrote 
to  the  Association  of  ]>oston  on  this  head,  and  had  a  very  favourable  answer. 
But  when  we  were  thus  projecting  our  plan,  and  appointing  commissioners 
to  Britain,  etc.  to  promote  the  thing,  the  war  with  Spain  was  proclaimed, 
which  put  a  stop  to  our  proceedings  then.  The  Synod  then  came  to  a  public 
agreement  to  take  all  private  schools  where  young  men  were  educated  for  the 
ministry,  so  far  under  their  care  as  to  appoint  a  committee  of  our  Synod  to 
examine  all  such  as  had  not  obtained  degrees  in  the  European  or  New  Eng- 
land colleges,  and  give  them  certificates  if  they  were  found  qualified,  which 
was  to  serve  our  Presbyteries  instead  of  a  college  diploma,  till  better  provision 
could  be  made.  Mr.  Grilbert  Tennent  cried  out  that  this  was  to  prevent  his 
father's  school  for  training  gracious  men  for  the  ministry ;  and  he,  and  some 
of  his  adherents,  protested  against  it,  and  counteracted  this  our  public  agree- 
ment, admitting  men  to  the  ministry  which  we  judged  unfit  for  that  office, 
which  course  they  persisted  in  though  admonished  and  reproved  by  us  for 
such  unwarrantable  proceedings.  While  these  debates  subsisted,  Mr.  White- 
field  came  into  the  country,  whom  they  drew  into  their  party  to  encourage 
divisions.  And  they  and  he  have  been  the  sad  instruments  of  dividing  our 
churches.  And  by  his  interest  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent  grew  hardy  enough  to 
tell  our  Synod  he  would  oppose  their  design  of  getting  assistance  to  erect  a 
college  wherever  we  should  make  application,  and  would  maintain  young  men 
at  his  father's  school  in  opposition  to  us.  This,  with  his  and  his  adherent's 
divisive  practices,  obliged  the  Synod  to  exclude  him  and  others  of  his  stamp, 
from  their  communion.  In  this  situation  our  affairs  grew  worse ;  for  our  va- 
cancies were  numerous,  and  we  found  it  hard  in  such  trouble  to  engage  such  gen- 
tlemen either  from  New  England  or  Europe  to  come  among  us,  as  our  best 
friends  in  those  places  could  recommend  as  steadfast  in  the  faith,  and  men  of 
parts  and  education.  Upon  this  the  Synod  erected  a  school  in  the  year  1744. 
It  was  agreed  that  the  said  school  should  be  opened  under  the  inspection  of 
the  Synod,  where  the  languages,  philosophy,  and  divinity  should  be  taught 
gratis,  to  all  that  should  comply  with  the  regulation  of  the  school,  being  per- 
sons of  good  character  and  behaviour.  They  appointed  a  master  and  tutor  for 
this  business,  who  were  to  be  paid  by  such  contributions  as  the  Synod  could 
obtain  for  this  purpose ;  and  agreed,  from  year  to  year,  to  appoint  trustees  to 
meet  twice  a  year  to  inspect  the  master's  diligence  and  method  of  teaching, 
to  direct  what  authors  are  chiefly  to  be  read  in  the  several  branches  of  learn- 
ing, to  examine  the  scholars  as  to  their  proficiency  and  good  conduct,  and  ap- 
ply the  money  procured  to  such  uses  as  they  judge  proper,  and  to  order  all 
affairs  relating  unto  the  school.  And  the  trustees  are  yearly  to  be  accountable 
to  the  Synod,  and  to  make  report  of  their  proceedings,  and  the  state  of  the 
school.  And  it  is  agreed,  that  after  said  scholars  pass  the  course  of  studies 
prescribed  them,  they  shall  be  publicly  examined  by  the  said  trustees,  and  such 
ministers  as  the  Synod  shall  think  fit  to  appoint,  and  if  approved  receive  tes- 
timonials of  their  approbation,  and  without  such  testimonials  none  of  the  Pres- 
byteries under  the  care  of  our  Synod  shall  improve  any  of  our  scholars  in  the 


188  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1746. 

ministry.  From  this  narrative  you  see  how  narrow  our  foundation  is,  and 
yet  how  necessary  it  was  that  we  should  do  something  of  this  nature  to  pre- 
vent our  being  overrun  with  ignorance  and  confusion.  You  see  how  we  have 
been  straitened  by  the  endeavours  of  some  that  belonged  to  our  body,  who  in 
their  zeal  have  spoken  diminutively  of  all  the  reformed  churches,  and  endea- 
voured to  pour  contempt  on  colleges  and  universities.  We  hope,  therefore, 
you  will  enable  us  to  make  a  stand  against  those  evils,  and  to  be  united  with 
you  in  this  grand  design,  is  one  reason  of  our  present  application.  We  can 
with  pleasure  inform  you  that  our  poor  undertaking  has  been  so  blessed  by 
Providence  as  to  exceed  our  expectations.  Several  ministers  and  gentlemen 
have  helped  us  to  books  to  begin  a  library;  and  we  hope  that  in  time  we  may 
obtain  assistance  from  England,  Ireland,  and  elsewhere,  to  enable  us  to  found 
a  college,  though  the  troubles  of  the  times  hinder  our  application  at  present. 
We  have  not  obtained  a  charter  as  yet,  but  have  reason  to  hope  we  may  pro- 
cure one  if  there  be  occasion ;  but  have  another  way  judged  by  our  best 
lawyers  a  good  foundation  to  secure  donations,  by  appointing  trustees  and 
obliging  them  to  give  declarations  of  trust.  We  have  also,  belonging  to  our 
Synod,  a  considerable  fund  for  public  uses,  but  have  no  occasion  hitherto,  to 
apply  any  of  it  to  the  use  of  the  school,  being  otherwise  supplied.  What 
hath  been  said  may  satisfy  you  that  our  school  is  under  such  regulation  as 
does  as  nearly  correspond  with  yours  as  our  present  circumstances  will  ad- 
mit ;  but  we  shall  readily  make  any  amendments  that  you  desire  if  it  be  in 
our  power.  We  are  obliged  to  admit  boys  to  read  grammar,  but  are  deter- 
mined to  recommend  none  but  such  as  have  made  a  good  proficiency  in  the 
languages,  and  are  in  some  measure  acquainted  with  the  usual  course  of  study 
in  the  arts  and  sciences  now  used  in  the  British  colleges,  though  we  freely  ac- 
knowledge our  vast  disadvantages,  especially  in  natural  philosophy,  and  will 
cheerfully  agree,  as  far  as  our  circumstances  will  permit,  that  the  same,  or 
generally  the  same,  authors,  on  the  arts  and  sciences  be  taught  in  our  school 
as  are  used  by  you ;  and  would  gladly  be  favoured  with  a  particular  account 
of  them.  The  time  of  stay  with  you  which  you  mention,  and  the  expenses, 
we  think  reasonable ;  yet,  as  learning  is  not  in  the  same  esteem  in  this  govern- 
ment as  in  New  England,  we  beg  all  the  indulgence  your  constitution  can 
allow  ixs,  lest  parents  grudge  expenses  if  they  run  high.  We  heartily  agree 
that  our  scholars  be  examined  by  the  President  and  Fellows,  and  be  treated 
only  according  to  their  proficiency;  that  they  be  obliged  to  bring  recommen- 
dations from  our  Synod,  or  trustees  of  the  school,  and  shall  claim  no  prece- 
dency in  your  classes,  nor  the  privilege  of  freshmen,  but  what  are  consistent 
with  the  good  order  of  your  college.  Nor  do  we  plead  any  such  privilege 
for  any  but  the  inhabitants  of  Pennsylvania,  or  the  parts  that  are  as  far  dis- 
tant from  New  Haven,  and  are  educated  under  our  care,  and  have  synodical 
recommendations.  We  further  assure  you,  that  improving  in  the  ministry 
such  scholars  as  you  expelled,  has  been  as  offensive  to  us  as  to  you.  And 
those  which  joined  with  the  Tennents  and  their  party  in  this  afi"air,  as  we  un- 
derstand, have  withdrawn  from  our  synodical  communion,  and  joined  with 
them  entirely  under  the  denomination  of  the  Synod  of  New  York.  As  to  the 
Synod's  constitution,  we  are  unanimously  agreed  in  the  same  plan  in  every 
respect  on  which  we  constituted,  and  continued  in  our  most  flourishing  cir- 
cumstances ;  so  we  are,  to  a  man,  dissatisfied  with  the  late  divisive  practices, 
and  would  soon,  we  hope,  be  in  a  flourishing  state  again  had  we  ministers  to 
supply  our  vacancies.  ^VG  excluded  from  synodical  communion,  as  we  re- 
marked already,  the  four  Tennents,  Blair,  Craighead,  (who  is  since  turned  a 
rigid  Covenanter,  or  Camcronian,)  Treat,  and  Mr.  Wales.  These,  especially 
the  Tennents,  Blair,  and  Treat,  being  the  ringleaders  of  our  divisions,  and 
the  destroyers  of  good  learning  and  gospel  order  among  us ;  and  they,  with 


1746.]  SYNOD  OF  PIIILADELPIIIA.  189 

a  few  others  that  joined  with  them,  erected  themselves  into  a  separate  body, 
and  licensed  and  ordained  men  for  the  work  of  the  ministry  that  were  gene- 
rally ignorant,  and  warm  in  the  divisive  scheme,  and  they  have  troubled  Vir- 
ginia, and  the  New  English  government,  and  as  we  are  informed,  pretend  that 
they  belong  to  our  body.     IJut  we  can  assure  you,  that  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent, 
and  his  adherents,  were  disowned  as  members,  and  excluded  communion,  be- 
fore his  famous  tour  through  the  churches  of  New  England.     Some  of  our 
brethren  of  New  York  Presbytery,  whom  we  esteem  and  regard,  particularly 
Messrs.  Dickinson,  Pierson,  and  Pemberton,  have  always  as  irecly,  till  lately, 
blamed  those  practices  as  any  of  us;   but  now,  through  some  unhappy  bias, 
are  become  warm  advocates  for  them,  and  blaming  our  method  of  excluding 
them,  have  for  two  or  three  years  past  laboured  to  procure  them  seats  among 
us,  without  acknowledging  their  faults  in  dividing  our  churches,  and  promis- 
ing amendment  before  we  receive  them  again.     And  we  believe  that  their  par- 
tiality for  these  men  might  occasion  them  to  join  in  encouraging  some  of  your 
disorderly  scholars,  which  we  are  far  from  vindicating.     When  these  gentle- 
men could  not  succeed  in  their  attempt  to  bring  in  those  itinerants  without 
acknowledging  their  faults,  as  we  said,  they  withdrew  from  the  Synod,  de- 
claring that  they  had  no  other  ground  to  do  so  but  our  excluding  those  mem- 
bers in  a  way  they  disliked ;  and  last  September  they  erected  themselves  into 
a  Synod,  which  goes  under  the  name  of  the  Synod  of  New  York.     And  we 
have  now  before  us  a  letter  desiring  correspondence  with  them,  by  receiving 
two  or  three  of  their  members  to  sit  with  us  yearly,  and  sending  as  many  to 
them.     They  also  propose  that  we  should  every  third  year  meet  in  some  con- 
venient place,  by  delegates,  to  order  public  affairs  for  the  glory  of  God,  and 
good  of  the  church.     The  proposals  seem  fair,  but  till  these  dividers  of  our 
churches,  and  who  chiefly  make  up  that  body,  declare  against  the  late  divisive, 
uncharitable  practices ;  till  they  show  us  in  what  way  they  intend  to  have  their 
youth  educated  for  the  ministry,  and  be  as  ready  to  discourage  all  such  me- 
thods of  bringing  all  good  learning  into  contempt  as  the  shepherd's  tent,  we 
shall  be  shy  to  comply  with  their  proposals.     Thus,  sir,  we  have  given  you 
a  just  account  both  of  the  Synod  and  school  at  present,  by  which  you  may 
understand  the  difficulties  we  labour  under ;  and  we  doubt  not  but  your  sin- 
cere desire  to  promote  the  interest  of  religion  and  learning  among  us  will  in- 
cline you  to  do  all  in  your  power  for  our  help  and  encouragement.     You  will 
be  pleased  to  communicate  this    to  the  corporation,   and   if   they  think  fit 
to  take  any  notice  of  it,  we  will  depend  on  them  to  favour  us  with  an  an- 
swer.    We  heartily  wish  the  Divine  blessing  on  your  labours  in  the  min- 
isti-y,  and  in  training  up  youth  for  that  sacred  work,  and  pray  that  your 
college  may  flourish  and  become  more  and  more  a  blessing,  not  only  to  New 
England,  but  the   neighbouring  colonies,  and  we  beg  leave  to  assure  you 
that   to   maintain   a   Christian,  friendly   correspondence  with   you   will   be  a 
great  pleasure  to,  very  Reverend  Sir,  your  affectionate  brethren  and  humble 
servants. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  inquire  before  our  next  to 
whom  the  Synod  shall  pay  what  remains  of  the  money  promised  to  Wilmmg- 
ton,  and  give  the  person  to  whom  they  judge  it  due,  an  order  on  the  Synod 
for  it. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Andrews  and  Cross  write  to  all  persons  indebted  to 
the  fund  to  pay  their  respective  sums,  or  renew  their  bonds  for  the  same,  be- 
fore our  next. 

Adjourned  to  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next,  at  three  o'clock,  after- 
noon.    Concluded  with  prayer. 


190  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1747. 

1747. 

The  Synod  of  Philadelphia  met,  according  to  appointment, 

May  the  27th,  1747.     Ubi post preces  sederunt 

Of  Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Adam  Boyd,  and  Richard  Zanchy. 

New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Robert  Cathcart,  Francis  Alison,  Alexander 
McDowell,  Timothy  Grriffith,  and  John  Steel. 

Philadelphia  Presbytery:  Messrs.  Robert  Cross,  David  Cowell,  Francis 
McHenry,  Samuel  Evans. 

Absent  from  Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  John  Thomson,  Samuel  Black, 
John  Elder,  Samuel  Thomson,  John  Craig,  and  Samuel  Cavan. 

Absent  from  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Mr.  George  Gillespie. 

Absent  from  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Messrs.  David  Evans,  Daniel  Elmer, 
and  John  Guild. 

Since  our  last  were  ordained,  by  Donegall  Presbytery,  Mr.  David  Thom ; 
and  by  New  Castle,  Messrs.  John  Dick,  John  Hamilton,  and  Hector  Ali- 
son. 

Elders  :  John  Henderson,  William  Whiteside,  John  McEven,  John  Mc- 
Michael,  William  Finney,  William  Gillespie,  Thomas  James,  John  William- 
son, Joshua  Hill,  John  Cross,  William  Ramsey,  and  Nathaniel  Bryan. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  Mr.  Francis  Alison,  with  a  sermon  from  1  Cor. 
iv.  1,  2. 

Mr.  Alexander  McDowell  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  John  Dick  chosen 
clerk. 

Mr.  Andrews  was  removed  by  death  since  our  last. 

The  Governor  being  to  embark  for  England  the  Synod  concluded  to  present 
him  an  address. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2Sth  day,  at  nine  d clock,  A.  M.     Uhi post  preces  sederunt  qxd  supra. 

The  affair  of  absent  members  to  be  considered. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  McHenry,  Cowell,  Boyd,  Zanchy,  Thom, 
Griffith,  Cathcart,  Alison,  Steel,  Dick,  and  the  moderator,  be  the  commission 
of  the  Synod,  and  committee  for  the  fund  for  the  following  year,  and  that  the 
following  elders,  Messrs.  John  Cross,  Thomas  James,  William  Gillespie,  be 
joined  with  them  for  the  committee  for  the  fund,  and  that  any  six  of  said  com- 
mission, and  the  moderator,  shall  be  a  quorum. 

Ordered,  That  last  year's  commission  of  the  Synod,  and  committee  for  the 
fund,  lay  their  minutes  before  us  in  the  afternoon. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  John  Steel,  and  Hamilton,  examine  Philadelphia 
Presbytery  book. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  are  found  remarkably  guilty  of  neglecting  to  bring 
their  Presbytery  book  to  the  Synod.  Ordered,  that  they  bring  it  to  our 
next. 

Donegall  Presbytery  not  having  their  book,  ordered,  that  they  bring  it  to 
our  next. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  money  to  the  fund,  it  is  found  that 
there  is  none  brought  by  any  of  the  members  but  Messrs.  Cross,  McHenry, 
Alison,  Gillespie,  and  McDowell. 

Ordered,  That  that  affair  be  examined  at  our  next  sederunt. 

Ordered,  That  the  affair  relating  to  the  school  be  considered  at  our  next 
sederunt,  and  that  it  be  inquired  whether  the  trustees  attended  accordiiig  to 
appointment. 


1747.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  191 

The  affair  of  Wilmington  decided. 

Upon  considering  the  distance  of  the  brethren  in  the  back  parts  of  Virginia, 
we  think  it  is  necessary  that  we  should  know  the  state  of  that  church  that  is 
under  our  care,  though  at  a  distance  from  us ;  and,  therefore,  it  is  ordered, 
that  at  least  one  of  these  brethren  shall  every  year  attend  us,  that  we  may 
have  the  pleasure  of  knowing  the  state  of  Christ's  kingdom  among  them,  and 
that  we  may  keep  Synodical  communion  in  reality  and  not  in  name  only,  and 
ordered,  that  Messrs.  3Ic Henry  and  Zanchy  write  them  a  letter  to  acquaint 
them  with  the  mind  of  the  Synod  in  said  affair. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Uhi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Gillespie  now  present. 

The  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  represented  to  the  Synod  the  destitute 
condition  of  the  people  of  Tredyffryn,  by  Mr.  Samuel  Evans'  relinquishing 
the  pastoral  charge  there,  and  earnestly  desiring  that  the  Synod  would  appoint 
Mr.  Timothy  Griffith  to  supply  them  as  much  as  shall  be  thought  proper. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Griffith  supply  that  people  on  Sabbath  next,  and  one 
Sunday  every  month  until  our  next,  unless  they  be  otherwise  supplied ;  and 
that  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  excuse  him  from  supplying  other  vacancies 
during  that  time. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  commission  be  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Alison  use  all  endeavours  to  recover  what  is  due  to  the 
Synod  by  the  estate  of  Mr.  Anderson. 

Upon  a  supplication  from  Mrs.  Tennent  to  the  Synod,  desiring  that  the 
interest  of  the  money  due  from  her  husband's  estate  should  be  remitted  : 
the  Synod  agreed  to  remit  eight  pounds  on  condition  the  rest  be  paid  on 
demand,  and  without  further  trouble  or  delay. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  at  ten  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

29  day  at  ten  d clock,  A.  M.    Vhi p)ost  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross  and  Cathcart  wait  on  the  governor  with  the 
Synod's  address  half  an  hour  after  twelve. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  reassumed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cross  use  all  care  to  get  the  bond  paid  which  is  due  to 
the  Synod  by  Moor  and  Cunningham,  and  also  what  is  due  by  Mr.  Gelston, 
before  the  next  meeting  of  the  Synod. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  the  fund  take  care  of  what  is  yet  to  be  done 
before  the  breaking  up  of  the  Synod. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cross  take  care  of  the  Synod's  books  and  be  treasurer. 

The  affair  of  the  school  reassumed.  Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  ap- 
pointed to  consider  what  may  be  proper  for  its  advantage  before  our  next 
sederunt,  and  that  Messrs.  Boyd,  McHenry,  Griffith,  McDowell,  and  Alison, 
be  the  committee. 

A  paper  containing  some  scruples  concerning  the  present  method  of  admin- 
istration of  the  Lord's  Supper,  being  brought  in  by  Mr.  McDowell : 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  consider  said  paper,  and  to  bring 
in  an  overture  upon  it,  and  that  Messrs.  Gillespie,  Zanchy,  Steel,  Hamilton, 
Thom,  Nathaniel  Bryans,  John  Henderson,  John  McEven,  John  Whiteside, 
and  William  Gillespie,  be  the  committee. 

Adjourned  till  two  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


192  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1748. 

At  two  o'clock,  P.  M.      Vhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
Found  that  Mr.  David  Cowell  absented  without  Synodical  leave. 
The  Synod's  address  to  the  governor  was  presented  and  accepted. 
An  overture  by  the  committee  for  the  school  was  brought  in  and  agreed  to 
as  follows : 

1.  That  the  Synod  endeavour  to  pay  the  arrears  now  due  out  of  the  fund. 

2.  That  every  Presbytery  recommend  it  to  their  respective  members  to  be 
careful  to  raise  collections  among  their  people  for  the  use  of  the  school,  and 
inquire  at  the  meetings  of  the  several  members'  conduct  therein,  and  give  an 
account  thereof  to  the  Synod  at  our  next  meeting,  and  that  such  as  supply 
vacancies  be  industrious  to  obtain  contributions  from  them,  and  that  such  con- 
gregations as  contribute  to  the  support  of  the  school,  shall  be  that  year  freed 
from  contributing  to  the  fund  as  usual. 

A  letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr."^  Clap,  President  of  Yale  College,  and  Fellows, 
was  laid  before  the  Synod,  and  it  was  ordered,  that  Messrs.  Cross,  Alison, 
and  the  moderator,  write  an  answer. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  paper  brought  in  by  Mr.  McDow- 
ell, returned  the  following  overture  : 

That  we,  the  committee  which  was  appointed  to  bring  in  an  overture  on 
the  paper  of  scruples,  concerning  the  present  manner  of  administering  the 
Lord's  Supper,  laid  before  the  Synod ;  being  satisfied  that  said  scruples  are 
of  such  importance  as  require  much  deliberation,  do  therefore  humbly  ofier  to 
the  Synod,  that  a  copy  of  said  scruples  be  transmitted  by  Mr.  McDowell  to 
each  Presbytery,  to  be  communicated  to  every  particular  session,  and  when 
considered  both  in  sessions  and  Presbyteries,  that  each  Presbytery  lay  their 
judgments  before  the  Synod  against  our  next. 

Ordered,  That  the  commission  of  the  Synod  be  the  committee  for  the 
school,  to  meet  the  second  Wednesdays  of  October  and  March,  and  that  five 
of  them  and  the  moderator  be  a  quorum,  as  the  commission  of  the  Synod, 
and  that  they  then  examine  Mr.  Israel  Reid,  and  give  him  a  certificate  if  he 
be  approved. 

Ordered,  The  Committee  of  the  fund  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  nine 
o'clock,  at  Mr.  Cross's. 

Adjourned  till  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

1748. 

The  Synod  met  at  Philadelphia,  according  to  appointment. 

3Iai/  25th,  1748.      Ubi post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  :  Messrs.  Robert  Cross,  Fran- 
cis McHenry,  John  Guild.  Absent:  Messrs.  David  Evans,  David  Cowell, 
and  Daniel  Elmer. 

Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Adam  Boyd,  John  Elder,  Richard  Zanchy, 
and  David  Thom.  Absent :  Messrs.  John  Thomson,  Samuel  Thomson,  John 
Craig,  and  Samuel  Caven. 

New  Castle  Presbytery:  Messrs.  Francis  Alison,  Alexander  McDowell, 
John  Steel,  John  Hamilton,  Hector  Alison,  Timothy  Griffith,  and  David 
Brown.     Absent :    Messrs.  George  Gillespie  and  Robert  Cathcart. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Robert  Mathies,  John  Manillee,  Alexander  Rogers, 
Robert  Taylor,  William  Cunningham,  James  Snodgrass,  John  Scot,  John 
Crosson,  John  Callwell,  Nathaniel  Williams,  Thomas  Jones,  Gillbelcher 
Parker. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  a  sermon  from  Psal.  cxxxvii.  6,  by  Mr.  Alex- 
ander McDowell. 


1748.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPniA.  193 

Mr.  John  Elder  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Steel  clerk. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  26,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Uhipost  preces  sederunt 
qui  SKjii-a. 

Messrs.  Gillespie's  and  Cathcart's  absence  excused. 

Messrs.  Elder's  and  Guild's  absence  excused. 

Since  our  last  3Ir.  John  Dick  was  removed  by  death. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  McHenry,  Guild,  Francis  Alison,  McDowell, 
Griffith,  Boyd,  Zanchy,  and  Thorn,  be  the  commission  and  committee  for  the 
fund  for  the  following  year,  and  that  the  following  elders,  Messrs.  Robert 
Mathies,  Alexander  Kogers,  John  Scot,  be  joined  with  them  for  the  committee 
for  the  fund,  and  that  any  five  of  said  commission,  with  the  moderator,  be  a 
quorum. 

Ordered,  Mr.  Alison  and  the  moderator  examine  Philadelphia  Presbytery 
book. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  declared  that  in  pursuance  to  the  Synod's 
order,  have  appointed  at  several  times  men  to  prepare  their  book  for  the  Synod, 
but  these  members  found  such  difficulties  that  they  have  not  yet  said  book  in 
proper  order.  The  Presbytery  promises  to  endeavour  that  it  shall  be  ready 
against  our  next. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  McHenry  and  Guild  examine  Donegall  Presbytery 
book. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbytery  books  be  brought  to  our  next  sederunt. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  money  for  the  fund,  it  was  found  that 
none  brought  but  Messrs.  Robert  Cross,  McHenry,  and  Francis  Alison. 

The  affair  of  the  School  referred. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall  write  to  Virginia,  to  let  the 
ministers  know  that  we  expect  one  of  their  members  yearly  to  attend  our 
Synod,  that  we  may  know  the  state  of  their  churches. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Timothy  Griffith  supply  Trediffrin  once  in  the  two 
months,  unless  they  can  be  otherwise  supplied ;  and  if  New  Castle  Presbytery 
can  procure  supplies  for  the  vacancies,  he  is  appointed  to  supply  them  once  a 
month  as  formerly,  and  that  he  be  exempted  from  any  other  supplies. 

The  Synod  recommends  to  Philadelphia  Presbytery  to  allow  Trediffrin  as 
many  supplies  as  they  can. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Alison  continue  his  endeavours  to  recover  what  is  due  to 
the  Synod  by  Mr.  Anderson's  estate. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cross  take  care  to  recover  the  debts  due  to  our  fund  by 
Messrs.  Gelston  and  Cunningham. 

The  affair  of  the  scruples  referred. 

Adjourned  to  four  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  four  o'clock,  P.  M.      Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  The  Presbytery  books  brought  in  at  our  next  sederunt. 

The  affair  of  the  school  continued. 

The  affair  of  the  scruples  continued. 

In  pursuance  to  a  supplication  from  Virginia,  the  Synod  appoints  that  one 
minister  be  sent  in  the  fall  and  another  in  the  spring,  to  preach  in  the  back 
parts  of  Virginia  each  eight  Sabbaths,  and  that  such  members  be  exempted  till 
all  other  members  of  the  Synod  do  the  same,  and  that  said  ministers'  congre- 
gations be  supplied  during  their  absence,  one  half  of  the  time  by  their  respec- 
tive Presbytery. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Zanchy  supply  eight  Sabbaths  in  the  back  parts 
25 


194  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1749. 

of  Virginia  this  fall ;  and  that  Mr.  Steel  supply  eight  weeks  in  the  spring,  and 
return  before  next  Synod. 

It  is  also  recommended  to  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  to  send  their  supplies 
to  "\^irginia  as  often  as  they  can  conveniently. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  27,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M,      TJhi  "post  preces  sederunt  qui  siipra. 

Mr.  David  Brown,  a  minister  of  the  gospel  from  North  Britain,  being  ad- 
mitted a  member  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  took  his  place  among  us. 

The  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  have  not  brought  in  their  book. 

The  Synod  on  serious  consideration,  finding  that  the  salaries  appointed  for 
master  and  usher  of  the  public  school,  were  not  sufficient  encouragement,  order 
that  the  master  be  allowed  forty  pounds,  and  the  usher  twenty  pounds  per 
annum,  which  salaries  are  to  be  raised  by  collections  from  the  several  congre- 
gations, whether  enjoying  the  stated  ordinances  or  vacant,  and  by  sessing  each 
scholar  twenty  shillings  per  annum,  only  allowing  the  committee  for  said 
school  to  exempt  such  scholars  as  they  shall  think  proper;  and  if  these  two 
methods  will  not  answer  the  above  demands,  the  remainder  is  to  be  paid  out 
of  the  yearly  interest  of  the  Synod's  fund. 

The  affair  of  the  scruples  referred. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.      Uhi post  preces  sederunt  qui  siqjra. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  McHenry,  Cross,  Thorn,  Boyd,  ariffith,  McDowell, 
Cathcart,  Hector  Alison,  Hamilton,  and  Steel,  be  a  committee  for  the  school, 
to  meet  the  second  Tuesday  of  October. 

In  pursuance  to  an  order  of  the  Synod  to  the  several  Presbyteries  and  Ses- 
sions thereunto  belonging,  to  consider  some  scruples  concerning  the  manner 
of  administering  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  amongst  us,  offered  by  a 
member  to  the  Synod  for  his  own  satisfaction,  in  order  to  the  being  prepared 
to  give  their  opinion  of  them  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Synod ;  accordingly 
the  Synod  having  heard,  and  seriously  considered,  what  was  offered  by  the 
several  Presbyteries,  and  several  members  finding  that  the  scrupler  was  not 
fully  satisfied  by  what  was  offered,  judge  it  most  expedient  to  leave  said  scrupler 
to  act  in  that  affair  as  he  shall  think  most  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  edifica- 
tion of  his  congregation. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  the  fund  meet  at  nine  o'clock  to-morrow, 
or  Monday,  about  that  affair,  and  that  they  make  a  return  of  what  they  do,  at 
the  next  meeting  of  the  Synod,  viz.  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

1749. 

The  Synod  met  at  Philadelphia,  according  to  appointment. 

3Ia7/  the  24</t,  1749.      Uhi p)ost preces  sederunt 

Ministers  of  Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Boyd,  Elder,  Thomson,  and 
Tate.     Absent :  Messrs.  Zanchy  and  Caven. 

New  Castle  :  Messrs.  Cathcart,  Alison,  Steel,  and  Griffith.  Absent :  Messrs. 
Gillespie,  McDowell,  Alison,  and  Hamilton. 

Philadelphia :  Messrs.  Cross,  McHenry,  Cowell  and  Guild.  Absent : 
Messrs.  David  Evans  and  Elmer. 

Elders :  William  Ewing,  .James  Morrison,  James  Moor,  Robert  King,  An- 
drew Boggs,  William  Lindsay,  George  Amie,  John  Williamson,  Thomas  James, 
and  Robert  Matthews. 


1749.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  195 

Mr.  Griffith  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Guild  clerk. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  Mr.  John  Elder,  with  a  sermon  from  1  Cor.  iv.  1. 

A  proposal  for  peace  and  an  union  between  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  this 
Synod,  was  brought  in  by  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Gilbert  Tenueut,  P^benezer 
Pemberton,  and  Aaron  Burr,  which  was  taken  into  consideration,  and  the  Synod 
resolved  itself  into  a  committee  for  this  purpose,  to  meet  to-morrow  morning, 
at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  the  2bth,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.      Uhi post preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Adjourned  to  four  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  Ibth,  at  four  o'clock,  P.  M.     Uii  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  delegates  from  the  Synod  of  New  Y'^ork,  having  conferred  with  us  for 
some  time  upon  their  plan  for  an  union,  and  having  given  us  some  hopes  that 
our  great  ground  of  complaint  may  be  removed,  the  Synod  resolved  to  leave 
the  further  consideration  of  this  aifair  to  a  commission  of  our  Synod,  who  are 
to  prepare  materials  to  be  laid  before  both  Synods  at  their  next  meeting,  that 
we  may  come  to  a  final  determination,  and  the  Synod  orders  that  a  copy  of 
their  plan  and  confession  be  laid  before  every  Presbytery,  and  that  every  mem- 
ber, if  possible,  be  consulted  on  this  head,  and  that  every  Presbytery  offer  what 
else  they  think  necessary,  in  order  to  answer  that  valuable  end,  and  give  it  in 
charge  to  the  delegates  which  are  to  meet  with  these  brethren. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Griffith  write  a  letter  to  Mr.  Thomson,  in  Virginia,  on 
this  head. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Boyd,  Elder,  Thom,  Cross,  Cowell,  McHenry,  Alison, 
Cathcart,  and  the  moderator,  be  a  commission  to  treat  with  these  gentlemen  at 
Trenton,  the  first  Wednesday  of  October,  and  that  the  clerk  inform  Mr.  Gilbert 
Tennent  of  the  time  and  place  appointed. 

The  affair  of  the  Great  Valley  referred. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

3fay  26,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  31.      Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  sup)ra. 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegall  report  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  Joseph  Tate 
since  our  last,  having  adopted  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith,  and  Cate- 
chisms, according  to  the  order  of  this  Synod. 

3Ir.  David  Brown  returned  to  Scotland  since  our  last. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  McHenry,  Cowell,  Guild,  Cathcart,  Alison, 
McDowell,  Steel,  Boyd,  Elder,  and  Thom,  be  a  commission  of  the  Synod,  and 
committee  for  the  fund,  for  the  following  year,  and  that  Robert  Matthews, 
George  Currie,  Thomas  James,  and  William  Lindsay,  be  joined  as  elders,  and 
that  any  five  of  said  number,  with  the  moderator,  be  a  quorum. 

Ordered,  Messrs.  Cross  and  Boyd  to  revise  New  Castle  Presbytery  book. 
Donegall  Presbytery  book  not  brought  to  Synod. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Alison  and  Tate  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of  Phila- 
delphia. 

Messrs.  Cross  and  Alison  brought  money  to  the  fund. 

The  affair  of  the  school  referred. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Timothy  Griffith  supply  Tredryfrin  as  often  as  he  can  till 
our  next. 

Mr.  Francis  Alison  informs  that  he  has  received  some  part  of  the  debt  due 
to  our  fund  by  Mr.  Anderson's  estate,  and  that  his  attorney  reports  that  it  is 
put  on  a  proper  footing  to  recover  it  to  our  satisfaction  in  some  years. 


196  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1750. 

The  order  to  Mr.  Cross  to  recover  tlie  sum  due  to  our  fund  by  Mr.  Gelston 
and  Cunningham,  is  continued. 

The  order  to  supply  the  inhabitants  of  Virginia  by  two  missionaries,  who 
are  to  be  out  eight  weeks  each  of  them,  every  year,  continued. 

Messrs.  Zanchy  and  Steel  have  supplied  them  according  to  our  orders.  ^ 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Joseph  Tate  go  out  eight  Sabbaths  to  Virginia  this  fall, 
and  Mr.  McHenry  as  many  in  the  spring,  and  that  their  respective  Presby- 
teries take  care  to  supply  then-  congregations  in  their  absence,  the  one-half  of 
the  time. 

The  aifair  of  the  fund  referred  till  our  next. 

Mr.  Alison  requested  that  he  might  be  allowed  to  join  with  the  Presbytery 
of  Philadelphia,  the  consideration  whereof  is  deferred  till  our  next  sederunt. 

Mr.  Cross  requested  supplies  for  his  congregation  for  some  Sabbaths,  till  it 
please  God  that  he  recover  his  health  again. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  d clock,  P.  M.      Uhi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  school  taken  into  consideration,  and  after  a  due  inquiry 
into  the  state  of  it,  the  Synod  unanimously  came  to  the  following  resolu- 
tion, viz. 

That  the  Synod  will  allow  Mr.  Alison  thirty  pounds  per  annum  for  teach- 
ing, and  they  shall  be  allowed  the  privilege  to  exempt  any  scholars  from  pay- 
ing, that  the  trustees  of  the  school  judge  unable  to  bear  the  expenses  of  edu- 
cation, and  that  he  be  allowed  in  all  other  respects  to  demand  and  receive  as 
much  for  all  others  as  he  thinks  fit,  or  is  usual  for  teaching,  and  that  the  com- 
mittee appointed  last  year  shall  meet  the  second  Wednesday  in  March,  and 
visit  the  school. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Mr.  Cross  desired  that  his  congregation  might  be  supplied  by  the  Synod  till 
he  recovered  his  health. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Guild  supply  the  first  Sabbath  in  June,  Mr.  Cowell  the 
second,  Mr.  Alison  the  third,  and  Mr.  Cathcart  the  fourth,  Mr.  Steel  the  next, 
and  that  Mr.  Cross  or  his  congregation  be  allowed  a  discretionary  power  to 
invite  any  other  of  the  brethren  till  the  commission  meets  in  the  fall. 

Adjourned  till  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1750. 

J%  23c?,  1750. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment,  and  several  members  being  ex- 
pected who  are  not  yet  come,  the  Synod  chose  to  defer  entering  on  business  till 
to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

3Iay  24,  at  nine  dclocJc,  A.  M.      Uhi  post  preces  sederunt 

Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  John  Thomson,  Boyd,  Elder,  Zanchy,  Craig, 
Caven,  and  Tate. 

Philadelphia  Presbytery:  Messrs.  Cross,  Cowell,  Guild,  McHenry,  and 
Elmer. 

New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Cathcart,  Alison,  McDowell,  Griffith,  Steel, 
Hamilton,  and  Hector  Alison. 

Elders  :  Thomas  Hope,  Arthur  Foster,  William  Watson,  William  Sherron, 
John  Cross,  Robert  McKnight,  William  Neill,  William  Gillespie,  Thomas 
James,  James  Glasgow,  Ephraim  Wilson,  James  Mcllvaine,  Daniel  Ogden,  and 
William  Scot. 


1750.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  197 

Absent  from  Donegall  Presbytery :  Mr.  Samuel  Thomson  and  Black.  From 
Philadelphia  :  Mr.  Evans.     From  New  Castle :  IMr.  Gillespie. 

Mr.  Steel  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Tate  clerk. 

The  Synod  was  opened  with  a  sermon  on  Rom.  xiv.  19,  by  Mr.  Griffith. 

Mr.  Thom  is  deceased  since  our  last. 

Messrs.  Zanchy  and  Caven's  absence  excused  for  reasons.  Messrs.  Gil- 
lespie's, McDowell's,  Hamilton's  and  Alison's  reasons  for  their  absence  sus- 
tained. 

The  commissioners  appointed  to  treat  with  the  delegates  from  the  Synod 
of  New  York,  met  with  them  at  Trenton  the  first  Wednesday  of  October, 
and  inform  us,  that  after  some  time  spent,  they  could  do  nothing  further  to 
procure  a  union  till  the  meeting  of  both  Synods,  by  reason  of  some  of  the 
brethren  of  the  Synod  of  New  York,  concerning  the  explication  of  their  own 
plan,  which  they  had  offered  to  this  Synod,  upon  which  it  was  unanimously 
agreed,  that  every  member  of  both  Synods  should  study  peace  and  friendship, 
and  that  the  brethren  of  York  Synod  should  communicate  whatever  other  pro- 
posal they  think  necessary  for  procuring  a  union  to  us  at  the  next  synodical 
meeting,  by  Mr.  Hazard,  and  that  we  should  send  them  our  answer  by  the 
same  gentleman. 

We  fmd  that  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent  has  delivered  to  Mr.  Cross  the  copy  of 
a  minute  of  the  Synod  of  New  York,  at  their  sessions  in  Maidenhead,  May 
the  17th,  1750,  which  is  laid  before  us,  and  is  as  follows : 

The  consideration  of  the  union  being  reassumed,  according  to  the  conclu- 
sion of  the  commissioners  of  both  Synods,  the  Synod  is  sorry  that  they  can- 
not proceed  to  make  further  proposals  at  this  time,  through  the  absence  of  last 
year's  clerk,  and  by  that  means  the  want  of  the  minutes  and  the  copy  of  the 
former  plan,  but  still  profess  their  design  to  enter  upon  the  affair  of  the  union 
at  their  next  sessions,  and  in  the  mean  time  to  maintain  a  spirit  of  candour  and 
friendship. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  minute  be  sent  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gilbert  Ten- 
nent, who  is  hereby  appointed  to  deliver  it  to  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  at  the 
beginning  of  their  next  session. 

A  true  copy,  Test.     Thomas  Arthur,  Clerk. 

The  Synod  having  considered  the  report  of  the  commissioners,  and  the 
minute  of  the  Synod  of  New  York,  which  was  laid  before  them,  are  sorry  a 
thing  so  much  desired  by  us  could  not  be  prosecuted  as  our  brethren  of  the 
Synod  of  New  York  intended,  but  expecting  that  we  shall  at  their  next  synodi- 
cal meeting,  have  our  expectations  answered,  by  such  proposals  as  shall  effec- 
tually promote  union,  shall  heartily  join  with  them  in  the  mean  time  in  pur- 
suing such  measures  as  shall  promote  candour  and  friendship. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  minute  be  given  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gilbert 
Tennent. 

The  affair  of  the  Great  Valley  referred. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  McHenry,  Cowell,  Cathcart,  Boyd,  Griffith, 
Francis  Alison,  McDowell,  Tate,  and  the  moderator,  be  the  commission  of 
the  Synod  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  the  committee  for  the  fund,  and  that  any 
five  be  a  quorum,  if  called  by  the  moderator,  and  that  John  Cross,  Thomas 
James  and  William  Neal,  be  joined  as  elders  in  the  affair  of  the  fund. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  book  not  here. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbyterial  books  be  brought  to  our  next  Synod. 

The  following  brethren  brought  money  for  the  fund,  Messrs.  Elder,  Craig, 
Tate,  Cross,  Alison,  McDowell,  Steel,  and  Hamilton. 

The  order  on  Mr.  Cross  with  respect  to  the  sum  due  by  Messrs.  Gelstou  and 
Cunningham,  continued. 

Messrs.  McHenry  and  Tate  fulfilled  their  appointments  in  Virginia. 


198  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1750. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Griffith  supply  the  back  inhabitants  in  Virginia,  eight 
Sabbaths  this  fall,  and  that  Mr.  Samuel  Thomson  supply  them  eight  Sabbaths 
in  the  spring,  and  as  much  more  as  he  can. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o^dock,  P.  31.      Uhi post  prcces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  Great  Valley  referred.  The  affair  of  the  school  and  fund 
referred. 

The  congregation  of  the  Great  Valley  is  remitted  to  the  care  of  the  Presby- 
tery of  Philadelphia,  and  that  Mr.  Griffith  supply  said  congregation  as  fre- 
quently as  possible. 

Upon  reading  a  supplication  from  Brown  Meeting-house  in  Virginia,  the 
Synod  appoint  a  committee  to  meet  on  the  place,  viz.  Messrs.  John  Thomson, 
Black,  and  Griffith,  and  that  they  or  any  two  of  them,  shall  endeavour  to  regu- 
late that,  and  all  other  such  affairs  as  shall  come  before  them. 

The  Synod  resolved  into  a  committee  of  the  whole  house. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

3Iay  the  25  th,  A.  M.      Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

An  affair  concerning  promises  of  marriage  between and  a  young  wo- 
man being  laid  before  the  Synod  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  the  Synod 

on  the  consideration  thereof,  and  because desired,  on  some  accounts,  to 

be  loosed  from  said  obligation,  and  it  was  found  the  young  woman  scrupled 
the  lawfulness  of  their  being  loosed  from  said  obligation,  the  first  question  put 
in  the  affair  was.  Whether  a  single  man  and  woman  having  promised  mar- 
riage to  each  other,  may  lawfully  agree  again  to  release  each  other  from  the 
promise ;  and  after  mature  deliberation,  the  Synod  resolved  the  case,  that  it  was 
lawful,  nemine  contradicente. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Thomson  and  Cathcart,  go  with to  the  young 

woman,  in  order  to  acquaint  her  with  the  Synod's  opinion  to  endeavour  to  issue 
that  affair. 

being  called  before  the  Synod  and  asked,  whether  he  had  promised  to 

this  young  woman  marriage,  he  acknowledged  he  had,  and  that  he  was  culpable 
in  entering  into  such  rash  and  unwarrantable  methods  of  engaging. 

The  question  was  put  censure  or  not,  and  it  was  carried  censure. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  d clock,  P.  M.      Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of reassumed.     Another  question  was  put,  what  censure  is 

to  be  inflicted  upon  him  for  his  misconduct  in  the  above  mentioned  affair  ? 

And  after  serious  consideration  and  much  reasoning  on  this  head,  the  Synod 
came  to  a  resolution,  that  a  rebuke  before  the  Synod  was  necessary  to  show 
our  detestation  of  such  rash  proceedings  in  young  people.  And  that  Mr.  John 
Thomson  admonish  him. 

being  called,  the  minute  in  respect  to  his  affair  was  read  and  he  cen- 
sured accordingly,  to  which  he  submitted. 

The  Synod  being  informed,  that  two  young  men  were  ready  to  offer  them- 
Belves  to  examination  by  the  Synod  or  committee,  according  to  the  act,  Messrs. 
Thomson,  Elder,  Zanchy,  Cross,  McHenry,  Guild,  McDowell,  Steel,  and 
Cathcart,  were  appointed  to  meet  here  to-morrow  morning  at  six  o'clock, 
to  examine  them,  and  that  as  many  of  the  other  brethren  as  think  fit  may 
attend. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  and  school  continued- 
Adjourned  till  nine,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1751.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  199 

May  26,  nine  o^loclc,  A.  M.      Vhi post  pveccs  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  candidates  attended  according  to 
appointment,  and  report  to  the  Synod  that  they  approve  of  them. 
Adjourned  till  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next. 
Concluded  with  prayer. 

1751. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

Mai/  22d,  1751.      Ubi post  jyreces  sederunt 

Members  of  Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Boyd,  Elder,  Black,  and  Tate. 
Absent :  John  Thomson,  Zanchy,  S.  Thomson,  and  Craig. 

Philadelphia  I'resbytcry  :  Messrs.  Cross  and  McHenry.  Absent :  Messrs. 
Elmer,  Cowell,  and  Guild. 

New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Cathcart,  Francis  Alison,  Steel,  Hector 
Alison,  and  Griffith.     Absent :  Messrs.  Gillespie,  McDowell,  and  Hamilton. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Andrew  Wilson,  William  Armstrong,  David  Craig,  Robert 
jMatthews,  John  Me3Iiehael,  George  Currie,  Andrew  Porter,  James  Mcllvaine, 
Thomas  James,  and  William  Eamsey. 

Mr.  Eobert  Cross  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Hector  Alison  clerk. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  a  sermon  on  1  Cor.  iv.  2,  by  Mr.  John  Steel. 

Mr.  Samuel  Caven  is  deceased  since  our  last,  and  likewise  Mr.  David 
Evans. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Samuel  Evans  referred.     The  affair  of  the  union  referred. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  McHenry,  Cowell,  Cathcart,  Boyd,  Griffith  Elder, 
Francis  Alison,  McDowell,  Tate,  and  the  modex'ator,  be  the  commission  of  the 
Synod  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  be  the  committee  for  the  fund,  and  that  four 
with  the  moderator  be  a  quorum ;  and  that  Robert  Mathies,  George  Currie,  and 
William  Armstrong,  be  joined  in  the  affair  of  the  fund. 

Ordered,  The  Presbyteries'  books  be  brought  to  the  next  Synod. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  money  for  the  fund,  the  following 
brethren  brought :  Messrs.  Boyd,  Tate,  Cross,  Cathcart,  Alison,  and  Steel. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cross  write  to  Lewistown,  to  put  them  in  mind  of  their 
duty  concerning  the  fund. 

Mr.  Elder's  affair  referred.     The  affair  of  the  school  referred. 

The  order  on  Mr.  Cross  with  respect  to  the  sums  due  by  Messrs.  Gelston  and 
Cunningham,  be  continued. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

3Ia7/  23,  niVie  o'clock,  A.  M.     Uhi post preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Samuel  Evans  continued.     The  affair  of  the  union  continued. 

Mr.  Elder's  affair  continued.     The  affair  of  the  school  continued. 

Mr.  Griffith  fulfilled  his  appointment  iu  Virginia. 

]NIr.  Thomson  failed  to  fulfil  his  appointments  iu  Virginia,  and  excused. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hector  Alison  supply  the  back  parts  of  Virginia  eight 
Sabbaths  next  fall. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Smith  supply  the  back  parts  of  Virginia  eight  Sabbaths 
next  spring. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Black  supply  Buffalo  settlement  and  adjacent  places  four 
Sabbaths  before  our  next. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Craig  supply  about  Roanoke  and  Reedy  Creek,  and  places 
adjacent,  three  Sabbaths,  and  the  South  Branch  of  Potomac  and  places  adjacent, 
three  Sabbaths  more  before  our  next. 


200  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1751. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Smith  supply  at  Norrington  the  ensuing  Sahbath,  and  at 
the  Great  Valley  the  Tuesday  following. 

The  aiFair  of  the  school  and  fund  continued. 

Mr.  Griffith  complied  with  the  appointment  of  the  Synod  with  respect  to  the 
Great  Valley. 

Mr.  Griffith  met  at  Brown's  meeting-house  in  Virginia,  according  to  appoint- 
ment, and  none  other  of  the  members  meeting,  nor  both  parties,  nothing  was 
done  in  the  affiiir. 

Ordered,  Messrs.  Black  and  Alison  meet  nest  fall  at  Brown's  meeting- 
house to  try  what  they  can  do  in  the  affair,  and  report  the  same  to  the  Synod 
next  meeting. 

Messrs.  Thomson  and  Cathcart  met  at  White  Clay  Creek,  according  to  last 
year's  appointment,  about  Mr.  Alison's  affair,  and  though  they  then  had  not 
full  satisfaction  of  seeing  that  ^affair  concluded  at  that  time,  yet  the  Synod  is 
now  fully  satisfied  by  credible  information,  that  all  obligations  between  said 
parties  are  mutually  discharged  to  the  satisfaction  of  both. 

Commissioners  from  Norrington  petitioned  the  Synod  for  supplies  for  the 
ensuing  year,  which  is  referred  till  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.      Uhi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Upon  considering  the  conduct  of  Mr.  Samuel  Evans,  which  was  referred  to 
the  Synod  for  advices,  it  is  agreed :  That  Mr.  Evans  having  acted  disorderly  in 
dissolving  the  pastoral  relation  between  himself  and  his  people,  and  having 
travelled  to  England  again  and  again,  without  certificates  by  way  of  recom- 
mendation to  the  churches  in  that  part  of  the  world ;  and  having  in  other  things 
acted,  from  time  to  time,  in  a  way  unsuitable  to  his  character  as  a  gospel 
minister,  we  disown  him  as  a  member  of  this  Synod  until  he  give  us  satisfaction 
by  a  return  to  his  duty,  and  amend  his  life  and  conduct. 

The  affair  of  the  union  continued.  Mr.  Elder's  affair  continued.  The  affair 
of  the  school  continued. 

The  affair  of  the  Great  Valley  and  Norrington  came  under  consideration, 
and  appointed  that  Mr.  McHenry  supply  the  first  Sabbath  of  August,  of  Feb- 
ruary, and  May,  at  Norrington,  if  they  be  vacant ;  and  that  Mr.  Cowell  and 
Guild  supply  the  same  place  the  first  Sabbath  of  Jxily,  September,  October, 
December  and  January ;  and  that  Mr.  Griffith  supply  them  one  Sabbath  before 
December  next,  and  must  acquaint  them  of  the  day. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Griffith  supply  the  congregation  of  the  Great  Valley 
one  Sabbath  in  the  month  until  the  candidates  are  licensed,  and  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Philadelphia  agrees  that  these  congregations  may  apply  to  New 
Castle  Presbytery  for  supplies  from  the  said  candidates  when  licensed,  by 
turns,  and  that  Mr.  McHenry  supply  the  Great  Valley  the  fii'st  Sabbath  of 
November. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  2'ith,  at  nine  o'clocli,  A.  M.      Uhi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  union  continued.  Mr.  Elder's  affair  continued.  The 
affair  of  the  school  continued. 

Upon  considering  the  affair  of  the  union,  our  Synod  sent  a  messenger  to 
Mr.  Hazard's  to  see  whether  the  Synod  of  New  York  had  left  any  proposals 
with  him  to  be  delivered  to  us,  to  which  he  answered,  they  had;  but  that  he 
was  ordered  not  to  deliver  them  to  us  without  receiving  our  proposals  to 
them. 


1751.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  201 

The  Synod  finding  that  there  was  some  misapprehension  between  them 
and  the  Synod  of  New  York,  about  the  meaning  of  both  parties  delivering 
their  proposals  sealed  to  Mr.  Hazard,  came  to  the  following  resolution : 

That  since  our  brethren  will  not  allow  us  to  see  their  proposals  till  we  give 
ours  in  writing,  which  our  commissioners  to  Trenton  do  not  agree  to  be  the 
intention  of  that  proposal ;  but  that  this  method  was  intended  to  prevent  cla- 
mour and  misrepresentations.  We  are  determined  to  send  them  our  proposals 
as  soon  as  possible,  but  the  minutes  of  our  proceeding  in  that  aflair,  being  in 
Mr.  McHenry's  hands,  so  that  we  cannot  proceed  as  we  could  wish,  we 
recommend  it  to  our  brethren,  to  use  all  endeavours  to  promote  a  healing 
spirit,  so  that  our  designs  may  be  brought  to  a  comfortable  issue,  and  we  shall, 
through  divine  assistance,  labour  to  do  the  same ;  and  we  shall  meet  for  this 
purpose  the  first  Wednesday  of  September  next,  in  Philadelphia,  that  the 
Synod  of  New  York  may  have  an  opportunity  of  considering  our  overtures, 
and  taking  proper  measures  for  the  concluding  a  union,  which  may  be  of  much 
advantage  to  this  church. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  minute  be  delivered  to  the  Kev.  Mr.  Gilbert 
Tcnueut. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hector  Alison  stay  in  town  till  he  transcribe  our  minutes 
for  these  years  past,  and  that  he  be  paid  out  of  the  fund  for  this  service,  and 
for  settling  the  accounts  of  the  fund. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'cIocTc,  P.  M.     Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  being  informed  that  Mr.  Hugh  Knox  and  Mr.  John  Alison,  are 
waiting  on  them  to  be  examined  according  to  the  rules  of  this  Synod,  it  is 
agreed  that  they  attend  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  at  Elk  River,  the  first 
Tuesday  of  August,  and  be  examined  by  them,  and  that  Messrs.  Boyd  and  Tate 
correspond  with  them  at  that  time. 

The  afi;\ir  of  the  school  considered,  and  ordered,  That  four  scholars  be  en- 
tirely exempted  from  paying,  and  the  residue  of  the  twenty  pounds  is  to  be  divi- 
ded among  such  as  Mr.  Alison  shall  think  fit.  Three  being  mentioned  for  this 
purpose. 

Ordered,  That  the  last  year's  minute  relating  to  the  school  be  continued. 

Ordered,  to  allow  Mr.  Grillespie  five  pounds  out  of  the  fund  for  building 
his  meeting-house,  and  five  pounds  to  Mr.  Elder,  the  first  to  be  paid  on  demand, 
and  the  last  at  our  next  meeting  in  September. 

Adjourned  till  the  first  Wednesday  of  September  ensuing. 

Concluded  with  prayer.  i\ 

1751.  ! 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment  at  four  o'clock,  P.  M. 

September  4t7i,  1751.      V  hi  post  preces  sederunt 

Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Boyd,  Elder,  and  Zanchy. 

Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Cross  and  McHenry. 

New  Castle  Presbytery:  Messrs.  Cathcart,  Alison,  Steel,  and  Hector 
Alison. 

Elders:  Messrs.  Robert  Chambers,  John  Watt,  Robert  Mathies,  James 
Scot. 

Mr.  Cross  continued  moderator,  and  Hector  Alison  clerk. 

Absent  from  Donegall  Presbytery:  Messrs.  Thomson,  Tate,  Craig,  and 
Black.  From  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Cowell,  and  Guild.  From 
26 


202  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1751. 

New   Castle  Presbytery:    Messrs.    Grillespie,   McDowell,   Griffith,   and    Ha- 
milton. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  McHenry,  Cowell,  Cathcart,  Boyd,  Griffith,  Elder, 
Francis  Alison,  McDowell,  Tate,  and  the  moderator,  be  the  commission  of  the 
Synod  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  be  the  commiteee  for  the  fund.  And  that 
four  with  the  moderator  be  a  quorum. 

And  ordered.  That  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  examine  the  young  men 
next  October,  who  offered  themselves  to  trials  at  the  last  meeting  of  our 
Synod. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbytery  Books  be  brought  against  our  next 
Synod. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cross  either  get  in  the  interest  due  upon  our  bonds,  or 
that  he  sue  for  the  principal  and  interest,  and  that  it  be  reported  at  our  next 
sederunt  what  interest  is  due,  and  in  whose  name  the  bonds  are  taken. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  our  last  be  consulted  with  reference  to  our 
Synodical  appointments. 

The  affair  of  the  school  continued,  as  we  determined  at  our  last  meeting,  to 
the  minutes  of  which  we  refer  for  further  information. 

The  affair  of  the  union  of  the  two  Synods  taken  under  consideration. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  proposals  of  the  Synod  of  New  York  for  a 
union  with  this  Synod  in  the  year  1749,  which  were  hitherto  omitted,  be  now 
inserted ;  which  are  as  follow  : 

,  The  Synod  of  New  York  are  deeply  sensible  of  the  many  unhappy  conse- 
quences that  flow  from  our  present  divided  state,  and  have  with  pleasure  ob- 
served a  spirit  of  moderation  increasing  between  many  of  the  members  of  both 
Synods ;  this  opens  a  door  of  hope,  that  if  we  were  united  in  one  body  we 
might  be  able  to  carry  on  the  designs  of  religion  in  future  peace  and  agree- 
ment, to  our  mutual  satisfaction ;  and  though  we  retain  the  same  sentiments 
of  the  work  of  God  which  we  formerly  did,  yet  we  esteem  mutual  forbear- 
ance our  duty,  since  we  all  profess  the  same  Confession  of  Faith,  and  Direc- 
tory of  worship.  We  would,  therefore,  humbly  propose  to  our  brethren  of 
the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  that  all  our  former  differences  be  buried  in  perpet- 
ual oblivion,  and  that  for  the  time  to  come  both  Synods  be  united  in  one,  and 
thenceforth  there  be  no  contention  among  us,  but  to  carry  it  towards  each 
other  in  the  most  peaceable  and  brotherly  manner,  which  we  are  persuaded 
will  be  for  the  honour  of  our  Master,  the  credit  of  our  profession,  and  the  edi- 
fication of  the  churches  committed  to  our  care.  Accordingly  we  appoint  the 
Rev.  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Ebenezer  Pemberton,  and  Aaron 
Burr,  to  be  our  delegates  to  wait  upon  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  with  these 
proposals,  and  if  they  shall  see  meet  to  join  with  us  in  this  desirable  design, 
we  think  it  would  be  best  to  appoint  a  commission  of  both  the  Synods  to  meet 
at  such  time  and  place  as  they  shall  choose,  and  finally  to  determine  this 
affair.  And  to  preserve  the  common  peace  we  would  desire  that  all  names  of 
distinction  which  have  been  made  use  of  in  the  late  times,  be  for  ever  abolished ; 
that  every  member  give  his  consent  to  the  Westminister  Confession  of 
Faith  and  Directory,  according  to  the  plan  formerly  agreed  to  by  the  Synod 
of  Philadelphia,  in  the  year  1729.  Further,  that  every  member  promise  that 
after  any  question  has  been  determined  by  a  major  vote,  he  will  actively  con- 
cur, or  passively  submit,  to  the  judgment  of  the  body,  but  if  his  conscience 
permit  him  to  comply  with  neither  of  these,  that  then  he  shall  be  obliged 
peaceably  to  withdraw  from  our  synodical  communion,  without  any  attempt 
to  make  a  schism  or  division  among  us.  This  is  not  intended  to  extend  to 
any  cases  but  those  which  the  Synod  judge  essential  to  the  maintaining  of 
doctrine,  discipline,  and  worship ;  that  all  our  present  congregations  be  ac- 
knowledged as  congregations  belonging  to  the  Synod,  but  to  belong  to  the 


1751.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  203 

same  Presbytery  as  they  now  do,  till  a  favourable  opportunity  presents  for  an 
advantageous  alteration.  That  we  all  agree  to  esteem  and  treat  it  as  a  culpa- 
ble evil  to  accuse  any  of  our  members  of  error  in  doctrine,  or  immorality  in 
conversation,  any  otherwise  than  by  private  reproof,  till  the  accusation  has 
been  brought  before  a  regular  judicature,  and  issued  according  to  the  known 
rules  of  our  discipline.     Signed  per  order  of  the  Synod, 

Per  Samuel  Finly,  Synod  Clerk. 
The  delegates  from  the  Synod  of  New  York   agreed  to  the  following  con- 
cessions  and  amendments  in   the   forementioned   proposals,  which,  according 
to  the  references  in  them  are  as  follow : 

1.  Though  great  and  good  men  have  been  of  diiFereut  opinions. 

2.  xUways  reserving  a  liberty  for  such  dissenting  members  to  lay  their 
grievances  before  the  Synod  in  a  peaceable  manner.  N.  B.  What  remains  of 
the  sentence  to  be  erased. 

That  there  be  no  intrusions  into  the  bounds  of  Presbyteries,  or  pastoral 
charges,  against  the  inclination  of  the  Presbyteries  or  pastors. 

That  all  candidates  for  the  work  of  the  sacred  ministry  either  be  examined 
and  approved  by  the  Synod  or  its  commission,  previous  to  their  admission 
upon  trials  by  any  of  our  Presbyteries ;  or  else,  that  they  be  obliged  to  obtain 
a  college  diploma,  or  a  certificate  from  the  president  or  trustees  of  the  college, 
that  they  have  been  examined  and  found  qualified. 

Mr.  Grilbert  Tennent  only  objected  against  the  synodical  examination  of 
young  men. 

Agreed  that  the  commissioners  ripen  things  for  our  next  synodical  meet- 
ing, but  not  finally  determine  any  thing. 

The  commissions  of  the  Synods  of  Philadelphia  and  New  York  met  each 
other  according  to  agreement  at  Trenton,  Mr.  Cowell  chosen  moderator,  and 
Thomas  Arthur  clerk. 

Some  difficulties  arising  in  the  conversations  of  the  commissioners  of  both 
Synods,  they  came  finally  and  unanimously  into  this  agreement,  that  both 
Synods  at  their  next  meeting,  do  more  fully  prepare,  and  then  interchange, 
mutual  proposals  for  an  accommodation,  and  in  the  mean  time  there  be  a  mu- 
tual endeavour  to  cultivate  a  spirit  of  candour  and  friendship. 

Thomas  Arthur,  Clerk. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Sejytember  the  bih.      Vhi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  order  relating  to  the  fund  continued. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.      Uhi post  preces  sederunt  qid  supra. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  Synod  having  maturely  and  seriously  considered  the  affair  of  the 
union,  agreed  at  last,  nomine  contradicente,  that  the  following  terms  be  pro- 
posed to  the  Synod  of  New  York,  and  that  Hector  Alison  transcribe  them 
against  our  next  meeting. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Sqyteniber  the  Qth.      Vbi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  proposals  were  transcribed  and  brought  in  according  to  appointment, 
which  were  approved,  and  sent  to  Mr.  Hazard,  and  are  as  follow  : 


204  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1751. 

"  The  Synod  of  Philadelphia  being  deeply  sensible  of  the  unhappy  con- 
sequences of  division,  are  willing  with  pleasure,  to  listen  to  proposals  for  heal- 
ing the  breaches  between  the  two  Synods,  and  as  the  Synod  of  York  ex- 
presses an  earnest  desire  of  an  union,  that  we  may  be  able  jointly  to  carry  on 
the  design  of  religion  in  future  peace  and  agreement,  we  have  considered  your 
plan  of  an  accommodation  laid  before  us  in  the  year  1749,  and  find  that  it  has 
a  peaceable  tendency,  and  for  this  reason  we  determine  to  comply  with  the 
proposals  you  laid  down,  as  closely  and  as  far  as  we  can  expect  to  preserve 
our  future  peace  and  agreement,  and  to  mention  briefly  the  plan  of  union  and 
rules  of  our  conduct  for  time  to  come  towards  each  other,  and  in  our  judica- 
tures. We  propose,  therefore,  (as  the  Synod  of  York  have  proposed  to  us,) 
we  agree  that  all  names  of  distinctions  which  have  been  made  use  of  in  late 
times,  be  for  ever  abolished. 

2.  "  That  every  member  gil^e  his  assent  to  the  Westminster  Confession  of 
Faith  and  Directory,  according  to  the  plan  agreed  on  in  our  Synod,  and  that 
no  acts  be  made  but  concerning  matters  that  appear  to  the  body  plain  duty,  or 
concerning  opinions  that  we  believe  relate  to  the  great  truths  of  religion,  and 
that  all  public  and  fundamental  agreements  of  this  Synod  stand  safe. 

3.  "  That  every  member  engage  that  after  any  question  has  been  deter- 
mined by  a  major  vote,  he  will  actively  concur,  or  passively  submit,  to  the 
judgment  of  the  body,  or  if  his  conscience  permit  him  to  comply  with  neither 
of  these,  he  shall  be  obliged  to  withdraw  peaceably,  always  reserving  him  a 
liberty  to  sue  for  a  review,  and  to  lay  his  grievances  before  the  body  in  a 
Christian  manner. 

4.  "  That  we  agree  to  esteem  it  a  culpable  evil,  and  treat  it  as  such,  to  ac- 
cuse any  of  our  brethren  of  error  in  doctrine,  or  immorality  in  practice,  other- 
wise than  by  private  admonition,  or  to  spread  evil  surmises  that  he  is  grace- 
less, or  unconverted,  till  the  accusation  has  been  brought  before  a  regular 
judicature,  and  issued  according  to  the  rules  of  well  known  church  discipline. 

5.  "  That  no  intrusions  into  the  bounds  of  any  of  our  Presbytei'ies,  or  pas- 
toral charges,  without  the  consent  of  the  Presbytery,  or  minister,  be  first  ob- 
tained implicitly  or  explicitly ;  and  that  no  person  be  excluded  from  any  of 
our  judicatures  without  regular  proceedings,  according  to  our  known  rules  of 
church  discipline  ;  and  that  all  candidates  for  the  sacred  work  of  the  ministry 
be  either  examined  by  the  Synod,  or  their  commission,  and  be  approved  by 
them,  in  the  languages  and  philosophy,  or  shall  be  obliged  to  bring  a  college 
certificate  or  diploma,  to  assert  that  they  are  suitably  qualified  according  to 
tlie  rules  of  that  college,  before  they  be  admitted  to  trials  in  any  of  our  Pres- 
byteries, and  we  promise  that  we  will  encourage  them  to  fall  in  with  this  last 
as  the  most  honourable  and  customary. 

6.  ''  We  propose,  according  to  the  first  article,  that  all  names  of  distinc- 
tion shall  be  for  ever  abolished,  and  for  this  purpose  we  think  it  necessary 
that  our  Presbyteries  shall  be  made  up  every  where  of  the  ministers  that  live 
contiguous  to  one  another,  so  that  there  shall  be  no  such  party  names,  as  old 
and  new  Presbyteries,  for  old  and  new  congregations  to  repair  to,  that  they 
may  obtain  ministers  bearing  party  names ;  and  that  if  any  minister  shall  be 
dissatisfied  to  sit  with  the  Presbytery  that  is  next  to  him,  he  shall,  upon  ap- 
plication to  the  Synod,  have  liberty  to  join  with  the  neighbouring  Presbytery 
which  he  shall  choose,  if  they  think  it  for  edification  to  allow  him  the  liberty. 

7.  ''  And  though  we  cannot  but  lament  the  divisive  practices  that  have  been 
carried  on  in  this  church  these  several  years,  so  much  to  the  disadvantage  of 
religion,  yet  out  of  a  sincere  regard  to  the  peace  of  the  church  we  propose 
that  such  congregations  where  there  are  new  erections,  each  of  which  are  able 
to  support  a  minister,  be  continued,  and  that  such  congregations  where  there 


1752.]  SYNOD  OF  PIIILADELPniA.  205 

are  two  parties,  and  neither  supplied  with  a  minister,  that  all  care  be  taken  by 
the  Presbytery  to  which  they  belong  to  unite  them,  but  that  where  any  erec- 
tions have  been  made  by  these  practices  to  the  prejudice  of  former  standing 
congregations,  and  said  erections  supplied  with  ministers,  that  said  ministers 
be  removed,  and  all  proper  methods  taken  to  heal  the  breach. 

And  though  this  last  proposal  may  seem  to  bear  hard  on  some  ministers, 
yet  we  hope  that  few  will  be  affected  by  it,  and  that  these  may  find  more  com- 
fortable settlements  in  our  numerous  vacancies,  and  be  more  extensively  ser- 
viceable in  Christ's  vineyard;  and  upon  these  terms  we  heartily  agree  with 
the  Synod  of  York,  that  since  we  profess  the  same  Confession  of  Faith,  and 
Directory  for  worship,  all  our  former  differences  be  buried  in  perpetual  obli- 
vion, and  that  henceforth  there  be  no  contention  among  us  but  to  carry  it 
towards  each  other  in  the  most  amicable  and  brotherly  manner. 

Adjourned  till  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1752. 

The  Synod  of  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment. 

May  27,  1752.      Ubi  post  preces  sederunt 

From  Donegal!  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Boyd,  Elder,  Thomson,  Tate.  Absent : 
Messrs.  Zanchy,  Craig,  Black,     Present,  Mr.  Smith. 

Philadelphia:  Messrs.  Cross,  Cowell,  and  McHenry.  Absent:  Messrs. 
Elder  and  Guild. 

\ew  Castle:  Messrs.  Cathcart,  Francis  Alison,  McDowell,  Griffith,  Steel, 
and  Hector  Alison.     Absent :    Messrs.  Gillespie  and  Hamilton. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Thomas  Hope,  Thomas  Dugan,  James  Murphie,  Andrew 
Boggs,  John  Cross,  Hugh  Ferguson,  James  Smith,  Nathaniel  Williams,  Fran- 
cis Williamson,  John  Hall,  John  McNeal,  James  Pagan. 

Mr.  Cowell  moderator,  Mr.  Sampson  Smith  clerk. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  a  sermon  on  1  Tim.  iv.  16,  by  Mr.  Cross,  last 
year's  moderator. 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegall  ordained  Mr.  Sampson  Smith  to  the  work  of 
the  ministry  since  our  last  meeting,  who  is  now  received  as  a  member  of  this 
Synod. 

Mr.  Thomson's  last  year's  absence  excused  for  indisposition.  Mr.  Cow- 
ell's  absence  excused.     Mr.  McDowell  excused  for  reasons  given. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  Boyd,  Cathcart  Griffith,  McHenry,  Elder, 
McDowell,  Tate,  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  ensuing  year,  and 
the  committee  for  the  fund ;  and  that  four  with  the  moderator  be  a  quoroum. 
And  that  John  Cross,  James  Murphey,  and  Hugh  Ferguson,  elders,  be  joined 
in  the  affair  of  the  fund. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbyteries  bring  in  their  books  against  our  next. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  money  for  the  fund,  the  following 
brethren,  Messrs.  McHenry,  Boyd,  Tate,  Steel,  McDowell,  Cathcart,  brought 
something. 

The  consideration  of  the  collection  of  the  fund  referred. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cross  let  Mr.  Gelston  know  that  the  Synod  will  remit 
the  interest  of  the  money  which  he  owes  them,  provided  that  he  forthwith 
pays  the  principal. 

The  affair  of  the  school  deferred. 

Mr.  Hector  Alison  and  Mr.  Smith  fulfilled  their  appointments  in  Virginia. 
Further  appointments  to  Virginia  deferred. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


206  MINUTES  OP  THE  [1752. 

May  28iA,  at  nine  ddock,  A.  M.      Ubi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  met  accordiug  to  adjoiirment.  The  consideration  of  the  collection 
for  the  fund  referred.     The  aifair  of  the  school  referred. 

The  afiair  of  the  union  deferred. 

The  petition  of  Catharine  Cowan  was  brought  in  and  read ;  the  Synod  refer 
this  affair  to  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  together  with  Messrs.  Catheart, 
IMcDowell,  Griffith,  and  Steel,  as  correspondents  from  the  Pesbytery  of  New 
Castle,  to  meet  at  Octorara  the  second  Tuesday  of  August,  and  that  Mr.  Boyd's 
session  give  notice  to  all  parties  concerned. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  2St7i,  at  tJiree  o'clock,  P.  M.      Vhi p)Ost preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  met  according  i^  adjournment. 

The  consideration  of  the  collection  for  the  fund  deferred.  The  affair  of  the 
school  deferred.  The  affair  of  the  union  deferred.  The  consideration  of  the 
supplication  from  Virginia  resumed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McCannan  supply  the  congregations  of  North  and  South 
Mountain,  Timber  Grove,  North  River,  and  Cook's  Creek,  and  at  John  Hin- 
son's  until  the  middle  of  October  next  chiefly,  and  at  other  vacancies  as  often 
as  he  can.  And  that  Mr.  Kinkead  shall  supply  the  same  from  the  middle  of 
November  next  until  the  first  of  March,  provided  he  has  not  received  a  call, 
and  in  that  case  he  shall  continue  eight  weeks  only. 

Ordered  also.  That  Mr.  Craig  supply  these  vacancies  at  their  request,  and 
that  Messrs.  McCannan  and  Craighead  supply  his  congregation,  if  required, 
the  half  of  the  time  he  is  absent. 

A  letter  from  the  Synod  of  New  York  was  brought  in  and  read. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  Alison,  Steel,  McDowell,  Elder,  Boyd, 
McHenry,  and  the  moderator,  be  a  committee  to  consider  the  same,  and  draw 
an  answer,  and  present  it  to  the  Synod  for  their  approbation. 

The  Synod  having  deliberately  considered  the  affair  of  Mr.  Alison's  remo- 
val to  Philadelphia,  referred  to  them  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  judge 
that  the  method  he  used  is  contrary  to  the  Presbyterian  plan.  Yet  con- 
sidering that  the  circumstances  which  urged  him  to  take  the  method  he  used, 
were  very  pressing,  and  that  it  was  indeed  almost  impracticable  to  him  to 
apply  for  the  consent  of  Presbytery  or  Synod,  in  the  orderly  way ;  and  fur- 
ther, being  persuaded  that  Mr.  Alison's  being  employed  in  such  a  station  in 
the  academy,  has  a  favourable  aspect  in  several  respects,  and  a  very  probable 
tendency,  not  only  to  promote  the  good  of  the  public,  but  also  of  the  church, 
as  he  may  be  serviceable  to  the  interests  thereof  in  teaching  philosophy  and 
divinity,  as  far  as  his  obligations  to  the  academy  will  permit,  we  judge  that 
his  proceedings  in  said  affair,  are  in  a  great  measure  excusable.  Withal,  the 
Synod  advises,  that  for  the  future,  its  members  be  very  cautious  and  guard 
against  such  proceedings  as  are  contrary  to  our  known  approved  methods  in 
such  cases. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  A,  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  29/A.      Uhi  post  ptreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  met  at  ten  o'clock,  according  to  adjournment. 

Mr.  Francis  Alison  rec(ucsted  that  he  should  be  allowed  to  sit  as  a  member 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  seeing  he  was  settled  in  their  bounds ;  and 
it  is  ordered  that  he  belong  to  said  Presbytery. 

Affair  of  fund,  collection,  and  school,  &c.  deferred. 


1752.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  207 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  terms  of  accommodation  offered  us 
by  the  Synod  of  New  York,  brought  in  an  overture,  which  was  considered  and 
approved,  and  is  as  follows : 

*'  Upon  perusal  of  yours,  our  pleasing  views  of  a  comfortable  union,  from 
repeated  intimations  of  your  readiness  to  comply  with  what  appeared  reason- 
able, are  considerably  abated ;  especially  as  we  apprehend  you  receding  further 
from  a  union,  and  from  j'our  own  former  proposals  in  order  thereunto,  which 
we  shall  fully  point  out,  being  persuaded  it  is  our  duty,  being  willing  for  and 
desirous  of  a  reasonable  accommodation. 

''  1st.  You  have  rop(>atedly  proposed  that  all  former  differences  be  buried 
in  perpetual  oblivion,  which  you  apprehend  for  the  honour  of  our  Master,  the 
credit  of  our  profession,  and  the  edification  of  the  church.  How,  consistently 
therewith,  do  you  insist  that  the  protestation  of  the  Synod,  in  the  year  1741, 
be  declared  void  and  of  none  effect  ?  and  that  this  declaration  shall  be  a  term 
of  union,  since  the  Synod  have  assured  you,  and  arc  willing  to  declare,  that 
upon  the  union,  they  shall  act  and  carry  it  towards  you  as  if  this  protestation 
had  never  been  made,  looking  upon  the  design  of  the  protestation  answered 
by  reasonable  terms  of  union;  and  if  any  thing  further  be  intended  by  your 
insisting  that  said  protestation  be  declared  void  and  of  no  effect,  we  assure  you 
we  are  well  satisfied  that  said  protestation  was  made  on  sufficient  and  justi- 
fiable grounds,  and  we  are  not  in  the  least  convinced  that  the  Synod  acted 
wrong  in  said  step. 

*'  2dly.  You  insist  that  Presbyteries  shall  continue  as  they  are,  and  declare 
you  see  no  reason  to  dissolve  the  new  modeled  Presbyteries.  How  is  this  con- 
sistent with  your  proposals,  that  all  differences  be  perpetually  buried,  and  that 
all  names  and  distinctions  be  for  ever  abolished ;  nay,  how  can  you  reconcile  it 
in  your  own  minds  with  the  peace  of  this  church,  the  valuable  end  to  be 
aimed  at  by  the  union  ?  besides  we  acquainted  you,  that  an  uniting  of  Pres- 
byteries appeared  to  us  so  requisite  to  the  peace  of  our  church,  that  unless 
your  delegates  had  given  us,  by  their  concessions,  ground  to  believe  your 
Synod  would  have  consented  to  this,  we  should  have  looked  upon  any  attempt 
for  union  as  vain  and  useless. 

"  And  your  own  former  proposals  on  this  head,  viz :  that  congregations  as 
they  are  at  present,  should  belong  to  the  same  Presbytery  they  now  do,  till  a 
favourable  opportunity  of  an  advantageous  alteration,  gave  us  ground  to  appre- 
hend that  you  would  consent,  from  the  apparent  necessity  of  the  thing,  to  this 
advantageous  alteration. 

"  odly.  You  have  formerly  declared,  that  though  your  sentiments,  of  what 
you  esteemed  a  work  of  Grod,  continued  the  same,  yet  you  judged  mutual  for- 
bearance your  duty,  since  we  all  profess  the  same  Confession  of  Faith  and 
Directory  for  worship.  But  now  you  seem  to  insist  on  a  joint  testimony  for 
such  a  glorious  work  of  God,  in  the  late  religious  appearances,  as  a  term  of 
union,  by  making  it  one  of  your  proposals  for  peace  and  union,  that  you  hope 
both  Synods  will  go  into  such  a  testimony.  How  is  this  consistent  with  your 
former  professed  sentiments  of  the  duty  of  forbearance  in  said  case,  and  with  your 
declared  sentiments,  that  no  difference  in  judgment  in  cases  of  plain  sin  and 
duty,  and  opinions  relating  to  the  great  truths  of  religion,  is  a  sufficient  reason 
why  the  differing  member  should  be  obliged  to  withdraw,  unless  the  said  plain 
duty  or  truth  be  judged  by  the  body  essential,  in  doctrine  or  discipline  ?  And 
we  think  it  strange  you  would  insist  on  this  or  even  mention  it  as  a  proposal 
for  union,  seeing  your  delegates  before  us  conceded  that  both  great  and  good 
men  had  differed  from  them  on  that  head,  besides  your  own  declaration  on 
that  affair,  viz  :  that  you  doubt  not  but  that  there  were  several  follies  and  ex- 
travagancies of  the  people  and  artifices  of  Satan  intermixed  with  what  you  call 
a  glorious  work  of  Grod's  Spirit,  plainly  evince  the  difficulty  of  such  a  testi- 


208  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1752. 

mony,  especially  to  such  wlio  cannot  easily  be  persuaded  to  declare  that  these 
religious  appearances  were  a  saving  work  of  God's  Spirit. 

"  Besides,  in  order  to  such  a  testimony,  in  an  affair  confessedly  difficult, 
that  it  be  consistent  with  reason  and  a  good  conscience,  we  apprehend  that  it 
is  your  business  and  duty  who  hope  for,  and  insist  on  such  testimony,  that  you 
point  out  what  you  believe  to  be  a  glorious  work  of  Grod's  Spirit  in  the  late 
religious  appearances,  and  what  to  be  the  follies  and  extravagancies  of  the 
people,  and  the  artifices  of  Satan,  that  so  a  distinct  testimony  be  given  for  the 
encouragement  of  the  one,  and  for  preventing  the  other,  and  undeceiving  many 
among  the  simple  and  ignorant  who  may  have  mistaken  the  one  for  the  other, 
and  yet  continue  in  the  mistake. 

"  4thly.  We  have  condescended  for  the  sake  of  peace,  that  all  the  minis- 
ters belonging  to  your  Synod,  and  all  their  congregations,  should  belong  to 
this  body ;  but  when  intrusions  have  been  made  by  disorderly  ministers  into 
our  congregations,  so  as  to  render  them  incapable  to  perform  their  solemn  en- 
gagements to  their  pastors,  we  think  these  things  that  are  so  unjust  ought  to 
be  rectified,  yet,  if  consistent  with  the  rights  of  gospel  ministers,  you  can  find 
a  salve  for  this  difficulty,  we  will  gladly  approve  of  it. 

"  5thly.  As  for  our  sentiments  in  other  affairs,  relating  to  the  proposed 
union,  we  refer  you  to  our  late  proposals,  which  we  apprehend  just  and  rea- 
sonable, and  as  yet  see  no  just  reasons  to  recede  from,  or  make  any  material 
abatements  of  them ;  and  particularly  in  regard  to  proposals  for  deciding  affairs 
by  majority  of  vote,  we  apprehend  it  strictly  Presbyterian  and  reasonable,  and 
are  not  convinced  that  the  alteration  in  that  article  proposed  by  you  about  what 
is  essential  and  what  not,  is  necessary ;  nay,  we  apprehend  that  such  an  altera- 
tion as  stated  by  you,  has  a  bad  aspect,  and  opens  a  door  for  an  unjustifiable 
latitude  both  in  principles  and  practice, 

"  6thly.  We  are  much  satisfied  to  hear  you  propose  that  young  men  should 
bring  college  certificates,  seeing  that  you  have  now,  by  the  goodness  of  Divine 
Providence,  a  college  erected.  We  are  and  ever  were  as  much  for  this,  and 
more  than  some  of  these  brethren  who  once  belonged  to  this  Synod ;  and  we 
would  put  you  in  mind  that  there  were  colleges  erected  in  reach  of  your  youth 
before  you  had  one  in  New  Jersey.  But  no  regard  was  to  be  paid  to  our  re- 
peated desires  and  public  votes  that  our  young  men  should  have  education, 
and  certificates  from  them,  when  it  was  proposed  by  our  Synod;  and  we 
think  that  our  Synod  may  find,  among  their  number,  men  as  well  qualified  to 
examine  and  judge  of  men's  abilities  as  either  the  tutors,  trustees,  or  rectors 
of  your  college,  so  that  we  think  the  approbation  of  our  Synod,  or  committee, 
a  good  alternative,  and  yet  will  give  it  up  if  you  oblige  all  your  candidates  to 
bring  college  certificates,  unless  in  extraordinary  cases,  and  these  shall  be  settled 
to  prevent  such  disorders  as  we  have  seen  and  felt  in  time  past. 

"At  present  we  are  well  pleased  with  any  degree  of  a  disposition  towards 
peace  and  union  professed  by  you,  and  are  resolved  to  cultivate  and  improve, 
in  ourselves,  and  others  in  any  measure  under  our  influence,  the  same  peace- 
able disposition,  and  to  concur  heartily  with  you  in  any  plan  of  accommodation 
reasonable  and  consistent  with  our  profession  as  Presbyterians,  and  for  the  good 
of  the  Church  and  honour  of  our  Lord  and  Master." 


At  three  o^  clock,  P.  M.     TIM  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  affair  of  the  school  came  under  consideration,  and  it  is  appointed  that  it 
be  under  the  care  of  Mr.  Alexander  McDowell  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  that 
he  employ  an  assistant,  and  that  it  be  examined  by  the  Presbytery  of  New 


1753.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADBLPIIIA.  209 

Castle  the  second  Wednesday  of  April,  and  that  be  be  allowed  for  his  encour- 
agement twenty  pounds  per  annum. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

3Iay  dOth,  at  nine  o'cI<x7c,  A.  M.      The  Synod md.      Uhi post ^^reces  sederunt 

qui  sup)-a. 
Ordered,  That  the  letter  for  the  Synod  of  New  York  be  sent  to  them,  and 
committed  to  the  care  of  Mr.  Samuel  Hazard. 

Adjourned  till  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  1753.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1753. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

3Iai/   23,1753.      Ul)i post  preces  sederunt 

From  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall:  Messrs.  Boyd,  Zanchy,  Elder,  Tate, 
Smith.     Absent :  Messrs.  Thomson,  Craig,  IJlack. 

From  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Cross  and  Alison.  Absent :  Messrs. 
Cowell,  Elmer,  Guild,  McHenry. 

From  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Cathcart,  Steel,  Alison.  Absent : 
Messrs.  Gillespie,  McDowell,  Griffith,  Hamilton. 

Elders :  Francis  Gardner,  Robert  Dugau,  Brice  Innis,  Patrick  Campbell, 
William  Marshall,  John  Williamson,  John  Hall,  JMoses  Irwin,  James  Mackey. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  Mr.  Hector  Alison,  with  a  sermon  from  Jer. 
ix.  23,  24 ;  Mr.  Cowell,  last  year's  moderator,  being  absent. 

Mr.  Hector  Alison  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Zanchy  clerk. 

Mr.  Zanchy  gave  reasons  for  his  absence  last  year,  which  were  sustained. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  Boyd,  Cathcart,  Steel,  Elder,  McHenry, 
McDowell,  Tate,  and  the  moderator,  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the 
ensuing  year,  and  the  committee  for  the  fund ;  and  that  four,  with  the  mode- 
rator, be  a  quorum ;  and  that  Patrick  Campbell,  William  Marshall,  and  John 
Cross,  be  joined  in  the  affair  of  the  fund. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbyteries  bring  in  their  books  to-morrow  morning. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  money  for  the  fund,  it  was  found  the 
following  brethren  brought,  viz.  Messrs.  Boyd,  two  pounds  five  shillings; 
Tate,  one  pound  six  shillings ;  Steel,  seventeen  shillings ;  Smith,  one  pound 
ten  shillings;  Cathcart,  ten  shillings;  Hector  Alison,  one  pound;  Cross,  six 
pounds  thirteen  shillings;  McDowell,  thirteen  shillings  and  four  pence;  Mr. 
Zanchy's  congregation  is  to  contribute  to  the  fund  for  the  use  of  the  school. 

The  afiair  of  Virginia  deferred. 

The  afiiiir  of  the  school  deferred. 
Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  24:th,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.      Uhi post  preces  sederunt  qui  sup)ra. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Thomson  and  Hugh  Conn  died  since  our  last 
Synod. 

Messrs.  McDowell  and  Grifl&th  came  this  day  and  gave  the  reasons  of  their 
yesterday's  absence,  which  were  sustained. 

Mr.  Cowell  sent  us  a  letter  containing  reasons  for  his  non-attendance,  which 
were  sustained. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  brought  in  their  book  according  to  yesterday's 
order,  and  Messrs.  Elder  and  Tate  are  appointed  to  revise  it. 
07 


210  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1753. 

The  affair  of  Virginia  deferred.  The  affair  of  the  school  deferred.  The  con- 
Bideration  of  the  affair  of  the  fund  deferred. 

We  received  a  copy  of  the  minutes  of  the  Synod  of  New  York,  containing 
the  reasons  why  they  could  not  enter  on  the  affair  of  the  union  so  as  to  give 
an  answer  to  our  last  year's  letter. 

Mr.  McKennan  fulfilled  his  appointment  in  Virginia.  Mr.  Kinkead  did 
not  fulfil  his,  for  which  he  gave  reasons  that  are  sustained,  and  the  rather  be- 
cause Mr.  McKennan  supplied  the  congregations  in  Virginia  in  his  room. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  school  report  that  they  had  ful- 
filled the  appointed,  and  were  well  pleased  with  the  proficiency  of  the  scholars, 
and  care  of  the  master. 

The  further  consideration  of  the  affair  of  the  school  is  deferred. 

It  being  reported  to  the  Synod  that  there  is  a  supplication  from  Carolina, 
the  Synod  defer  that  with  thovaffair  of  Virginia,  till  our  next  sederunt. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  applied  to  the  Synod,  that  whereas  Mr. 
Hector  Alison  had  laid  certain  grievances  before  them,  and  sued  for  a  dismis- 
sion from  his  pastoral  charge,  and  as  the  affair  appeared  to  be  of  great  im- 
portance, and  required  a  final  decision  at  their  next  meeting,  humbly  requests 
that  the  Synod  would  join  some  members  out  of  the  other  Presbyteries  with 
them  to  judge  of  that  affair;  and  that  said  Presbytery,  with  such  members, 
be  appointed  to  act  as  a  comission  of  the  Synod,  and  in  that  capacity  judge  that 
affair. 

The  Synod  granted  said  request,  and  accordingly  appoints  Messrs.  Boyd, 
Tate,  and  Smith,  to  meet  with  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  on  the  first 
Tuesday  of  August  next,  at  New  London,  for  that  purpose ;  and  further,  the 
Synod  enjoins  it  on  said  Presbytery  to  give  timely  notice  to  Mr.  Alison's  con- 
gregations of  the  design  of  said  meeting. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer 

May  24:th,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Vhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  affair  of  Virginia  deferred.  The  affair  of  the  school  came  under  con- 
sideration, and  is  continued  under  Mr.  McDowell's  care  and  inspection  for  an- 
other year,  upon  the  same  footing  as  was  agreed  last  year. 

Ordered,  That  New  Castle  Presbytery,  as  our  committee  for  the  school,  ex- 
amine the  same  in  the  fall  and  spring,  and  make  report  to  next  Synod. 

The  supplications  from  Virginia  and  North  Carolina  were  considered,  and 
tite  Synod  orders  Mr.  McMordie  to  supply  the  vacancies  in  those  parts  for 
ten  weeks,  or  longer  if  he  find  it  needful,  and  that  he  pay  a  greater  regard  to 
the  larger  societies  that  have  supplicated  this  Synod  from  time  to  time,  and  at 
the  same  time  do  what  he  can  to  promote  the  benefit  of  younger  settlements, 
and  that  he  set  out  the  first  of  July  next,  and  that  Mr.  Donaldson,  in  like 
manner,  supply  the  same  back  parts,  and  continue  there  for  ten  weeks,  or  as 
much  longer  as  he  thinks  fit,  and  that  he  shall  set  out  the  first  of  October. 
The  Synod  recommends  it  to  Messrs.  McMordie  and  Donaldson  to  show  a 
special  regard  to  the  vacancies  of  North  Carolina,  especially  betwixt  Atkin 
and  Catoba  rivers,  in  giving  them  a  considerable  part  of  the  time  they  spend 
in  those  back  parts. 

A  member  of  the  congregation  of  Norrington  applied  to  the  Synod  suppli- 
cating the  ordination  of  Mr.  Kinkead,  as  fast  as  the  stated  rules  and  methods 
used  in  our  Presbyteries  will  permit. 

The  Synod  having,  at  some  considerable  length,  considered  the  difficulties 
which  the  Presbyteries  of  New  Castle  and  Philadelphia  offered,  each  for 
themselves,  as  reasons  why  they  could  not  attend  on  the  trials  and  ordination 


1754.]  SYNOD  OF  PniLADELPIIIA.  211 

of  Mr.  Kinkead,  so  as  to  answer  the  request  of  the  congregations,  came  to  this 
conclusion,  that  inasmuch  as  the  congregations  of  the  Great  Valley  and  Nor- 
rington  properly  belonged  to  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  that  said  Pres- 
bytery should  attend  the  trials  and  manage  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Kinkead, 
and  lest  a  delay  might  be  occasioned  by  the  paucity  and  distance  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  Mr.  Cathcart  is  ordered  to  correspond 
with  said  Presbytery  as  an  assistant. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  at  ten  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  Ibth.     Uhi post preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  the  fund  meet  at  Mr.  Cross's,  at  four 
o'clock,  P.  M. 

Mr.  Alexander  Miller,  from  the  parish  of  Ardstraw,  in  Ireland,  applied  to 
us  for  liberty  to  preach  the  gospel  as  a  minister  of  this  Synod.  He  acknow- 
ledged he  was  degraded  by  the  Presbytery  of  Letterkcuny,  and  Sub-Synod 
of  Londonderry,  and  the  General  Synod  in  Ireland,  but  complained  that  they 
treated  him  hardly  aud  unjustly,  and  offered  the  minutes  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Letterkcuny  to  our  consideration,  to  justify  his  conduct.  The  Synod  having 
seriously  considered  his  allegations,  think  that  they  have  no  right  to  judge  of 
the  proceedings  of  the  judicatories  in  Ireland ;  that  they  have  not  the  minutes 
of  the  Sub- Synod,  and  General  Synod,  and  for  that  reason  think  it  would  be 
partial  and  unfair  to  believe  that  so  many  men  of  candour  and  integrity  would 
treat  him  in  their  judicatories  severely  and  unjustly ;  and  as  several  of  our 
members  have  wrote  to  their  correspondents  in  that  church,  they  think  they 
would  act  wrong  to  encourage  a  man  which  is  cast  out  of  their  churches,  till 
they  hear  for  what  reasons,  and  we  would  warn  all  the  societies  under  our  care 
to  give  him  no  encouragement  as  a  minister,  till  his  character  be  cleared,  and 
he  be  acknowledged  as  a  gospel  minister  by  us. 

Adjourned  till  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

1754. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment, 

Philadelphia^  May  22d,  1754.      Uhi  post  preces  sederunt 

From  Donegall  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Boyd,  Elder,  Steel,  and  Thomson. 

From  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Cross,  Alison,  McHenry,  and 
Elmer. 

From  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  McDowell  and  Alison. 

Elders :  Messrs.  John  Henderson,  Robert  Chambers,  John  Alison,  John 
Johnston,  Robert  Meckey,  and  James  Vance. 

Absent  from  Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Zanchy,  Thomson,  Black,  and 
Craig.  From  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Gillespie  and  Hamilton. 
From  Philadelphia :  Messrs.  Cowell  and  Guild. 

Since  our  last  Messrs.  Robert  Cathcart  and  Timothy  Griffith  were  removed 
by  death. 

Since  our  last  Mr.  Robert  McMordie  was  ordained  in  the  bounds  of  Done- 
gall Presbytery,  and  Mr.  John  Kinkead  in  Philadelphia  Presbytery. 

Mr.  Hector  Alison,  our  last  year's  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  with  a  ser- 
mon from  1  Cor.  iv.  2. 

Mr.  Francis  McHenry  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Smith  clerk. 

Messrs.  Elmer's  and  McHenry's  absence  from  our  last  excused  for  reasons 
given.     Mr.  Gillespie  gave  his  reasons  for  his  absence. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


212  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1754. 

May  23f?,  the  Synod  met  accordinq  to  adjournment.  Uhi  post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra, 

Mr.  Thomson's  last  year's  absence  excused  for  reasons  given. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  Boyd,  Steel,  Elder,  McDowell,  Tate,  Smith, 
and  the  moderator,  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  ensuing  year,  and 
the  committee  for  the  fund,  and  four,  with  the  moderator,  be  a  quorum ;  and 
that  John  Johnston,  John  Alison,  Robert  Meckey,  be  elders,  joined  in  the 
affair  of  the  fund. 

Inquiry  being  made  whether  or  no  the  several  Presbyteries  had  brought  in 
their  books,  it  was  found  that  the  books  of  New  Castle  and  Donegall  were  not 
brought ;  ordered.  That  they  bring  them  against  our  next. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  money  for  the  fund,  it  was  found  that 
the  following  brethren  brought,  viz :  Mr.  Boyd  two  pounds  ten  shillings,  Mr. 
Smith  one  pound  ten  shillings,  Mr.  Thomson  ten  pounds,  Messrs.  Cross, 
McHenry,  and  Alison,  six  pounds. 

Ordered,  That  every  Presbytery  enjoin  their  absent  members  to  send  their 
collections  for  the  fund  to  the  Presbytery,  to  be  remitted  to  the  Synod  yearly, 
or  their  trustee. 

The  commission  of  the  Synod  appointed  to  act  in  the  affair  of  Mr.  Hector 
Alison's  removal,  met  according  to  appointment  and  detrcrmined  it. 

The  affair  of  the  school  deferred.  The  affiiir  of  the  back  country  came 
under  consideration. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Tate  and  Kinkead  supply  those  vacancies  any  time 
not  exceeding  three  months. 

The  meeting  of  the  committee  for  the  fund,  deferred. 

Ordered,  That  every  Presbytery  appoint  one  of  their  number  to  preach  on 
Friday  evening,  when  the  Synod  is  met. 

A  proposal  was  made  by  Mr.  Alison,  for  laying  some  plan  for  a  fund  for 
the  support  of  ministers'  widows,  which  was  referred  till  further  consideration. 
Mr.  Steel's  affair  deferred. 

A  reference  from  Philadelphia  Presbytery  relating  to  Mr.  Elmer,  deferred. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.  TJbi  post  preces  sederunt  qui 
supra. 

The  affair  of  the  school  referred.  Mr.  McDowell,  under  whose  care  and 
inspection  the  school  has  been  for  these  two  last  years,  has  declined  to  have 
the  whole  burden.  Therefore,  Mr.  Wilson  is  appointed  to  teach  the  languages, 
Mr.  McDowell  undertaking,  from  a  sense  of  the  public  good,  to  continue  to 
teach  logic,  mathematics,  natural  and  moral  philosophy,  &c ;  and  it  is  agreed, 
that  Mr.  "Wilson  have  the  same  encouragement  which  Mr.  McDowell  had ;  and 
it  is  further  agreed,  that  the  Presbytery  have  a  special  regard  to  Mr.  Wilson  in 
their  appointments,  in  not  sending  him  to  those  vacancies  which  are  too  far 
distant  for  his  attendance  in  the  beginning  of  the  week. 

Ordered,  That  New  Castle  Presbytery  and  Messrs.  Boyd  and  Smith,  be  the 
committee  to  visit  the  school  twice  in  the  year,  viz :  the  first  Tuesdays  of 
October  and  April. 

The  meeting  of  the  committee  of  the  fund  deferred.  The  proposal  for  laying 
the  plan  for  a  fund  to  support  ministers'  widows,  deferred.  The  reference  from 
Philadelphia  relating  to  Mr.  Elmer,  reassumed. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  McHenry,  Cowell,  and  Kinkead,  go  to  Mr.  Elmer's 
congregation  and  endeavour  to  remove  the  difficulties  he  complains  of  before 
our  next  meeting,  and  that  Mr.  Cross  write  to  Mr.  Cowell  to  attend  on  the  day 
which  may  be  agreed  on. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1754.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  213 

May  24.  Tlie  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.  Uhi  post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Upon  au  application  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Ca.stle  for  assistance,  it  is 
ordered,  that  Messrs.  Boyd  and  Smith  sit  with  them  till  our  next  meeting,  and 
be  excu.sed  from  attending  Donegall  farther  than  they  think  convenient,  and 
that  Mr.  Kinkead  correspond  with  them  in  iVugust. 

The  meeting  of  the  committee  for  the  fund  deferred. 

A  plan  for  the  support  of  ministers'  widows  was  offered  to  the  Synod  and 
considered. 

Ordered,  That  a  fair  copy  be  drawn  against  our  next  sederunt  and  inserted. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  Boyd,  and  Alison,  wait  upon  Mr.  Allen  at  such 
a  time  as  shall  be  found  convenient. 

A  letter  from  the  Synod  of  New  York  was  brought  in  and  read. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Alison,  Steel,  and  Elder,  be  a  committee  to  form 
proposals  to  the  Synod  for  the  supporting  ministers'  widows,  against  four 
o'clock. 

Adjourned  till  four  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui 
supra. 

Upon  a  supplication  of  the  congregation  of  Middleton  to  the  Synod,  Mr. 
Kinkead  is  appointed  to  supply  said  congregation,  the  last  Sabbaths  of  June 
and  July. 

The  meeting  of  the  eommittee  of  the  fund  deferred. 

The  plan  of  the  fund  for  supporting  ministers'  widows,  was  brought  in, 
read,  approved,  and  signed,  by  all  the  ministers  then  present. 

The  committee,  according  to  appointment,  brought  an  answer  to  the  letter  to 
the  Synod  of  New  York,  which  was  read  and  approved. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  fairly  transcribed  against  our  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  25.      The   Synod  met   according  to  adjournment.      Uhi  post  preces 
sedenmt  qui  supra. 

The  meeting  of  the  committee  of  the  fund  deferred. 

The  Synodical  company  agree,  in  order  to  complete  their  plan  and  carry  it 
into  full  execution,  that  each  Presbytery  shall  choose  a  member  to  represent 
them,  and  send  by  him  their  several  quotas  to  the  fund  the  second  Wednesday 
of  October  next,  and  these  representatives  then  met,  shall  put  the  stock  into 
the  hands  of  appointed  trustees,  and  see  the  proper  regulations  of  it,  a  copy 
whereof  shall  be  returned  to  each  Presbytery,  and  as  many  more  members  may 
come  to  assist  in  the  affair  as  can  conveniently. 

On  reading  the  minute  concerning  the  proposals  to  be  sent  to  the  brethren 
of  the  Synod  of  New  York,  it  is  agreed  on  farther  consideration,  to  defer  send- 
ing proposals  until  conference  be  first  had  with  some  members  of  New  York 
Synod,  commissioned  for  that  purpose,  which  we  judge  a  better  expedient  than 
the  present  method  of  treating  of  an  union ;  inasmuch  as  a  very  pacific  temper 
seems  to  prevail  in  the  members  of  both  Synods,  and  a  letter  be  wrote  impart- 
ing our  desire  of  said  conference  against  our  next. 

The  members  appointed  waited  on  Mr.  Allen,  who  informed  them,  in  pur- 
suance of  Mr.  Humphry  Murray's  last  will,  he  will  allow  sixty  pounds  for  the 
benefit  of  ministers'  widows. 

Ordered;  That  Messrs.  McDowell  and  Smith  represent  briefly  some  of  the 


214  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1755. 

most  dangerous  opinions  and  practices  of  the  seceders,  and  get  them  printed, 
and  that  the  books  be  divided  among  the  ministers,  who  are  to  sell  them  where 
these  gentlemen  are  doing  most  damage.  Memorandum,  that  no  one  piece 
exceed  a  sheet. 

At  the  request  of  Mr.  Cross,  it  is  ordered,  that  Mr.  Alison  or  Mr.  Cross 
shall  have  allowance  to  write  to  any  minister  to  come  and  preach  two  Sabbaths 
at  any  time  during  Mr.  Cross's  illness. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  the  fund  meet  at  Mr.  Cross's,  at  four 
o'clock,  this  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  the  fourth  "Wednesday  of  May  next.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1755, 

The  Synod  met  according  to  Vippointment. 

Philadelphia,  May  2Sth,  1755.      U hi  post  preces  sederunt 

From  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Cross,  Alison,  McHenry,  Cowell, 
Guild,  and  Kinkead. 

From  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  McDowell  and  Alison. 

From  Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Boyd,  Zanchy,  Steel,  Tate,  Smith,  and 
McMordie. 

Elders :  Messrs.  John  Johnston,  William  Donaldson,  Thomas  Hope,  James 
Anderson,  Thomas  Scot,  and  Joseph  Armstrong. 

Absent  of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Grillespie  and  Hamilton.  Of 
Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Elder,  Thomson,  Black,  and  Craig. 

Mr.  Tate  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Donaldson  clerk. 

Mr.  McHenry,  the  last  year's  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon 
from  Heb.  x.  24. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  29  th.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Ubi  post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  Zanchy,  Tate,  and  Guild,  gave  reasons  for  their  absence  from  last 
year's  Synod,  which  were  sustained. 

Since  our  last  Mr.  Elmer  is  removed  by  death. 

Mr.  Gillespie's  absence  excused  because  of  his  indisposition. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  Boyd,  Steel,  Cowell,  Smith,  McHenry,  Francis 
Alison,  and  the  moderator,  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  ensuing 
year.     The  affair  of  the  fund  deferred. 

None  of  the  Presbyteries  produced  their  books,  the  omission  is  greatly 
blamed,  and  it  is  recommended  to  them  to  be  more  careful  for  the  time  to 
come. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  money  for  the  fund,  it  is  found 
that  none  advanced  any,  save  Messrs.  Cross,  Boyd,  Zanchy,  Steel,  and  Mc- 
Henry.    The  affair  of  the  school  deferred. 

Messrs.  Tate  and  Kinkead  fulfilled  their  appointments  in  Virginia.  The 
mission  to  Virginia  and  Carolina  deferred. 

Ordered,  That  evei-y  Presbytery  appoint  one  of  their  number  to  j)reach  on 
Friday  evening,  at  the  future  meetings  of  the  Synod,  if  required. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Boyd  and  Smith  continue  to  sit  with  New  Castle 
Presbytery  till  our  next. 

The  plan  of  a  fund  for  ministers'  widows  deferred. 

A  letter  was  sent  to  the  Synod  of  New  York,  as  ordered  at  our  last,  de- 
siring that  some  of  their  members  might  be  appointed  as  commissioners  to 


1755.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  215 

treat  of  an  union;  and  we  now  understand  that  there  are  commissioners 
waiting  on  this  Synod  for  a  conference.  After  the  aflfair  was  considered  in 
Synod,  in  order  to  furnish  such  as  should  be  appt)intcd  to  meet  those  brethren, 
with  some  instructions,  the  Synod  appoint  Messrs.  Cross,  Boyd,  Francis  Alison, 
Steel,  McHenry,  Cowell,  and  McDowell,  to  meet  with  them  at  three  o'clock 
this  afternoon,  and  that  notice  hereof  be  given  to  them. 
Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  30?A,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.      Ubipost  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  conference  appointed  with  New  York  brethren,  was  continued  so  long 
yesterday  afternoon,  that  the  Synod  did  not  meet  till  this  morning. 

Ordered,  That  the  affair  of  the  widows'  fund  and  of  the  Synod's  fund  be 
continued. 

Ordered,  That  every  minister,  according  to  our  former  agreement,  propose 
the  collection  for  the  fund  to  his  congregation,  and  as  it  is  a  Synodical  appoint- 
ment, it  is  inconsistent  with  our  church  government  to  be  under  the  check  or 
prohibition  of  a  church  session ;  they  indeed  may  give  or  withhold  their  cha- 
rity, but  may  not  prevent  a  minister  to  propose  it  publicly,  according  to  our 
appointment.  Ordered  likewise.  That  every  Presbytery  take  care  of  the  con- 
duct of  their  members,  how  they  observe  this  agreement  previous  to  their 
coming  to  the  Synod,  and  that  they  gather  the  collection  from  absent  members. 

The  Synod  having  taken  into  consideration  the  Virginia  and  Carolina  sup- 
plications, order,  That  Mr.  Donaldson  supply  the  back  inhabitants  of  Virginia 
and  North  Carolina,  at  least  three  months  next  fall ;  and  that  he  in  particular 
pay  a  regard  to  the  supplications  that  were  laid  before  this  Synod  by  some  of 
these  back  inhabitants.  That  Mr.  Wilson  supply  them  in  like  manner,  for 
three  months  next  winter ;  and  Mr.  McKennan  for  three  months  next  spring. 

A  plan  of  a  fund  for  ministers'  widows  was  proposed  and  considered.  Or- 
dered, That  it  lie  under  consideration,  and  that  the  amendments  be  made  which 
were  now  proposed  on  reading  the  overture. 

Ordered,  That  a  fast  be  appointed  by  the  Synod  through  our  bounds  before 
we  part. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Uli  post  preces  sederunt  qui 
supra. 

The  affair  of  the  widows'  fund  reassumed.  A  plan  for  the  same  read  and 
approved  as  it  here  follows  : 

In  order  to  increase  a  certain  fund  now  in  our  hands,  and  have  the  same 
duly  applied  to  support  our  widows  and  children  after  our  decease,  we,  sub- 
scribing members  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  do  promise  and  agree  to  and 
with  each  other  in  manner  following,  that  is  to  say : 

I.  Each  of  us  shall  annually  pay  into  the  common  stock  the  sum  of  two 
pounds,  or  of  three  pounds,  of  lawful  money,  as  every  one  chooses,  the  first 
payment  to  be  made  immediately  upon  concluding  this  agreement,  and  one  on 
the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  every  year  thereafter  as  long  as  we  live. 

II.  Every  minister  hereafter  becoming  a  member  of  the  Synod  of  Phila- 
delphia, shall  have  a  right  to  come  into  this  agreement,  to  choose  which  of 
these  different  payments  he  will  subject  himself  unto,  and  so  have  the  pri- 
vileges of  a  member  of  this  fund  company.  And  so  may  every  candidate  for 
the  ministry  under  their  care. 

III.  Any  minister  belonging  to  said  Synod,  who  has  now  an  opportunity 
to  join  in  this  agreement,  but  declines  the  same,  may  at  any  time  hereafter 
join  and  be  received,  provided  he  pay  as  much  into  the  stock  as  shall  make 


216  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1755. 

up  the  several  payments,  and  the  interest  of  them  that  he  would  have  made, 
had  he  joined  now.  Also,  any  member  first  choosing  the  lower  payment,  but 
hereafter  choosing  the  higher,  shall  be  allowed  to  change,  upon  his  paying  the 
difference  of  the  two  rates,  with  the  interest  thereof  from  his  first  joining  the 
company. 

IV.  Out  of  this  fund  shall  be  annually  paid  on  the  fourth  Wednesday  of 
May,  the  sum  of  five  pounds,  or  of  seven  pounds  ten  shillings,  to  the  widow 
of  every  deceased  member,  who  had  been  subject  to  the  annual  payment  of 
two  pounds,  or  of  three  pounds  respectively,  during  her  life.  But  if  any  such 
widow  marry  again,  she  shall  thenceforth  have  but  one  third  part  of  the  an- 
nuity she  was  otherwise  entitled  unto,  through  the  residue  of  her  life,  and  the 
other  two  thirds  shall  pass  to  the  child  or  children  of  the  deceased  member,  if 
there  be  any,  for  the  term  of  twelve  years  after  the  father's  decease,  and  be 
divided  annually  among  them  a^  the  company  judge  fit.  And  at  the  comple- 
tion of  twelve  years,  reckoned  from  the  father's  death,  their  annuity  shall 
cease.  If  there  be  no  widow,  or  if  she  die  before  twelve  years  after  the  hus- 
band's decease,  then  the  whole  annuity  she  was  entitled  unto,  shall  pass  to 
the  child  or  children,  until  said  twelve  years  are  completed.  If  there  be  no 
child,  and  the  widow  marry,  she  shall  have  only  one  half  of  the  annuity 
through  the  rest  of  her  life.  If  any  member  die  before  five  yearly  payments 
are  made,  the  widow  shall  be  entitled  to  her  proper  annuity,  only  deducting 
the  payments  her  husband  was  to  have  made  yearly  out  of  the  same,  until  five 
annual  payments  are  completed,  from  the  time  of  her  husband's  joining  the 
company.  Likewise,  if  any  member  of  the  company  should  be  rendered 
incapable  of  all  business,  whereby  he  might  be  supported,  by  disorders,  he 
shall  be  entitled  to  like  annuities  during  such  indisposition. 

A  minister's  removing  to  any  other  partjof  the  world,  or  his  being  suspended, 
or  deposed,  or  resigning  charge  or  office,  shall  not  deprive  his  widow  or  chil- 
dren of  their  proper  annuity,  provided  he  still  continue  to  make  his  yearly 
payments  in  his  life  time. 

If  any  member  fail  of  making  his  yearly  payments  at  the  times  fixed  above, 
he  shall  thereafter  pay  the  same  with  the  interest  thereof,  from  that  time, 
and  if  any  fail  for  three  years  together,  he  shall  thereby  forfeit  his  interest  in 
the  fund.  And  if,  at  any  member's  decease,  he  stands  indebted  to  the  fund, 
the  sum  he  owes  shall  be  deducted  out  of  his  relict's  annuity. 

No  annuity  shall  be  reckoned  due  or  paid,  until  the  fourth  Wednesday  of 
May,  that  comes  next  after  the  member's  being  a  full  year  deceased.  Every 
person  applying  for  annuities,  shall  produce  to  the  treasurer  a  certificate  from 
the  clerk  of  the  Presbytery  in  whose  bounds  the  person  lives,  that  the  person 
is  such  as  is  entitled  to  a  certain  annuity,  who  may  thereupon  be  paid  such 
annuity  as  is  due,  according  to  the  case  of  the  person. 

V.  No  higher  annuity  shall  be  allowed  until  the  yearly  contributions,  to- 
gether with  the  interest  of  the  stock,  have,  besides  paying  these  said  annui- 
ties, raised  a  capital  of  eight  hundred  pounds  for  twenty  members,  and  so  in 
proportion  greater  as  there  shall  happen  to  be  more  than  twenty  members  in 
the  company. 

VI.  When  such  a  capital  is  once  raised,  then  whatever  the  yearly  contri- 
butions and  produce  of  that  capital  shall  be  more  than  pays  the  said  annuities, 
and  costs  of  management,  the  same  shall  be  divided  among,  and  paid  unto  the 
widows  and  children  aforesaid,  in  proportion  to  their  rates  respectively.  So 
as  that  the  capital  be  not  lessened,  and  reserving  a  right  to  the  company  to 
apply  the  yearly  payments  to  raise  an  higher  capital,  if  more  than  twenty 
members  be  joined,  that  so  the  aforesaid  proportion  between  the  capital  and 
number  of  members  may  be  preserved. 

VII.  We  at  present  appoint  and  impower  the  Honourable  William  Allen, 


1755.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  217 

Esqr.,  Mr.  William  Humphreys,  Mr.  Alexander  Houston,  Mr.  John  Wallis, 
Mr.  John  Bleakly,  senior,  and  Mr.  William  Mcllvaine,  gentlemen,  and 
Messrs.  Robert  Cross,  and  Francis  Alison,  ministers,  to  be  our  trustees,  and 
take  our  fund  into  their  hands,  to  lend,  recall,  and  remit,  to  receive  the  yearly 
payments  of  the  members,  and  all  donations  made  to  the  company,  and  pay 
yearly  the  annuities  as  above  determined,  with  other  incidental  costs,  and  to 
manage  the  whole  aifairs  of  our  fund  according  to  this  agreement.  Which 
trustees  shall  make  a  declaration  of  trust  to  the  company,  and  renew  the  same 
yearly,  if  required,  and  give  a  full  account  of  the  management  and  state  of  the 
fund  on  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  every  3Iay,  and  whensoever,  besides  this, 
if  any  special  cause  shall  move  the  company  to  desire  it.  And  when  there  is 
occasion  to  appoint  new  trustees,  by  the  death  or  relinquishment  of  any  of 
these  mentioned,  or  otherwise,  when  the  company  think  it  necessary  to 
change  any  appointed,  which  they  shall  always  have  power  to  do  when  they 
find  cause.  In  such  cases  new  trustees  shall  be  nominated  and  appointed  by 
the  common  vote  of  the  company.  And  it  is  agreed,  that  three  gentlemen, 
with  one  or  both  of  the  ministers  nominated,  be  a  quorum,  and  have  full  power 
to  act,  when  no  more  can  meet. 

VIII.  We  still  reserve  a  power  to  ourselves  to  make  such  further  regula- 
tions and  alterations  as  future  experience  shall  discover  to  be  necessary  here- 
after, by  the  vote  of  the  company  at  our  yearly  meetings,  which  shall  be  on 
the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May,  only  no  article  here  shall  be  altered,  or  new 
regulation  made,  without  two-thirds  of  the  number  joined  in  company  agree- 
ing and  voting  for  the  same.  Nor  no  new  regulations  shall  be  made  but  such 
as  are  adjudged  necessary  to  advance,  and  not  destroy  the  design  of  this  agree- 
ment, and  consistent  therewith,  that  particularly  the  proportion  between  the 
capital  and  number  of  members,  and  the  yearly  annuities  arising  by  the  pre- 
sent plan,  shall  not  be  lessened. 

Subscribed  this  30th  day  of  May,  1755,  by 

£    s.     d.  £    s.    d. 


Francis  Alison, 

3 

0 

0 

Sampson  Smith, 

3 

0 

0 

Adam  Boyd, 

2 

0 

0 

Richard  Zanchy, 

3 

0 

0 

Francis  McHenry, 

2 

0 

0 

Robert  McMordie, 

2 

0 

0 

Alexander  McDowell, 

3 

0 

0 

Joseph  Tate, 

3 

0 

0 

John  Steel, 

3 

0 

0 

Hector  Alison, 

3 

0 

0 

John  Kinkead, 

2 

0 

0 

Matthew  Wilson, 

3 

0 

0 

William  McKennan, 

2 

0 

0 

William  Donaldson, 

3 

0 

0 

John  Elder, 

George  Gillespie. 

In  consideration  that  the  widows  of  such  members  as  now  join  in  company 
to  raise  a  fund  for  themselves,  will  never  come  upon  the  Synod's  care,  the 
Synod  agreed  to  allow  one  hundred  and  fifteen  pounds  to  the  company,  re- 
serving all  the  remaining,  which  is  the  chief  part  of  their  fund,  with  the  yearly 
collections  of  congregations,  to  be  disposed  of  by  the  Synod  as  usual,  and 
that  the  widows  that  now  belong  to  the  Synod  receive  a  yearly  relief  from  the 
Synod's  fund  as  usual ;  and  at  the  death  of  any  of  them,  the  Synod  shall  at 
their  discretion  add  to  our  widows'  fund  as  they  think  proper. 

Ordered,  That  the  clerk  of  the  Synod  send  a  copy  of  the  plan  for  the 
widowvs'  fund  to  each  of  our  Presbyteries. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Francis  Alison  and  McHenry  wait  on  Mr.  Allen, 
and  lay  our  plan  for  the  widows'  fund  before  him,  and  that  they  endeavour  to 
persuade  him  to  be  a  trustee ;  and  to  demand  the  money  in  his  hands  as  he 
ordered  some  of  our  number  to  do  when  they  thought  fit. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  A.  M,     Concluded  with  prayer. 
28 


218  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1755. 

May  Blst.      Ubi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  Synod  having  taken  into  consideration  the  prevailing  iniquity  which 
abounds  in  our  land,  and  the  many  tokens  of  Divine  displeasure  we  are  un- 
der, being  threatened  with  a  dangerous  war,  left  to  manifold  divisions  and 
confusions,  both  in  church  and  state,  and  the  rain  of  heaven  restrained  to  the 
great  damage  of  the  fruits  of  the  earth,  do  therefore  agree,  that  the  twelfth 
day  of  June  be  observed  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  humiliation  through  all  our 
bounds,  to  bewail  our  sins  and  the  sins  of  our  lands,  to  deprecate  the  Divine 
displeasure  we  deserve,  and  implore  God  to  remove  these  tokens  of  his  anger, 
and  save  us  from  the  strokes  we  now  feel,  fear,  and  deserve. 

It  appears  by  the  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  converse  with  the 
brethren  from  the  Synod  of  New  York,  that  in  order  to  accomplish  an  union, 
they  proposed  that  as  to  all  pasit  complaints  and  differences,  we  should  mu- 
tually forgive  and  forget,  and  wholly  bury  all  these  things  in  perpetual  obli- 
vion, and  endeavour  in  the  strength  of  Grod  to  treat  each  other  hereafter  as 
though  these  things  had  never  been.  And  as  the  Synods  are  two  distinct 
judicatures  now,  and  in  present  circumstances  are  not  accountable  to  each  other, 
they  should  unite  as  two  contiguous  bodies  of  Christians  agreed  in  principles 
as  though  they  never  had  been  concerned  with  one  another  before,  nor  had 
any  differences,  which  is  the  truth  as  to  a  great  part  of  both  Synods ;  and 
should  now  join  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries  upon  such  Scriptural  and  rational 
terms  as  may  secure  peace  and  good  order,  tend  to  heal  our  broken  churches, 
and  advance  religion  hereafter ;  and  it  appears  that  these  brethren  cannot  be 
satisfied  with  this  dropping  all  former  differences  in  such  a  general  and  indis- 
tinct way,  and  particularly  would  have  the  protestation  made  in  1741  with- 
drawn, or  declared  null  and  void  before  union. 

The  Synod  have  considered  these  things,  and  are  still  willing  to  adhere  to 
the  above  proposals,  in  order  to  obtain  peace  and  union,  which  they  apprehend 
of  the  last  importance  in  the  Church  of  Christ,  and  see  not  what  they  can 
further  propose. 

We  are  commanded  to  forgive  injuries  and  offences,  and  this  is  absolutely 
necessary  in  this  imperfect  state,  to  preserve  peace  among  Christians ;  and  if  it 
were  asked  by  any,  how  we  can  now  join,  who  lately  had  such  differences,  we 
think  every  well  disposed  Christian  would  be  satisfied  with  being  told,  that  we 
mutually  forgive  according  to  Christ's  command,  and  agree  to  maintain  good 
conduct,  through  grace,  for  the  time  to  come. 

As  to  what  has  been  insisted  on  concerning  the  protestation,  the  Synod  have 
repeatedly  said,  that  when  an  union  is  made,  they  will  carry  toward  these 
brethren  as  though  neither  this,  nor  any  of  the  other  protestations  standing 
now  in  our  records,  or  any  other  ground  of  difference  on  either  side  had  ever 
been ;  and  we  see  not  at  present  what  further  we  can  propose  on  this  particular. 
For,  any  member  or  members  being  aggrieved,  and  obtaining  no  satisfying 
redress,  even  in  the  highest  judicature,  have  a  right  to  protest  and  require 
the  same  to  be  recorded,  and  as  the  judicature  may  not  refuse  members  this 
privilege,  so  neither  can  they  disannul  or  withdraw  such  protestations,  the 
protesters  themselves  only  can  do  this.  And  as  some  members  of  New  York 
Synod  insist  on  satisfaction  wdth  respect  to  the  protestation,  and  are  unwilling 
to  forgive  and  bury  all  grounds  of  difference,  we  assure  them,  we  think  our- 
selves greatly  injured  and  offended  in  many  instances,  and  yet  for  the  sake  of 
peace,  and  the  good  of  the  Church,  we  have  made  them  these  healing  propo- 
sals, which  we  recommend  to  the  further  consideration  of  our  brethren  of  New 
York.  We  desire  also,  that  the  Synod  of  York  would  consider  that  they 
thought  it  for  edification  and  the  good  of  the  Church  to  erect  a  Synod  at  New 
York,  and  declared  that  they  did  not  set  up  in  opposition  to  the  Synod  of 


1755.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  219 

Philadelphia,  but  as  a  sister  Church.  Wc  now  think  it  unbrotherly  in  them 
to  hold  a  S3nod  in  Philadelphia,  and  that  it  looks  like  erecting  altar  against 
altar,  and  we  hope  afterwards  to  have  no  ground  of  complaint  for  such  con- 
duct.    And  order  that  a  copy  of  this  minute  be  sent  to  New  York  Synod. 

The  affair  of  the  school  taken  into  consideration  and  continued. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  on  Monday,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

June  the  2d.      Ubi  postjpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Alexander  Millar,  from  Ireland,  appeared  before  this  Synod,  and  begged 
that  we  would  endeavour  to  procure  a  reconciliation  between  the  Synod  of 
Dunganon,  or  the  l*resbytery  of  Letterkenny  and  him;  and  he  delivered  a 
penitential  acknowledgment  to  transmit  to  those  gentlemen. 

Ordered,  That  Jlr.  Alexander  McDowell  write  to  Messrs.  William  Boyd, 
John  Marshall,  or  John  Holmes,  and  inclose  his  acknowledgment. 

A  letter  was  laid  before  this  Synod  from  the  llev.  Mr.  William  McBath,  in 
Dublin,  acquainting  us  that  Dr.  Leland,  Dr.  Duchal,  Mr.  Mears,  and  Mr. 
Weld,  with  other  gentlemen,  had  sent  a  collection  of  books  for  the  benefit  of 
public  schools,  the  use  of  students,  and  the  encouragement  of  learning  in  this 
infant  church,  to  be  disposed  of  by  the  Synod  in  the  best  manner  to  answer 
these  good  ends. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross  and  Alison  write  them  a  letter  of  thanks. 

Adjourned  till  3  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

P.  M.      Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  application  be  made  to  the  trustees  of  the  German  schools 
to  procure  a  sum  of  money  to  encourage  our  school,  engaging  to  teach  some 
Dutch  children  the  English  tongue,  and  three  or  four  boys  Latin  and  Greek, 
if  they  offer  themselves;  and  that  Mr.  Sampson  Smith  open  the  school  at 
Chesnut  Level  so  soon  as  this  favour  [is  obtained]  ;  and  that  Messrs.  Cross  and 
Alison  draw  up  and  present  an  address  to  the  trustees  of  the  German  schools. 
If  the  sum  obtained  be  less  than  twenty  pounds  currency,  and  not  less  than 
fifteen  pounds,  the  Synod  shall  allow  to  the  school  five  pounds. 

'Tis  agreed  that  the  books  sent  from  Dublin  be  the  foundation  of  a  public 
library,  under  the  care  of  the  Synod.  That  books  proper  for  our  school  in 
the  country  be  lent  to  the  master,  and  that  he  give  his  obligation  to  return  the 
same  indemnified,  when  demanded;  or  if  any  be  lost  or  damnified,  that  he 
repair  the  damages.  And  further,  that  any  minister  belonging  to  this  Synod 
may  borrow  any  of  the  said  books,  and  that  they  be  allowed  to  keep  a  folio 
for  one  year,  a  quarto  half  a  year,  and  an  octavo,  or  a  lesser  volume,  for  three 
months ;  that  they  give  their  obligation  for  the  full  price  of  the  volume,  to 
return  it  safe,  or  to  pay  damages.  And  if  any  book  be  detained  beyond  the 
time  appointed,  every  minister  so  failing  shall  pay  one  shilling  per  month  for 
a  folio,  eight  pence  per  month  for  a  quarto,  and  four  pence  per  month  for  oc- 
tavos and  lesser  volumes.  'Tis  agreed  likewise,  to  lend  none  of  them  beyond 
Potomac  River;  and  that  the  books  be  committed  to  the  trustees  of  the  fund 
for  ministers'  widows,  who  shall  choose  a  librarian,  to  take  care  of  the  library 
for  these  ends,  and  for  the  benefit  of  students  of  Divinity  in  the  College  of 
Philadelphia. 

Appointed  that  Messrs.  Cross,  Boyd,  Alison,  McHenry,  McDowell,  Tate, 
Smith,  and  McMordie,  be  the  committee  for  the  fund. 

Adjourned  till  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


220  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1756. 

1756. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment, 

Philadelphia,  May  the  2Qth,  1756.      Uhi post  preces  sederunt 

From  the  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Cross,  Alison,  Cowell,  Griiild, 
and  McHenry. 

From  Donegall :  Mr.  Tate. 

From  New  Castle :  Messrs.  Boyd,  Alison,  McDowell,  McKennan,  Wilson, 
and  Smith. 

Elders :  Messrs.  John  Cross,  Francis  Alexander,  Alexander  Bryans,  John 
Crossan,  John  Snodgrass,  Andrew  Boggs. 

Mr.  Gruild  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Smith  clerk. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  11th,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  31.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
U  bi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Absent  from  Donegall  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Zanchy,  Elder,  Steel,  Thomson, 
Black,  Craig,  and  McMordie.     From  New  Castle  :  Mr.  Gillespie. 

Mr.  Tate,  the  last  year's  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon  from 
2  Cor.  V.  20. 

Since  our  last  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Hamilton  was  removed  by  death. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  Boyd,  Francis  Alison,  Steel,  Cowell, 
McHenry,  Tate,  Smith,  and  the  moderator,  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod, 
and  committee  for  the  fund  for  the  ensuing  year  The  affair  of  the  fund 
deferred. 

None  of  the  Presbyteries  produced  their  books,  the  omission  is  greatly 
blamed,  and  it  is  recommended  to  them  to  be  more  careful  for  the  future. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  brought  any  thing  for  the  fund,  it  was  found 
that  Messrs.  Cross,  Cowell,  Guild,  McHenry,  Boyd,  Tate,  McKennan,  Wil- 
son, Alison,  and  Smith,  brought  some.     The  affair  of  the  school  deferred. 

Ordered,  That  every  Presbytery  appoint  one  of  their  number  to  preach  on 
Friday  evenings  at  the  future  meetings  of  the  Synod,  if  required. 

The  affair  of  the  widows'  and  Synod's  funds  deferred. 

The  supplications  from  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  being  taken  under 
consideration,  ordered.  That  Mr.  John  Alison  supply  those  vacancies  next  fall 
and  winter.  And  the  Synod  recommend  it  to  him,  and  all  such  as  may  be 
sent  by  us  to  supply  these  distant  parts,  to  study  in  all  their  public  adminis- 
trations and  private  conversations,  to  promote  peace  and  unity  among  the  socie- 
ties, and  to  avoid  whatever  may  tend  to  foment  divisions  and  party  spirit; 
and  to  treat  every  minister  of  the  gospel  from  the  Synod  of  New  York,  of  the 
like  principles  and  peaceful  temper,  in  a  brotherly  manner;  as  we  desire  to 
promote  true  religion  and  not  party  designs.  And  the  Synod  resolve  to  send  a 
copy  of  these  instructions  to  our  brethren  of  the  Synod  of  New  York,  hoping 
they  will  recommend  the  like  conduct  to  any  they  send  thither. 

Ordered,  That  each  of  our  suppliers  sent  to  these  distant  parts  carry  a  copy 
of  these  minutes  with  them. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Uhi 

post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
The  affair  of  the  school  deferred. 

A  copy  of  the  minute  from  the  Synod  of  New  York,  was  brought  in  and 
read,  as  follows : 


1756.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  221 

A  copy  of  a  minute  of  the  Synod  of  New  York,  at  their  session  in  Phila- 
delphia, October  1st,  1755.  Ordered  to  be  sent  to  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia, 
which  is  as  follows  : 

A  copy  of  a  minute  of  Philadelphia  Synod,  at  their  convention  in  May  last, 
relating  to  the  proposals  of  union  between  the  two  Synods,  was  brought  in  and 
read.  In  which  they  propose,  that  in  order  to  an  union,  "  all  complaints  and 
diftcreuces  should  be  mutually  forgiven  and  buried  in  perpetual  oblivion ;  that 
the  Synods  should  unite  as  two  contiguous  bodies  of  Christians  agreed  in 
principle,  as  though  they  had  never  been  concerned  with  one  another  before, 
nor  had  any  differences;  and  now  join  the  Synods  and  Presbyteries  upon 
such  scriptural  and  rational  terms  as  may  secure  peace  and  good  order,  tend  to 
heal  our  broken  churches,  and  advance  religion  hereafter." 

On  this  we  beg  leave  to  observe,  that  it  was  agreed  unanimously,  by  the 
commission  of  both  Synods  at  Trenton,  that  both  sides  should  be  particular  in 
proposing,  whatever  they  thought  necessary  in  order  to  union ;  "  and  as  some 
things  which  we  judged  Scriptural  and  rational  terms,"  our  circumstances  con- 
sidered, have  not  been  consented  to  by  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  ;■  we  would 
have  been  glad  had  they  descended  to  these  particulars,  that  we  might  have 
been  now  able  to  judge  whether  there  are  grounds  to  expect  satisftiction  concern- 
ing them.  Particularly  our  proposals  concerning  the  continuance  of  Presby- 
teries and  congregations  as  they  now  stand,  and  the  terms  of  ministerial  com- 
munion mentioned  in  the  year  1749,  at  Maidenhead,  second  and  third  articles, 
and  article  second  at  Newark,  1750,  and  first  article  aiino  1751,  which  last  we 
esteem  to  be  always  rational  and  Scriptural  terms. 

We  readily  agree,  that  "  it  is  the  command  of  Christ,  and  a  necessary  duty 
to  forgive  offences  in  the  present  imperfect  state,  and  that  peace  among  Chris- 
tians cannot  otherwise  be  preserved."  And  we  can  assure  our  brethren  of 
Philadelphia  Synod,  that  our  insisting  on  certain  preliminaries,  did  not  pro- 
ceed, so  far  as  we  know  ourselves,  from  humour  or  resentment,  but  from  our 
apprehending  them  necessary  to  preserve  and  promote  the  public  interests  of 
religion  amongst  us.  And  though  some  of  our  members  desire  leave  to  declare, 
that  ''they  think  themselves  greatly  injured  and  offended  in  many  instances," 
particularly  in  being  charged  in  the  protest,  as  the  reasons  for  entering  it,  with 
several  grievous  crimes  which  they  constantly  declare  were  not  fact ;  yet  for 
the  sake  of  peace,  and  the  good  of  this  church,  they  profess  themselves  willing 
to  forgive  such  offences,  so  far  as  they  are  personal. 

We  also  agree,  that  "  any  member  or  members  being  aggrieved,  and  obtain- 
ing no  satisfying  redress,  even  in  the  highest  judicature,  have  a  right  to  pro- 
test, and  require  the  same  to  be  recorded.  And  as  judicatures  may  not  refuse 
members  this  privilege,  so  neither  can  they  disannul  or  withdraw  such  pro- 
testation." "The  protesters  themselves  only  can  do  this."  And  we  must 
own  that  our  insisting  on  the  Synod's  disannulling  the  protestation  made  in 
1741,  could  have  no  propriety  in  it,  but  from  our  apprehension  that  the  Synod 
of  Philadelphia,  as  a  Synod,  had  approved  and  adopted  said  protestation.  And 
consequently,  if  our  brethren  shall  declare,  that  in  their  Synodical  capacity, 
they  do  not  adopt  it,  this  will  remove  the  ground  of  our  insisting  any  further 
on  this  point  with  the  Synod. 

Further,  we  assure  our  brethren,  that  in  meeting  at  Philadelphia,  we  neither 
did  nor  do  design  any  opposition  to  their  Synod.  The  only  reason  is,  the 
case  of  many  members,  who  are  far  distant  to  the  southward  and  westward  of 
Philadelphia,  and  on  that  account  cannot  without  insuperable  difficulty  duly 
attend  Synodical  conventions ;  which,  we  hope,  will  be  a  satisfying  reason  for 
our  conduct  in  this  particular. 

We  apprehend  with  our  brethren,  that  peace  and  union  is  of  the  utmost 
importance  in  the  church  of  Christ,  and  are  heartily  willing  to  come  into  a 


222  MINUTES  OF  THE  [175G. 

coalition  upon  such  Scriptural  and  rational  terms,  as  may  secure  peace  and  good 
order,  heal  our  broken  churches,  and  advance  religion  hereafter.  Nor  do  we 
insist  on  particulars  with  any  other  view,  than  that  the  proposed  union  might 
effectually  answer  such  valuable  and  important  ends. 

Finally,  as  the  protestation  made  in  1741,  appears  to  be  a  principal  obstruc- 
tion to  the  union  of  both  Synods,  which  nothing  hitherto  offered  has  been  able 
to  remove,  and  as  a  great  part  of  the  present  members  of  both  Synods  are 
such  as  were  not  directly  active,  nor  immediately  concerned  in  that  protesta- 
tion;, and  as  the  present  minute  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  seems  to  dis- 
tinguish between  the  protesters  and  the  Synod,  and  so  gives  us  ground  to  expect 
that  they  will  satisfy  us  by  declaring  that  they  do  not  Synodically  adopt  said 
protestation ;  upon  their  doing  of  which,  we  propose  the  following  expedient 
for  the  entire  removal  of  th,e  aforesaid  obstacles,  to  wit :  That  both  Synods 
unite  upon  the  terms  mentioned  by  this  Synod  in  their  particular  proposals 
made  in  the  years  referred  to  above,  that  one  article  respecting  the  protestation 
excepted.  That  the  Synod  thus  composed  of  both  bodies,  shall,  immediately 
after  being  constituted,  proceed  to  hear  and  determine  the  differences  between 
the  protesters  and  those  protested  against,  if  needful. 

A  true  copy  of  the  Synod's  minute, 

Per  Richard  Treat,  Synod  clerk. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Alison,  McDowell,  McHenry,  Cowell,  and  the 
moderator,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  an  answer  to  the  minute  received  from 
the  Synod  of  New  York,  against  to-morrow. 

The  affair  of  the  widows^  fund  was  taken  into  consideration. 

Messrs.  Cross  and  Alison  inform  us  that  the  Honourable  William  Allen, 
Esq'r.  and  the  other  gentlemen,  were  pleased  to  take  into  their  hands  the 
management  of  the  widows'  fund  in  the  beginning  of  last  January ;  and  that 
by  a  correspondence  with  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Wallace  and  Webster,  in  Edin- 
burgh, they  find  it  necessary  to  make  an  alteration  in  their  plan,  which  was 
unanimously  approved  as  follows  : 

If  any  member  die  before  five  yearly  payments  are  made  by  him  to  the 
common  stock,  the  widow  shall  be  entitled  to  her  annuity,  only  the  half  of  it 
shall  be  deducted,  'till  what  her  husband  hath  paid  into  the  common  stock, 
together  with  said  deductions,  be  equal  to  five  years'  payments  or  incomes  of 
her  full  annuity  j  and  afterwards  she  shall  have  her  full  annuity,  as  before 
appointed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Alison,  who  was  chosen  clerk  and  trustee  for  the  fund, 
insert  the  plan  with  said  alteration. 

Agreed  also,  That  application  be  made  to  his  honour  the  governor,  by 
Messrs.  Cross,  Alison,  Boyd,  Cowell,  and  McHenry,  to  obtain  a  charter  for 
the  above  mentioned  fund. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  nine  d clock,  A.  M.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Vhi 
post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  answer  to  the  minute  received  from 
the  Synod  of  New  York  brought  in  one,  which  was  read  and  unanimously 
approved,  as  follows : 

We  are  heartily  willing  and  desirous,  that  the  Synods  of  New  York  and 
Philadelphia  be  united;  and  that  all  the  Presbyteries  belonging  to  both  be 
united  as  the  members  lie  contiguous  to  one  another ;  and  that  our  union  be 
not  only  in  name,  but  in  reality,  and  in  love,  and  sincere  affection.  This  we 
think  will  greatly  advance  the  kingdom  of  Christ  and  vital  holiness  among  us, 


1756.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  223 

and  will,  in  many  respects,  be  our  common  honour  and  our  common  interest. 
We  are  willing  to  bury  in  perpetual  oblivion,  all  our  past  differences  and 
names  of  distinction,  and  to  for>^ive  all  the  injuries  we  have  received,  or  ima- 
gine that  we  have  received  in  times  past.  And  we  have  the  testimony  of  our 
consciences,  that  we  study  the  things  that  make  for  peace,  (as  your  Synod 
have  recommended,)  and  we  hope  the  Synod  of  New  York,  and  that  the  world 
will  testify  the  same  for  us. 

We  desire  to  unite  on  the  same  terms,  on  which  the  members  of  both  Sy- 
nods were  united  when  onfe  body.  And  we  are  glad  to  join  with  the  Synod 
of  New  York  in  an  expedient  to  cut  off  all  debates  about  the  protestation 
made  in  1741.  We  allow  the  protesters  the  right  of  private  judgment,  and 
you  will  allow  that  we  ''neither  can  disannul  nor  withdraw  their  protestation;" 
but  in  a  Synodkal  capacity,  at  your  desire,  we  declare  and  do  assure  you, 
that  we  neither  adopted  nor  do  adopt  said  protestation  as  a  term  of  ministerial 
communion ;  it  was  never  mentioned  to  any  of  our  members  as  a  term  of  com- 
munion more  than  any  of  the  other  protestations  delivered  into  our  Synod  on 
occasion  of  those  differences.  We  only  adopt  and  desire  to  adhere  to  our 
standards,  as  we  agreed  when  formerly  united  in  one  body,  we  adopt  no 
other. 

We  refer  these  proposals  to  the  serious  consideration  of  the  Synod  of  New 
York ;  we  are  in  earnest  for  peace  and  union,  and  we  hope  they  are  so  too. 
As  it  may  be  necessary  that  a  committee  of  both  Synods  meet  to  adjust  mat- 
ters previous  to  an  union,  we  appoint  the  commission  of  our  Synod,  on  timely 
notice  given,  to  meet  with  such  members  as  they  may  appoint  for  this  purpose, 
at  Philadelphia  or  any  other  convenient  place. 

A  supplication  from  the  congregations  of  Cook's  Creek  and  Pecked  Moun- 
tain, requesting  us  to  receive  Mr.  Alexander  Millar  as  a  full  member,  and  to 
appoint  his  instalment  as  their  regular  pastor,  was  brought  in  and  read. 

The  Synod,  after  considering  their  request,  find  it  necessary  to  wait  till 
they  receive  an  answer  from  the  Synod  in  Ireland,  if  they  think  fit  to  send 
one  this  season ;  but  resolve,  that  as  he  has  offered  satisfaction  to  that  Synod, 
by  our  mediation,  and  has  behaved  so  as  to  be  well  respected  as  a  minister 
among  us,  if  either  the  Synod  of  Ireland  send  us  no  answer,  or  inform  us  that 
they  have  accepted  his  submission,  we  do  order  Messrs.  Black  and  Craig  to 
receive  him  as  a  member,  and  iustal  him,  provided  they  find  his  conduct  in 
that  part  of  Christ's  vineyard  such  as  becomes  a  gospel  minister.  And  it  is 
ordered,  that  letters  be  written  by  Mr.  Boyd  to  those  brethren  to  this  purpose, 
by  Mr.  John  Alison,  or  some  other  proper  hand,  in  the  fall  when  the  ships  are 
arrived  from  Ireland. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  minute  be  given  to  the  commissioner  of  the 
above  mentioned  congregations. 

The  affair  of  the  school  referred. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o^cloch,  P.  M.      JJhi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  school  came  under  consideration,  and  allowed  that  Mr. 
Smith  be  paid  out  of  the  Synod's  fund  for  the  year  past,  if  the  trustees  of  the 
German  schools  be  unwilling  to  pay  Lim,  and  that  for  his  encouragement  for 
the  ensuing  year,  he  be  allowed  ten  or  twelve  pounds,  provided  the  trustees  of 
the  German  schools  refuse  to  continue  their  encouragement,  as  we  expect. 

Appointed,  That  the  committee  for  the  fund  meet  at  ten  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 

Adjourned  to  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


224  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1757. 

1757. 

Philadelphia,  May  the  2bfh,  1757. 
The   Synod  met   at   Philadelphia,    according  to  adjournment.      TJhi  post 
preces  sederunt. 

Of  Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Thomson,  Tate,  Steel,  and  McMordie. 
Of  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Cross,  Alison,  and  Kinkead. 
Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Boyd,  McDowell,  Smith,  McKennan, 
Millar,  and  Wilson. 

Elders :  Andrew  Thomson,  Patrick  Campbell,  Robert  McPherson,  John 
Cross,  Daniel  Henderson,  James  Pagan,  Robert  McKnight,  John  Mustard, 
Matthew  Wallace. 

Absent  of  Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Elder,  Zanchy,  Black,  Craig. 
"       of  Philadelphia :  Messrs.  Cowell  and  G-uild. 
"       of  New  Castle  :  Messrs.  Alison  and  Grillespie. 
The  last  year's  moderator  being   absent,   the  Synod  was  opened  by  Mr. 
Smith,  with  a  sermon  on  Phil.  iii.  8. 

Mr.  Boyd  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Smith  clerk. 
The  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  inform  us,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  McHenry  is 
dead  since  our  last  meeting. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  inform  us,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Millar  has 
been  admitted  a  member  by  them  since  our  last. 

The  reasons  of  Messrs.  Thomson  and  McMordie  for  their  absence  were 
sustained. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  Francis  Alison,  Steel,  Cowell,  McDowell, 
Tate,  McKennan,  Smith,  and  the  moderator,  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod, 
and  committee  for  the  fund  the  ensuing  year,  and  that  any  three,  with  the 
moderator,  be  a  quorum.     The  affair  of  the  fund  deferred. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbyteries  be  more  punctual  in  bringing  their  books  for 
the  future. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  brought  any  thing  for  the  fund,  it  was  found  that 
Messrs.  Tate,  Boyd,  Smith,  Cross,  McKennan,  Wilson,  brought  some.  The 
affair  of  the  school  deferred.  The  affair  of  the  Synod's  and  widows'  fund  de- 
ferred. The  consideration  of  the  supplications  from  Virginia  and  North  Caro- 
lina deferred. 

According  to  the  Synod's  appointment,  Messrs.  Cross  and  Alison  have  ap- 
plied to  the  Honourable  Proprietors  at  home,  for  a  charter  in  behalf  of  the 
widows'  fund,  by  a  petition,  which  is  as  follows : 

To  the  Honourable  Thomas  Penn,  and  Richard  Penn,  true  and  absolute 
proprietors  of  the  province  of  Pennsylvania,  and  the  counties  of  New  Castle, 
Kent,  and  Sussex,  upon  Delaware. 

The  petition  of  the  Presbyterian  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  humbly  sheweth : 
That  your  petitioners  have,  many  of  them,  lived  long  in  this  province  with 
great  satisfaction,  and  have,  all,  endeavoured  to  promote  religion,  virtue,  and 
industry,  amongst  the  people  under  our  care,  and  to  impress  deep  on  their 
minds  a  lasting  sense  of  their  blessings  under  the  best  of  kings,  and  in  a  pro- 
vince distinguished  for  civil  and  religious  liberty. 

As  our  lot  is  cast  among  people  who  are  generally  in  low  circumstances, 
and  many  of  them  forming  new  settlements  in  the  frontier  counties,  and,  as 
we  have  no  other  support  but  a  small  and  very  uncertain  income  from  the 
good  will  of  our  people,  joined  with  our  own  labour,  we  have  always  found  it 
difficult  to  make  any  tolerable  provision  for  our  families ;  and  have  often,  with 
sorrow  and  regret,  seen  the  widows  and  children  of  great  and  good  men,  who 
were  once  of  our  number,  very  much  pinched  and  distressed  by  want  and 
poverty,  without  being  able  to  afford  them  suitable  relief. 


1757.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  225 

To  remedy  these  evils,  as  far  as  we  can  in  our  circumstances,  your  honours* 
petitioners,  in  imitation  of  the  laudable  example  of  the  Church  of  Scotland, 
have  agreed  to  raise  a  small  fund  for  the  benefit  of  ministers'  widows  and 
helpless  children,  belonging  to  this  Synod,  by  obliging  ourselves  to  contribute 
a  small  sum  out  of  our  yearly  incomes  for  this  purpose.  But  there  are  bad 
economists  in  every  society,  and  having  begun  our  fund  about  a  year  ago,  we 
find  that  those  men  among  us  are  most  backward  to  pay  their  quotas,  whose 
families  will  stand  in  most  need  of  relief  when  they  are  dead;  and,  as  our 
agreement  is  voluntary,  without  the  aid  of  a  law  to  oblige  us  to  perform  our 
engagements,  and,  as  we  thought  it  our  duty  to  lay  our  proceedings  before 
your  honours,  we  must  humbly  intreat  you  to  take  our  circumstances  under 
your  consideration.  You  will  merit  the  blessings  of  the  widow  and  fatherless, 
and  lay  us  under  the  strongest  obligations  of  gratitude  and  aflFcction,  if  you  be 
pleased  to  make  us  a  corporation  by  your  charter,  and  enable  us  to  sue  and  be 
sued,  and  to  raise  and  hold  a  capital  stock  not  exceeding  one  thousand  pounds 
for  twenty  ministers,  and  so  in  proportion  for  a  greater  or  smaller  number,  the 
interest  of  which  shall  be  employed  yearly,  only  to  relieve  the  widows  and 
children  of  the  Presbyterian  ministers  belonging  to  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia, 
or  to  assist  ministers  of  our  Synod  in  frontier  settlements,  or  such  as  by  age  or 
infirmities  are  not  able  to  get  a  subsistence. 

As  the  parliament  of  England  granted  the  like  favour  to  the  ministers  of  the 
Church  of  Scotland,  1743 ;  as  this  will,  in  all  probability,  confine  our  synodi- 
cal  meetings  to  this  city  and  province,  which  some  are  industriously  endea- 
vouring to  remove  to  New  Jersey  j  as  some  of  our  number,  as  well  as  their 
people,  who  are  in  great  distresses  by  the  barbarity  of  restless  and  savage  In- 
dians, will  account  it  their  great  comfort  and  advantage  to  have  such  a  provi- 
sion made  for  their  families,  and,  as  we  design  to  be  burdensome  to  no  body, 
but  to  raise  this  fund  out  of  our  own  narrow  incomes,  and  as  we  can  with 
great  truth  assure  your  honours,  that  none  are  more  loyal  and  dutiful  subjects 
to  his  majesty,  nor  more  fii-mly  attached  to  the  proprietary  family  and  inter- 
ests; from  all  these  considerations  we  greatly  hope  and  depend  that  your 
honours  will  favour  us  with  your  countenance  and  protection,  and  will  be  so 
good  as  to  give  proper  instructions  to  our  governor  to  grant  us  a  charter  for 
the  purposes  already  mentioned,  and  your  petitioners  as  in  duty  bound  shall 

pray- 

Signed  by  order  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia. 

Ordered,  That  the  money  abeady  paid  continue  in  the  hands  of  our  treasurer 
and  clerk  as  formerly,  until  some  answer  to  this,  our  petition,  be  received. 

The  commissions  of  the  Synods  of  Philadelphia  and  New  York,  met  at  the 
place  appointed,  and  reported  to  their  Synods  the  result  of  the  conference; 
pursuant  hereunto  the  Synod  of  New  York  sent  us  a  copy  of  a  minute,  request- 
ing that  commissions  of  both  Synods  meet  on  the  Monday  next  preceding  the 
meeting  of  both  Synods,  according  to  our  agreement,  to  prepare  matters  for 
both  Synods  and  their  happy  union. 

Ordered,  That  the  commission  of  our  Synod  meet  with  the  commission  of 
the  Synod  of  New  York  for  this  purpose,  on  the  Monday  immediately  before 
the  meeting  of  our  Synod. 

A  supplication  from  Cook's  Creek  and  Pecked  Mountain,  requesting  that 
we  should  receive  Mr,  Alexander  Millar  as  a  member,  and  that  his  instalment 
be  appointed  as  their  pastor  in  the  Lord. 

The  Synod  unanimously  agree  to  receive  him  as  a  member,  and  order,  that 
Mr.  Craig  install  him  accordingly,  at  some  convenient  time  before  the  first  of 
next  August. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 
29 


s 

d 

£      s 

d 

0 

0 

Mr.  Smith, 

1      0 

0 

2 

0 

Mr.  Wilson. 

0     15 

0 

226  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1757. 

3/ay  26th,  nine  o'clock,  A.  31.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
TJhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Upon  reading  the  absents  from  Donegall,  it  was  observed  that  Messrs. 
Black  and  Craig  have  neglected  attending  on  the  Synod  for  some  considerable 
time.  Ordered,  that  Mr.  McDowell  write  to  these  brethren,  and  signify  that 
the  Synod  expects  either  that  they  will  attend  or  write,  and  that  in  case  of 
failure,  the  Synod  will  be  obliged  to  disown  them  as  members.  Ordered  like- 
wise, that  he  write  to  Mr.  Craig,  and  inform  him  that  Mr.  Alexander  Millar 
is  received  as  a  member,  and  that  he  install  him  some  convenient  time  before 
the  first  of  August  next ;  and  also,  that  he  give  him  to  understand  that  it  is  the 
judgment  of  the  Synod,  that  he  ought  to  be  content  with  the  bounds  fixed  by 
the  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  deferred. 

The  several  members  who  brought  any  thing  for  the  fund,  paid  the  trea- 
surer as  follows : 

£ 
Mr.  McKennan,  1 
Mr.  Tate,  1 

Mr.  Boyd,  18       9 

The  affair  of  the  Synod's  and  widows'  fund  deferred. 

The  consideration  of  the  supplications  from  Virginia  and  Carolina  resumed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Millar,  supply  the  following  settlements  in  order,  in  the 
fall,  each  one  Sabbath  day,  viz :  Gather's  settlement,  Osborn's,  Morison's, 
Jorsey's  on  Atkin,  Buffler's,  Hawfield's,  and  Baker's  settlements.  And  that 
Mr.  Craig  supply  the  same  settlements,  each  one  Sabbath  day  in  the  spring, 
together  with  Brown's,  North  and  South  Mountain,  and  Calf-Pasture  settle- 
ments in  Virginia,  each,  at  least,  one  Sabbath  day  before  our  next  Synod, 
and  that  they  preach  to  lesser  congregations  on  week  days  as  often  as  they 
can. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  minute  be  sent  to  these  people  and  to  Mr. 
Craig,  by  Mr.  Millar,  and  also  by  Mr.  Tate. 

The  Synod  being  informed,  that  the  honourable  trustees  of  the  fund  for  the 
German  emigrants,  &c.  in  Pennsylvania,  have  generously  received  our  peti- 
tion, requesting  their  favour  and  assistance  to  encourage  learning,  and  to 
maintain  a  school  or  schools  under  the  care  of  this  Synod,  and  have  trans- 
mitted it  to  the  honourable  trustees,  for  the  same  purpose,  in  London,  and 
have  recommended  the  Synod,  and  their  pious  and  good  designs,  so  effectu- 
ally to  their  regard,  that  they  have  been  pleased  to  grant  our  request,  or- 
dered, that  Messrs.  Cross  and  Alison  wait  on  the  honourable  trustees  at  their 
next  meeting,  and,  in  the  name  of  the  Synod,  gratefully  acknowledge  their 
favours ;  and  that  they  do  whatever  else  may  be  necessary  in  said  affair.  And 
that,  if  Mr.  Provost  Smith  come  here,  Mr.  Cross  thank  him  in  the  name  of 
the  Synod,  for  the  particular  regard  he  has  shown,  and  care  he  has  taken. 

The  supplication  from  the  Great  Valley  was  taken  under  consideration. 
Ordered,  that  Mr.  Alison  supply  the  Great  Valley  in  the  month  of  September, 
and  administer  the  sacrament;  that  Mr.  Steel  supply  two  Sabbaths  before 
our  next;  Mr.  McKennan  the  third  of  July,  and  Mr.  Guild  the  second  of 
August  and  the  second  Sabbath  of  November,  and  Mr.  Cowell  the  first  of 
March.  Ordered,  that  the  Sabbath  immediately  before  the  Synod,  Mr.  Tate 
supply  the  Great  Valley,  and  Mr.  Smith,  Norrington. 

Adjourned  to  four  o'clock^  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1757.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  227 


At  foxir  dcloch^  P.  M.     The  S^nod  met  accordinff  to  adjournment.     Vbipost 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  William  Smith,  Provost  of  the  College  of  Philadelphia, 
waited  on  the  Synod ;  when  Mr.  Cross,  according  to  order,  returned  the  thanks 
of  the  Synod  to  him  for  his  particular  care  and  pains  taken,  in  transmitting 
our  petition  to  the  honourable  trustees  of  the  fund  for  the  German  emigrants  in 
London ;  which  Messrs.  Cross  and  Alison  had  presented  to  the  honourable 
trustees  in  this  province,  to  be,  for  the  approbation  of  the  honourable  trustees 
there,  by  them  transmitted  thither,  and  which  is  as  follows : 

To  the  trustees  general  of  the  society  schools  for  the  instruction  of  poor 
Germans,  &c.  in  Pennsylvania,  and  the  adjacent  British  colonies,  the  petition 
of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  humbly  showeth, 

That  we,  your  petitioners,  opened  a  public  school  about  twelve  years  ago, 
when  learning  was  under  great  discouragements,  and  opportunities  of  educa- 
tion scarce  in  this  and  the  neighbouring  provinces,  and  gave  instructions 
gratis  for  some  years,  to  all  ranks  and  denominations  that  pleased  to  accept  of 
the  same. 

That  we  have  still  continued  to  instruct  cheap,  and  the  poor  for  nothing, 
and  have  had  the  pleasure  to  see  a  number  educated  under  our  care,  who  have 
been  of  public  service.  As  there  is  a  fair  prospect  of  making  this  province 
the  seat  of  learning  in  this  part  of  the  world,  we  think  it  would  contribute 
much  to  the  growth  of  the  College  in  this  city,  to  support  and  encourage 
schools  in  the  country,  to  provide  them  with  able  masters,  and  to  keep  them 
under  proper  directions. 

And  as  you  are  engaged  in  an  useful  undertaking  of  this  nature,  your  peti- 
tioners have  made  bold  to  plead  for  your  countenance,  and  some  assistance  to 
enable  us  to  continue  our  school.  "We  have  the  juster  reasons  to  hope  for 
this  favour,  because  our  school  has  been  as  free  to  the  Germans  as  any  other 
nation,  and  two  of  the  present  reformed  German  ministers,  born  in  this  coun- 
try, were  educated  there ;  and  because  your  petitioners  understand  that  our 
mother  church  of  Scotland  have  greatly  promoted  the  charity  under  your 
management. 

That  we  may  share  your  bounty  in  a  way  agreeable  to  your  generous  plan, 
we  propose  to  remove  our  school  to  Chesnut  Level,  where  some  poor  Dutch 
scattered  in  that  neighbourhood,  may  have  their  children  taught  gratis  to  read 
and  write  English,  if  favoured  with  your  assistance,  and  we  will  also  teach  a 
certain  number  of  Germans  the  Latin  and  Greek  languages,  in  order  to  pre- 
pare them  for  the  ministry,  if  they  apply  for  this  advantage.  And  as  the 
German  inhabitants  about  the  river  Susquehannah  and  the  lower  parts  of  Con- 
estoga  are  wealthy,  and  may  have  lodgings  cheap  in  a  country  place,  we  doubt 
not  but  they  will  be  encouraged  to  send  their  sons  to  our,  as  well  as  any  public 
school. 

As  our  request  seems  agreeable  to  the  pious  design  of  the  donors,  who 
support  your  good  and  useful  institution ;  and  as  it  may  be  greatly  serviceable 
to  the  interests  of  religion,  virtue,  and  learning,  in  this  province,  your  peti- 
tioners entertain  great  expectations  from  your  generosity  and  goodness.  And, 
indeed,  our  circumstances  are  so  low,  that  we  are  no  longer  able  to  bear  the 
necessary  expenses,  but  must  dismiss  our  school,  unless  we  can  procure  some 
assistance. 

Your  petitioners  have  ordered  Messrs.  Cross  and  Alison  to  wait  on  you 
with  this  petition  and  receive  your  instructions.  If  you  find  it  is  agreeable  to 
your  public  design,  we  earnestly  request,  that  you  would  be  pleased  at  pre- 


228  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1757. 

sent,  to  grant  us  some  assistance,  and  that  you  recommend  us  to  the  society 
in  England  for  the  time  to  come.  And  your  petitioners  as  in  duty  bound  shall 
pray. 

Signed,  by  order  of  the  Synod,  by 

William  Donaldson,  Synod  clerk. 

June  2d,  1755. 

The  Provost  presented  to  the  Synod  the  resolves  of  the  trustees  upon  the 
Synod's  address,  which  are  as  follows  : 

June  14:th,  1755. 

Met  at  Mr.  Allen's  house  near  Germantown,  the  following  trustees,  viz : 
Messrs.  Allen,  Peters,  Franklin,  and  Smith. 

And,  taking  into  their  consideration,  the  aforesaid  petition  of  the  Synod  of 
Philadelphia,  were  under  some  difficulty  how  to  act  concerning  it.  On  the 
one  hand  they  thought,  that  to  grant  the  petition  in  favour  of  an  English  Sy- 
nod, might  give  oflPence  to  the  Germans,  who  generally  considered  this  charity 
as  intended  solely  for  their  own  particular  benefit.  The  trustees  were  also  of 
opinion  that  it  did  not  fall  directly  under  the  great  design  for  promoting  the 
English  tongue  among  the  Germans.  But  they  considered  on  the  other  hand, 
the  pleas  urged  by  the  petitioners.  They  knew  it  to  be  a  truth,  that  the  Sy- 
nod of  Philadelphia,  at  a  time  when  ignorance,  even  among  the  ministry,  was 
like  to  overrun  the  whole  province,  had  begun,  and  with  much  difficulty,  long 
supported  a  public  school  under  the  Kev.  Mr.  Francis  Alison  j  and  that  many 
able  ministers,  and  some  of  them  Dutch,  had  been  educated  in  the  said  school. 
The  trustees  were  also  of  opinion,  that  it  was  no  small  argument  in  favour  of 
the  petitioners,  that  the  mother  church  of  Scotland  had  contributed  so  largely 
to  this  useful  charity,  and  that,  if  any  future  application  to  said  church  should 
be  necessary,  the  interest  and  recommendation  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia 
might  be  useful  in  that  respect,  as  well  as  in  countenancing  the  several  schools 
in  their  present  infant  state,  and  educating,  according  to  their  proposal,  some 
young  men  for  the  Dutch  ministry,  gratis. 

In  consideration  of  all  which,  it  was  resolved  to  grant  twenty-five  pounds 
currency  for  one  year  to  assist  the  said  Synod  to  support  their  said  public 
school  on  the  following  terms,  viz  : 

1.  That  it  shall  be  under  the  same  common  government  with  the  other  free 
schools,  and  be  subject  to  the  visitations  of  the  trustees  general  or  their  depu- 
ties, appointed  upon  the  recommendation  of  the  Synod. 

2.  That  the  master  shall  teach  four  Dutch  or  English  gratis,  upon  the  re- 
commendation of  the  trustees  general,  to  be  prepared  for  the  ministry,  and  ten 
poor  Dutch  children  in  the  English  tongue  gratis,  if  so  many  ofi'er. 

3.  That  the  deputy  trustees,  together  with  the  master,  and  any  of  the  clergy, 
visit  the  school,  at  least  once  a  quarter,  and  send  down  a  statement  thereof  to 
be  transmitted  by  the  general  trustees  to  the  honourable  society. 

Agreed  that  this  case  be  transmitted  to  the  honourable  society,  to  obtain  their 
directions  thereupon. 

Ordered,  That  the  terms  of  the  trustees  be  complied  with ;  and  that  Messrs. 
Boyd  and  McDowell,  Moses  Irwin,  James  Marshal,  Martin  Beam,  and  Jacob 
Graft,  be  recommended  as  deputy  trustees  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  visit  the 
school  every  quarter,  the  third  Tuesday,  commencing  with  the  third  Tuesday 
of  August  next,  if  the  trustees  general  approve. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Millar  and  Smith  draw  up  some  reasons  for  a  general 
fast  within  our  bounds,  against  our  next. 

'Tis  agreed  that  the  school  be  continued  under  Mr.  Smith's  care  for  another 
year,  with  the  usual  encouragement  from  the  German  ^hools. 

The  affair  of  the  fund  deferred.     The  consideration  of  the  fast  deferred. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1758.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  229 

May  27th.     Nine  o'clock,  A.  M.      Uhi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra- 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  members  appointed  to  draw  up  reasons  for  a  general  fast  within  our 
bounds,  brought  them  in,  and  they  were  read  and  amended  as  follows : 

The  Synod  taking  under  serious  consideration  the  melancholy  state  of  the 
British  dominions,  and  their  allies,  the  danger  of  the  Protestant  interest  in 
general,  and  particularly  of  the  English  colonies  of  America,  arising  from  the 
formidable  combination  of  antichristian  powers  in  Europe,  and  the  shocking 
depredations  and  barbarities  of  the  heathen  on  our  borders,  influenced  and 
abetted  by  the  perfidious,  restless  enemies  of  our  civil  and  religious  liberties; 
as  also  the  abounding  profanity  and  wickedness  of  all  ranks  and  degrees  of 
men ;  the  awful  contempt  cast  upon  the  glorious  gospel  of  Christ,  not  only  by 
the  professed  infidelity  of  its  open  adversaries,  but  likewise  by  the  unbelief, 
hypocrisy,  uncharitableness,  and  loose  practices  of  its  professed  friends;  and 
being  deeply  sensible  of,  and  affected  with,  the  ungrateful  abuse  and  misim- 
provement  of  the  many  privileges  we 'have  long  enjoyed;  our  peace,  plenty, 
and  liberty  having  been  turned  into  wantonness,  pride,  and  licentiousness; 
and  being  firmly  persuaded  that  for  these  things  God  is  testifying  his  displea- 
sure against  us,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  by  a  calamitous  war,  in  which  we 
are  involved,  while  an  amazing  insensibility  generally  prevails  under  the  pre- 
sent gloomy  appearances  of  Divine  Providence,  and  a  want  of  public  spirit, 
and  zeal  for  the  common  good ;  do,  for  these  and  the  like  reasons,  recommend 
the  twenty-third  day  of  June  next,  to  be  observed  by  the  people  belonging  to 
the  Synod,  as  a  day  of  public  humiliation,  fasting,  and  prayer,  throughout 
their  bounds,  to  bewail  our  aggravated  and  crying  sins,  to  deprecate  the  de- 
served wrath  of  heaven,  and  to  implore  the  divine  mercy  and  forgiveness; 
that  the  Spirit  of  grace  may  be  poured  out  upon  us ;  that,  as  a  people,  we 
may  turn  unto  the  Lord  by  a  sincere  repentance;  that  God  would  preserve 
and  bless  our  gracious  king,  direct  his  counsels,  go  forth  with  his  fleets  and 
armies,  and  also  those  of  his  allies,  and  crown  them  with  success;  that  he 
would  guard  and  defend  our  sea  coasts  and  frontiers  against  all  the  designs  of 
our  enemies ;  that  he  would  preserve  to  us  our  invaluable  liberties,  both  civil 
and  religious;  that  he  would  yet  bless  us  with  fruitful  seasons,  mercifully 
heal  all  our  divisions,  and  cause  our  present  confusions  happily  to  terminate 
in  the  glorious  advancement  of  the  peaceful  kingdom  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  Accordingly  it  is  ordered,  that  all  our  ministers  represent  these 
things  to  the  people  under  our  care,  and  excite  them  to  these  solemn  exercises, 
and,  for  that  end,  suit  their  sermons  and  prayers,  on  that  day,  to  the  important 
occasion. 

Signed,  by  order  of  the  Synod,  by 

Adam  Boyd,  Moderator. 

Ordered,  That  the  commission  for  the  fund  meet  immediately  at  Mr. 
Cross's. 

Adjourned  to  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  May  next.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1758. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment, 

At  Philadelphia,  May  l^th,  1758.      J] hi  post  preces  sederunt 

Of  Philadelphia  Presbytery :    Messrs.   Cross,  Dr.  Alison,   Cowell,  Guild, 
Kinkead. 

Of  Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Tate,  SteeL 


230  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1758. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Boyd,  McDowell,  Hector  Alison,  Smith, 
Millar,  McKennan. 

Elders:  John  Johnston,  James  Piper,  James  Kerr,  Moses  Irvin,  James 
Edwards. 

Absent  of  New  Castle  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Gillespie  and  Wilson. 

"      of  Donegall :  Messrs.  Zanchy,  Elder,  Thomson,  McMordie,  Bla«k, 
Craig,  Alexander  Miller. 

Dr.  Alison  opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon  on  Eph.  iv.  1 — 8. 

Mr.  Smith  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Millar  clerk. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  Dr.  Alison,  Cowell,  Steel,  Tate,  Boyd, 
McDowell,  Hector  Alison,  McKennan,  and  the  moderator,  be  the  commission 
of  the  Synod,  and  committee  for  the  fund  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  that  three, 
with  the  moderator,  be  a  quorum. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had^  brought  any  thing  for  the  fund,  it  was  found 
that  Messrs.  Cross,  Boyd,  Smith,  Hector  Alison,  Miller,  McKennan,  Gruild, 
Tate,  had  brought. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  the  fund  meet  at  Mr.  Cross's  house  to- 
morrow morning  at  eight  o'clock. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  to-morrow.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

May  25th,  at  three  o'clock.     Uhi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  commission  of  this  Synod  report,  that  they  met  with  the  commission  of 
the  Synod  of  New  York  on  Monday  last,  according  to  the  appointment  of  last 
Synod;  and,  that  after  mutual  conference  on  the  affair  of  uniting  the  two 
Synods,  a  plan  of  union  was  formed  by  the  two  commissions,  which  they  agreed 
should  be  proposed  to  each  Synod. 

The  plan  was  read,  and  considered  for  some  time,  and  the  further  considera- 
tion of  it  deferred  till  to-morrow. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning,  and  concluded  with  prayer. 

May  26,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.      U  bi post preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  plan  of  union  was  further  considered. 

A  letter  was  ordered  to  be  wrote  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  William  Leechman,  Profes- 
sor of  Divinity  in  the  University  of  Glasgow,  which  was  done,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows: 

Philadelphia,  May  29th,  1758. 

Very  Reverend  Sir, — ^Though  we  have  not  the  honour  of  personal  acquaint- 
ance with  you,  yet  your  distinguished  character  and  praises  in  the  churches  of 
Christ,  and  eminent  station  in  the  University  of  Glasgow,  are  well  known  to  us, 
and  to  the  churches  in  these  American  colonies,  and  we  would  much  esteem  a 
correspondence  with  you,  if  your  more  important  affairs  might  allow  it.  We 
presume  to  give  you  this  trouble  now,  requesting  you  to  accept  for  yourself,  and 
to  present  to  the  learned  Professors  of  the  University  our  grateful  acknowledg- 
ments for  the  late  mark  of  your  regard  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Francis  Alison,  a  mem- 
ber of  this  Synod,  in  conferring  a  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity  upon  him.  He  is 
a  gentleman  of  good  character,  a  public  spirit,  and  well  esteemed  as  a  preacher. 
He  has  been  very  industrious  and  successful  in  promoting  learning  in  this  part 
of  the  world,  both  before  and  since  he  was  called  to  a  public  station  in  the  col- 
lege and  academy  in  this  city ;  and  we  hope  he  will  ever  behave  so  as  to  deserve 
your  regard.     Such  honours  conferred  on  men  of  confessed  worth  here,  may 


1758.]  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  231 

mucli  encourage  learning  and  public  usefulness,  and  may  be  of  service  to  our 
church,  as  we  have  another  denomination  among  us,  whose  ministers  are  fre- 
quently honoured  with  such  titles.  We  shall  ever  think  it  an  honour  to  our 
Synod  to  enjoy  the  favour  of  that  university,  and  particularly  of  Dr.  Leechman. 
We  are,  Reverend  Sir,  your  very  obliged  humble  servants. 
Signed  by  order  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  by 

Sampson  Smith,  Moderator. 

Upon  reading  the  answer  given  by  the  trustees  of  the  German  schools  in  this 
province,  IMr.  Cross  informed  that  the  honourable  trustees  general,  in  England, 
had  complied  with  the  Synod's  petition,  as  appears  by  an  extract  of  a  letter 
from  them  to  the  Rev.  William  Smith,  one  of  the  trustees  here,  which  was  laid 
before  the  Synod,  and  was  as  follows : 

Extract  of  Dr.  Chandler's  letter  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  received  by  Mr. 
Smith,  September  14th,  1757. 

"  Nov.  27th,  last,  upon  the  petition  of  the  Synod  of  Pennsylvania,  and  the 
recommendation  of  our  trustees,  we  have  agreed  to  allow  thirty  pounds  sterling 
per  annum,  toward  the  support  of  the  school  mentioned  to  be  erected  by  them, 
from  midsummer  before  that  date.  And  I  have  purchased  and  packed  up, 
among  other  books,  a  large  number  of  English  Primers  and  Spelling  Books  for 
their  use,  and  that  of  the  G-erman  children,  which  I  hope  will  soon  be  sent  over 
to  you ;  as  soon,  at  least,  as  I  can  get  a  safe  conveyance." 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  Dr.  Alison,  McDowell,  and  the  moderator,  be  a 
committee  to  settle  with  Provost  Smith,  the  accounts  of  the  annual  donation 
of  the  honourable  tnistees  to  the  Synod. 

Agreed  that  the  school  be  continued  under  Mr.  Smith's  care  for  another  year, 
with  the  usual  encouragement  from  the  fund  for  the  German  schools. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  and  concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  31.      The   Synod  met,  et  post  preces  sederunt   qui 
supra. 

Agreed  by  the  Synod,  at  Mr.  Cross's  request,  that  the  box  belonging  to 
the  Synod's  fund,  and  all  pertaining  thereto,  be  put  into  Dr.  Alison's  hand  in 
trust. 

The  consideration  of  the  plan  of  union  was  resumed,  and  some  alterations 
proposed.  And  the  Synod  being  informed  that  a  committee  had  been  appointed 
by  the  two  commissioners  to  prepare  the  first  draught  of  this  plan,  to  wit, 
Messrs.  Hector  Alison,  Miller,  Smith,  and  McDowell,  of  our  members,  with 
Messrs.  Bostwick,  Davis,  Samuel  Finley,  and  Blair,  of  the  other  commission : 
Ordered,  That  Mr.  McDowell  go  and  inform  the  Synod  of  New  York,  now  sit- 
tinof,  that  this  Synod  has  considered  the  plan  for  union,  and  desires,  when  they 
have  likewise  done  so,  the  same  committee  may  meet,  and  communicate  to  each 
other  the  corrections  proposed  in  each  Synod. 

Mr.  jNIcDowell  presently  returned,  and  reports  that  the  Synod  of  New  York 
agreed  to  the  motion. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  meet  accordingly  to-morrow. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  on  Monday  morning,  and  concluded  with  prayer. 

Mai/  20th,  at  nine  o'clock  on  Monday  morning  the  /Synod  met,  et  post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Our  members  of  the  committee  appointed  to  meet  with  those  of  New  York 
Synod,  report  that  they  met  on  Saturday  last,  and  communicated  the  amend- 
ments proposed  by  each  Synod  in  the  plan  of  union,  and  conferred  upon  them. 


232  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  PHILADELPHIA.  [1758. 

Ordered,  That  these  members  lay  the  amendments  proposed  by  the  Synod  of 
New  York  before  this  Synod,  which  they  did. 

The  Synod  considered  them,  and  agreed  they  should  be  allowed. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  members  of  the  above  mentioned  committee  inform 
the  Synod  of  New  York  of  this  agreement. 

The  members  went  and  informed  them  accordingly,  and  soon  returned,  and 
acquainted  this  Synod  that  the  Synod  of  New  York  had  also  agreed  to  admit 
the  amendments  proposed  in  this  Synod,  and  therefore  thought  the  affair  was 
now  ripe  for  the  two  Synods  to  meet  together  and  complete  the  agreement. 

The  plan  as  now  prepared  was  finally  put  to  the  vote,  and  was  unanimously 
approved  as  a  satisfactory  plan  for  uniting  upon. 

Agreed  that  this  Synod  meet  with  the  Synod  of  New  York  at  three  o'clock, 
P.  M.  and  that  this  be  notified  to  them. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock*,  P.  M.,  and  concluded  with  prayer. 

iV".  B.     At  three  o^  clock,  P.  M.  the  two  Synods  met. 

The  plan  of  union  was  now  read  before  them,  and  unanimously  agreed  to. 

The  Synods  being  now  united,  a  new  book  was  opened,  and  the  whole  plan 
and  articles  of  union  entered,  as  may  be  seen  in  that  book,  where  the  minutes 
of  the  new  united  Synod  are  recorded. 


The  party  which  withdrew  from  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  the  reasons  and 
manner  of  whose  secession  are  stated  in  the  foregoing  records,  subsequently 
formed  themselves  into  a  Synod,  under  the  style  of  the  Synod  of  New  York, 
embracing  the  Presbyteries  of  New  York,  New  Brunswick  and  New  Castle. 
Their  first  meeting  was  held  in  the  year  1745,  and  their  last  in  1758,  at  which 
time  a  re-union  of  the  two  parties  was  effected  as  above  recited.  The  minutes 
of  this  body  form  the  next  link  in  the  documentary  history  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States. 


PART    THIRD. 
MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YOUK, 

FROM   A.    D.    1745   TO    1758. 


1745. 

Elizahethtoicn,  New  Jersey,  September  \%ih,  1745. 

The  ministers  and  elders  whose  names  are  presently  to  be  inserted,  convened 
and  formed  themselves  into  a  Synod,  under  the  name  or  title  of  the  Synod  of 
New  York. 

Ministers  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York :  Messrs.  Jonathan  Dickinson, 
John  Pierson,  Ebenezer  Pemberton,  Simon  Horton,  Aaron  Burr,  Azariah 
Horton,  Timothy  Jones,  Eliab  Byram,  Robert  Sturgeon. 

Ministers  of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Joseph 
Lamb,  William  Tennent,  Ptichard  Treat,  James  McCrea,  William  Robinson, 
David  Youngs,  Charles  Beatty,  Charles  McKnight. 

Ministers  of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Samuel  Blair,  Samuel  Finly, 
Charles  Tennent,  John  Blair. 

Elders  :  Joseph  Woodruffe,  Nathaniel  Hazard,  Joseph  Prudden,  Benjamin 
Leonard,  John  Ayres,  Samuel  Hazard,  Robert  Cummins,  John  Craig,  Richard 
Walker,  Peter  Peryen,  John  Love,  Alexander  Moody. 

The  ministers  and  elders  before  mentioned,  fii'st  considered  and  agreed 
upon  the  following  articles,  as  the  plan  and  foundation  of  their  synodical 
union. 

1.  They  agree  that  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith,  with  the  Larger 
and  Shorter  Catechisms,  be  the  public  confession  of  their  faith  in  such  manner 
as  was  agreed  unto  by  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  in  the  year  1729 ;  and  to  be 
inserted  in  the  latter  end  of  this  book.  And  they  declare  their  approbation  of 
the  Directory  of  the  Assembly  of  Divines  at  Westminster,  as  the  general  plan 
of  worship  and  discipline. 

2.  They  agree  that  in  matters  of  discipline,  and  those  things  that  relate  to 
the  peace  and  good  order  of  our  churches,  they  shall  be  determined  according 
to  the  major  vote  of  ministers  and  elders,  with  which  vote  every  member 
shall  actively  concur  or  pacifically  acquiesce :  but  if  any  member  cannot  in 
conscience  agree  to  the  determination  of  the  majority,  but  supposes  himself 
obliged  to  act  contrary  thereunto,  and  the  Synod  think  themselves  obliged  to 
insist  upon  it  as  essentially  necessary  to  the  well-being  of  our  churches,  in  that 
case  such  dissenting  member  promises  peaceably  to  withdraw  from  the  body, 
without  endeavouiing  to  raise  any  dispute  or  contention  upon  the  debated  point, 
or  any  unjust  alienation  of  afiection  from  them. 

3.  If  any  member  of  their  body  supposes  that  he  hath  any  thing  to  object 
against  any  of  his  brethren  with  respect  to  error  in  doctrine,  immorality  in  life, 
or  negligence  in  his  ministry,  he  shall  not  on  any  account,  propagate  the  scan- 
dal, until  the  person  objected  against  is  dealt  with  according  to  the  rules  of  the 
gospel,  and  the  known  methods  of  their  discipline. 

^30  (233) 


234  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1745. 

4.  They  agi-ee,  that  all  who  have  a  competent  degree  of  ministerial  knowledge, 
are  orthodox  in  their  doctrine,  regular  in  their  lives,  and  diligent  in  their  en- 
deavours to  promote  the  important  designs  of  vital  godliness,  and  that  will  sub- 
mit to  their  discipline,  shall  be  cheerfully  admitted  into  their  communion. 

And  they  do  also  agree,  that  in  order  to  avoid  all  divisive  methods  among 
their  ministers  and  congregations,  and  to  strengthen  the  discipline  of  Christ  in 
the  churches  in  these  parts,  they  will  maintain  a  correspondence  with  the  Synod 
of  Philadelphia  in  this  their  first  meeting,  by  appointing  two  of  their  members 
to  meet  with  the  said  Synod  of  Philadelphia  at  their  next  convention,  and  to 
concert  with  them  such  measures  as  may  best  promote  the  precious  interests  of 
Christ's  kingdom  in  these  parts. 

And  that  they  may  in  no  respect  encourage  any  factious  separating  practices 
or  principles ;  they  agree  that  they  will  not  intermeddle  with  judicially  hearing 
the  complaints,  or  with  supplying  with  ministers  and  candidates  such  parties  of 
men,  as  shall  separate  from  any  Presbyterian  or  Congregational  churches,  that 
are  not  within  their  bounds,  unless  the  matters  of  controversy  be  submitted  to 
their  jurisdiction  or  advice  by  both  parties.     Thereupon, 

The  Synod  opened  by  prayer.  Mr.  Jonathan  Dickinson  chosen  moderator, 
Mr.  Ebenezer  Pemberton  chosen  clerk. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  of  the  clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

20th  day,  at  nine  of  the  clock,  ante  meridiem.     Post  jpreces  sederunt  qui 
supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  moderator  and  Mr.  Pierson  do  correspond  with  the  Synod 
of  Philadelphia  at  their  next  session. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Samuel  Blair,  and  Ebenezer  Pember- 
ton, do  draw  up  a  testimony  to  the  work  of  God's  glorious  grace,  which  has 
been  carried  on  in  these  parts  of  the  land,  and  bring  it  in  for  the  approbation  of 
the  Synod  at  their  next  sederunt. 

The  circumstances  of  Virginia  being  brought  under  consideration,  and  the 
wide  door  that  is  opened  for  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  in  these  parts,  with  a 
hopeful  prospect  of  success,  the  Synod  are  unanimously  of  the  opinion,  that  Mr. 
Eobinson  is  the  most  suitable  person  to  be  sent  among  them,  and  accordingly 
they  do  earnestly  recommend  it  to  him  to  go  down  and  help  them  as  soon  as  his 
circumstances  will  permit  him,  and  reside  there  for  some  months. 

An  interloquitur  of  the  ministers  of  the  Synod  appointed  to  meet  at  half  an 
hour  past  two,  pos^  meridiem. 

The  Synod  adjourned  till  four  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Fottr  of  the  chcJc,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  interloquitur  met  according  to  appointment. 

Messrs.  Tennent,  Pemberton,  and  Blair,  brought  in  a  testimony  to  the  work 
of  God's  grace  among  us,  according  to  appointment,  which  was  unanimously 
approved.     But  the  original  being  lost  it  cannot  be  inserted  here. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  of  the  clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

21s;  day,  at  nine  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  Pierson,  Gilbert  Tennent,  William  Tennent,  Burr,  Samuel  Blair, 
Fmly,  Pemberton,  and  the  moderator,  are  appointed  to  be  a  commission  of  the 
Synod  for  the  ensuing  year. 

The  Synod  adjourned  to  the  second  Wednesday  of  October,  1746,  and  then 
to  meet  at  New  York.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1746-7.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  235 

1746. 

The  Synod  convened  according  to  appointment, 

Netc  York,  October  ^th,  1746.      UM  post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers :  Messrs.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  Samuel  Blair,  Samuel  Finly,  Aaron 
Burr,  Azariah  Horton,  Charles  Beatty,  Charles  McKnight,  John  Roan,  Ebe- 
nezer  Pemberton. 

Elders  :  Messrs.  Richard  Walker,  William  Eagles. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Joseph  Lamb,  Gilbert  Tennent,  William  Tennent, 
Richard  Treat,  James  IMcCrea,  David  Youngs,  Charles  Tennent,  John  Blair, 
David  Bostwick,  Thomas  Arthur,  John  Grant,  Andrew  Hunter,  John  Pierson, 
Eliab  Byram,  Simon  Horton,  Timothy  Jones,  David  Brainerd,  Robert  Sturgeon, 
Eleazcr  Wales,  and  William  Dean. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  a  sermon  from  Psal.  xxiv.  4,  preached  by  Mr. 
Dickinson,  the  last  year's  moderator. 

Mr.  Pemberton  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Finly  clerk. 

The  Synod  is  informed  that  most  of  the  absent  members  were  upon  their 
journey  to  New  Y'ork  to  attend  the  Synod,  but  were  prevented  through  appre- 
hensions of  the  small  pox  and  other  difficulties. 

Our  Reverend  brother,  Mr.  William  Robinson,  is  departed  this  life  since  our 
last  meeting. 

The  small  pox  prevailing  in  Philadelphia  in  May  last,  prevented  Messrs. 
Dickinson  and  Pierson  from  corresponding  with  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  at 
their  last  meting,  but  they  wrote  to  them  and  received  an  answer. 

The  same  members  appointed  to  be  a  commission  of  the  Synod  this  year,  who 
were  the  last. 

A  supplication  and  call  for  a  minister  from  Hanover  in  Virginia,  was  brought 
into  the  Synod  and  read ;  the  Synod  doth  earnestly  recommend  the  assisting  of 
said  people,  to  the  Presbyteries  of  New  Brunswick  and  New  Castle. 

The  Synod  considering  the  present  fewness  of  ruling  elders  attending  the 
Synod,  doth  recommend  it  to  all  their  members  to  endeavour  to  bring  elders 
with  them. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  May  next,  and  then  to  meet  at  Maid- 
enhead.    Concluded  with  prayer. 


1747. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  appointment. 

Maidenhead,  May  l^th,  1747.      U bi post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers  :  Messrs.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  John  Pierson,  Ebenezer,  Pemberton, 
Simon  Horton,  Azariah  Horton,  David  Bostwick,  John  Grant,  Timothy  Jones, 
Eliab  Byram,  Thomas  Arthur,  Jacob  Green,  Nathaniel  Tucker,  Joseph  Lamb, 
Gilbert  Tennent,  Richard  Treat,  James  McCrea,  James  Campbel,  James  Daven- 
port, Charles  McKnight,  Charles  Beatty,  Andrew  Hunter,  Daniel  Lawrence, 
Samuel  Sacket,  Samuel  Blair,  John  Blair,  William  Dean,  John  Roan,  and 
Samuel  Finley. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Joseph  Prudden,  Ebenezer  Byram,  John  Lyle,  John  Ayres, 
Thomas  Bourn,  David  Parry,  Ephraim  Lockert,  Robert  Smith,  Robert  English, 
John  Grey,  Francis  Brewster,  Daniel  Mills,  John  Smith,  Samuel  Sturgeon,  and 
Hugh  Kirkpatrick. 

Ministers  absent:    Aaron   Burr,   David  Youngs,   Timothy   Syms,    Robert 


236  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1748. 

Sturgeon,  David  Brainerd,  William  Tennent,  Eleazer  Wales,  Ctarles  Tennent, 
Hutchinson,  and  Davis. 

Mr.  Pemberton,  the  last  year's  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  by  a  sermon  on 
Acts  iv.  29. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Treat  clerk. 

Messrs.  Dickinson,  Pemberton,  Pierson,  Burr,  Lamb,  William  Tennent, 
Samuel  Blair,  Finly,  Charles  Tennent,  and  the  moderator,  are  appointed  to  be 
the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year  ensuing. 

A  letter  was  brought  into  the  Synod  from  the  new  settlements  in  Virginia, 
requesting  a  minister  might  be  sent  to  preach  the  gospel,  &c.  unto  them. 
The  Synod  appoints  Mr.  Byram  to  go  to  said  people  some  time  in  next  Sep- 
tember, and  spend  some  time  with  them,  and  appoints  the  Presbytery  of  New 
York  to  supply  his  people  with  preaching  during  his  absence.  And  the  Synod 
doth,  moreover,  appoint  Mesgrs.  Dickinson  and  Pemberton  to  write  to  Mr. 
Bewel,  in  order  to  procure  him  to  accompany  Mr.  Byram  in  said  journey. 

Adjourned  to  the  third  Wednesday  of  May  next,  to  meet  at  Maidenhead  at 
two  of  the  clock,  P.  M,     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1748.  ^ 

The  Synod  met  according  to  appointment, 

Maidenheadj  May  the  18^A,  1748.      JJhi  post  jpreces  sederunt 

Ministers :  Messrs.  Azariah  Horton,  Jacob  Green,  Timothy  Syms,  Joseph 
Lamb,  James  McCrea,  John  Brainerd,  Charles  McKnight,  James  Davenport, 
Eliab  Byram,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Andrew  Hunter,  Richard  Treat,  Charles 
Beatty,  James  Campbel,  Daniel  Lawrence,  John  Blair,  John  Roan. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Ephraim  Price,  Brice  Rickey,  John  Craig,  Samuel 
Hazard,  Isaac  Mills,  Cornelius  Wynkoop,  John  Grey,  Robert  Smith,  David 
Wilson. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Robert  Sturgeon,  John  Pierson,  Ebenezer  Pem- 
berton, Simon  Horton,  Aaron  Burr,  David  Bostwick,  John  Grant,  Thomas 
Arthur,  David  Youngs,  Timothy  Jones,  Samuel  Sacket,  William  Tennent, 
Eleazer  Wales,  Job  Prudden,  Thomas  Lewis,  Samuel  Blair,  Samuel  Finly, 
William  Dean,  Samuel  Davis,  Andrew  Sterling,  Andrew  Bay  and  Charles 
Tennent. 

Mr.  Lamb  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  John  Blair  clerk. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent,  the  last  year's  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  by  a 
sermon  from  Rom.  xi.  36. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Jonathan  Dickinson,  David  Brainerd,  and  Nathaniel 
Tucker,  have  been  removed  by  death  since  our  last  meeting. 

The  last  year's  minutes  not  being  present,  the  Synod  is  necessitated  to  pro- 
ceed as  well  as  they  can  without  them. 

Mr.  Byram  fulfilled  his  appointment  in  going  to  Virginia,  but  Mr.  Bewel 
could  not  be  obtained  to  accompany  him. 

The  Presbytery  of  Suffolk  county,  on  Long-Island,  having,  by  their  dele- 
gate Mr.  Ebenezer  Prime,  desired  to  be  admitted  as  members  of  this  Synod 
with  the  proviso,  that  one  or  two  of  their  members  in  all  time  to  come,  be 
allowed  the  privilege  of  representing  them  in  the  Synod,  and  acting  for  them 
as  delegates;  and  likewise,  that  some  members  of  New  York  Presbytery, 
might  join  them  in  their  Presbyterial  judicatories.  In  answer  to  which,  the 
Synod  does  signify  that  they  are  willing  to  make  all  reasonable  allowances  for 
the  absence  of  their  members,  who  live  far  distant  from  the  place  of  their  con- 
vention, and  when  the  Synod  shall,  on  the  account  of  their  growing  number 
and  distant  abode,  conclude  to  form  any  of  its  sessions  of  delegates,  they  will 


1749.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  237 

readily  admit  that  Reverend  Presbytery  to  the  common  privilege  of  their  body ; 
before  which,  we  judge  it  would  be  unprecedented  and  unequal,  and  of  bad 
tendency. 

If  the  Reverend  Presbytery  aforesaid  is  pleased  to  join  with  us  on  the 
aforesaid  terms,  then  we  declare  our  willingness  to  receive  them,  and  that  such 
of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  who  live  on  Long  Island,  as  are  inclined  to  it, 
may  join  with  them  as  members. 

A  call  was  brought  into  the  Synod,  to  be  presented  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dean, 
from  the  congi-egations  of  Timber  Ridge  and  forks  of  James's  River ;  the  Sy- 
nod refer  the  consideration  thereof  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  to  which 
Mr.  Dean  doth  belong,  and  do  recommend  it  to  said  Presbytery  to  meet  at  Mr. 
Dean's  meeting-house  on  Wednesday  next  upon  said  affair,  and  that  Mr.  Dean 
and  his  people  be  speedily  apprized  of  it. 

A  call  was  brought  into  the  Synod  from  Falling  Spring  and  New  Providence, 
to  be  presented  to  Mr.  Byram,  the  acceptance  of  which  he  declined. 

A  supplication  for  supplies,  and  in  particular  for  the  opportunity  of  a  pro- 
bationer from  Cedar  Creek  and  Opeken,  was  brought  into  the  Synod,  and 
also,  a  supplication  for  relief  from  a  person  who  had  suffered  loss  by  fire  j  the 
consideration  of  both  which  is  deferred  until  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  to  ten  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

l%ih  day,  at  ten  of  the  dock,  A.  M.     Post  jpreces  sederunt  qui  supra, 

Together  with  Mr.  Charles  Tennent. 

Application  was  made  to  the  Synod  in  behalf  of  the  lower  counties  in  and 
adjacent  to  Maryland,  for  supplies. 

Motion  was  made  to  the  Synod  in  behalf  of  Cape  May,  in  order  to  have 
some  provision  made  for  the  settlement  of  a  minister  there. 

A  supplication  was  brought  in  from  Augusta  county  in  Virginia. 

With  respect  to  the  supplication  for  a  charitable  contribution,  the  Synod 
judges  that  it  is  an  affair  belonging  to  the  civil  magistrate,  but  does  not  belong 
to  them  to  transact  any  thing  synodically  about  it. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  consider  the  motion  respecting  Cape  May,  and  in 
order  to  the  relief  of  that  people,  the  Synod  doth  recommend  to  the  Presby- 
tery of  New  Brunswick,  to  send  down  Mr.  Lawrence  immediately  for  a  few 
Sabbaths,  and  also  recommends  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  to  take  Mr. 
Hugh  Henry  speedily  under  trials,  and  in  case  of  his  licensure  by  said  Pres- 
bytery, the  Synod  appoint  said  Presbytery,  to  send  him  directly  down  to  said 
people,  to  supply  there  some  time  upon  trial  for  settlement,  if  Divine  Provi- 
dence clear  the  way. 

In  answer  to  the  supplication  from  the  people  in  Augusta  county,  the  Synod 
appoints  Mr.  Cummins  to  go  there  in  the  fall  for  some  time,  and  they  appoint 
Mr.  Hunter  to  go  into  the  lower  counties,  &c.  the  first  of  September,  and 
preach  there  four  Sabbaths. 

Adjourned  to  the  third  Wednesday  of  May  next,  to  meet  at  Maidenhead  at 
eleven  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1749. 

The  Synod  met  at  Maidenhead  according  to  appointment, 

May  the  17th,  1749.      Uli  j)OSt  joreces  sederunt 

Ministers:  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Ebenezer  Pemberton,  Aaron  Burr, 
James  Davenport,  David  Y^oungs,  Thomas  Arthur,  John  Brainerd,  Gilbert 
Tennent,  Richard  Treat,  James  Campbell,  Charles  Beatty,  Samuel  Sacket, 
Timothy   Allen,   James    McCrea,   Thomas  Lewie,   Andrew   Hunter,    Daniel 


238  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1749. 

Lp,wrenee;  John  Roan,  Samuel  Davis,  Andrew  Bay,  John  Rogers,  Samuel 
Finly. 

Elders :  Messrs.  John  Lyle,  Samuel  Hazard,  Hugh  Marten,  Thomas  Logan, 
Daniel  Grant,  Hugh  Kirkpatrick. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Simon  Horton,  Azariah  Horton,  David  Bostwick, 
Timothy  Jones,  Eliab  Byram,  Timothy  Syms,  John  Grant,  Jacob  Green,  Aaron 
Richards,  Caleb  Smith,  Silas  Leonard,  Joseph  Lamb,  William  Tennent,  Eleazer 
Wales,  Charles  McKnight,  Job  Prudden,  Robert  Sturgeon,  Samuel  and  John 
Blair,  Charles  Tennent,  Andrew  Sterling. 

Mr.  Lamb,  the  last  year's  moderator,  being  absent,  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent 
opened  the  Synod  by  a  sermon  on  2  Cor.  v.  11. 

Mr.  Pierson  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Finly  clerk. 

Mr.  Elihu  Spencer  is  admitted  to  sit  in  the  Synod  as  correspondent. 

The  members  absent  the  last  year,  and  now  present,  gave  their  reasons  for 
their  absence,  which  were  sustained. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Dean  has  been  removed  by  death  since  our  last  meeting. 

The  Presbytery  of  Suffolk,  by  their  delegate  Mr.  James  Brown,  signified 
to  the  Synod  their  acceptance  of  the  terms  proposed  to  them  the  last  session, 
and  said  Presbytery  are  accordingly  admitted  into  our  Synod,  in  consequence 
whereof  Mr.  Ebenezer  Prime  and  Mr.  James  Brown,  members  of  said  Presby- 
tery being  present,  are  now  admitted  to  sit  in  the  Synod  as  members. 

And  the  Synod  recommends  to  those  members  of  New  York  who  dwell  upon 
Long  Island,  to  join  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk  as  members  thereof. 

Mr.  Cummins  fulfilled  the  appointment  of  our  last  in  going  to  Virginia. 

Mr.  Hunter  was  prevented  of  fulfilling  his  appointments  by  reason  of  sick- 
ness. 

Motion  was  made  by  some  members  for  making  proposals  for  an  union  with 
the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  the  further  consideration  of  which  is  deferred  till 
the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  to  seven  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

ISth  duT/,  at  seven  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  motion  for  making  proposals  of  union  to  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia, 
reassumed,  and  after  much  reasoning  upon  it,  it  was  carried  by  a  great  majority 
of  votes,  that  proposals  for  an  union  be  made  to  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  in 
the  following  words,  viz  : 

The  Synod  of  New  York  are  deeply  sensible  of  the  many  unhappy  conse- 
quences that  flow  from  our  present  divided  state,  and  have  with  pleasure  ob- 
served a  spirit  of  moderation  increasing  between  many  of  the  members  of  both 
Synods ;  this  opens  a  door  of  hope,  that  if  we  were  united  in  one  body,  we 
might  be  able  to  carry  on  the  designs  of  religion  in  future  peace  and  agree- 
ment to  our  mutual  satisfaction ;  and  though  we  retain  the  same  sentiments  of 
the  work  of  God  which  we  formerly  did,  yet  we  esteem  mutual  forbearance 
our  duty,  since  we  all  profess  the  same  Confession  of  Faith  and  Directory  of 
Worship.  We  would,  therefore,  humbly  propose  to  our  brethren  of  the  Synod 
of  Philadelphia,  that  all  our  former  differences  be  buried  in  perpetual  oblivion, 
and  that  for  the  time  to  come,  both  Synods  be  united  into  one,  and  that  hence- 
forth there  be  no  contentions  among  us ;  but  to  carry  towards  each  other  in  the 
most  peaceable  and  brotherly  manner,  which  we  are  persuaded  will  be  for  the 
honour  of  our  Master,  the  credit  of  our  profession,  and  the  edification  of  the 
churches  committed  to  our  care.  Accordingly  we  appoint  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
John  Pierson,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Ebenezer  Pemberton,  and  Aaron  Burr,  to  be 
our  delegates  to  wait  upon  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  with  these  proposals. 


1750.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  239 

And  if  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  see  meet  to  join  with  us  in  this  design,  and 
will  please  to  appoint  a  commission  to  meet  for  that  purpose,  we  appoint  the 
Kev.  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Ebenezer  Pcmberton,  Aaron  Burr,  Gilbert  and 
William  Tennent,  Richard  Treat,  Samuel  or  John  ]31air,  John  Roan,  Samuel 
Finly,  Ebenezer  Prime,  David  Bostwick,  and  James  Brown,  (whom  we  appoint 
a  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  ensuing  year,)  to  meet  with  the  commission 
of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  at  such  time  and  place  as  they  shall  choose,  to 
determine  the  affair  of  the  union,  agreeable  to  the  preliminary  articles  con- 
cluded upon  by  this  Synod ;  and  it  is  agreed  that  any  other  of  our  members 
who  shall  please  to  meet  with  the  commission,  shall  have  liberty  of  voting  and 
acting  in  said  affair  equally  with  the  members  of  said  commission.  Which 
articles  proposed  as  a  general  plan  of  union  are  as  follows,  viz : 

1.  To  preserve  the  common  peace,  we  would  propose  that  all  names  of 
distinction  which  have  been  made  use  of  in  the  late  times,  be  for  ever  abo- 
lished. 

2.  That  every  member  assent  unto  and  adopt  the  Confession  of  Faith  and 
Directory,  according  to  the  plan  formerly  agreed  to  by  the  Synod  of  Philadel- 
phia in  the  years . 

3.  That  every  member  promise,  that  after  any  question  has  been  determined 
by  the  major  vote,  he  will  actively  concur  or  passively  submit  to  the  judgmeitt 
of  the  body ;  but  if  his  conscience  permit  him  to  do  neither  of  these,  that  then 
he  shall  be  obliged  peaceably  to  withdraw  from  our  Synodical  communion, 
without  any  attempt  to  make  a  schism  or  division  among  us.  Yet  this  is  not 
intended  to  extend  to  any  cases  but  those  which  the  Synod  judges  essential  in 
matters  of  doctrine  or  discipline. 

4.  That  all  our  respective  congregations  and  vacancies  be  acknowledged  as 
congregations  belonging  to  the  Synod,  but  continue  under  the  care  of  the  same 
Presbytery  as  now  they  are,  until  a  favourable  opportunity  presents  for  an 
advantageous  alteration. 

5.  That  we  all  agree  to  esteem  and  treat  it  as  a  censurable  evil,  to  accuse  any 
of  our  members  of  error  in  doctrine  or  immorality  in  conversation,  any  other- 
wise than  by  private  reproof,  till  the  accusation  has  been  brought  before  a 
regular  judicature  and  issued  according  to  the  known  rules  of  our  discipline. 

Upon  a  representation  of  the  desolate  circumstances  of  Virginia  and  Mary- 
land, the  Synod  appoint  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Prime,  Davenport,  Youngs,  _  and 
Spencer,  to  writ^  to  the  Eastern  Association  of  Fairfield  county,  in  Connecticut, 
requesting  them,  if  possible,  to  send  some  minister  or  ministers,  to  supply  some 
time  in  those  southern  provinces.  Also,  Mr.  Davenport  is  appointed,  if  he 
recovers  a  good  state  of  health,  to  go  and  supply  in  Virginia. 

Adjourned  to  the  third  Wednesday  of  May  next,  to  meet  at  Maidenhead, 
unless  a  different  time  and  place  be  appointed  by  the  commission.  Concluded 
with  prayer. 

1750. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  appointment. 

Maidenhead,  May  \%th,  1750.      UU post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers :  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Ebenezer  Pemberton,  Aaron  Burr,  Eliab 
Byram,  David  Bostwick,  Jacob  Green,  Caleb  Smith,  Thomas  Arthur,  Aaron 
Richards,  James  Davenport,  Richard  Treat,  William  Tennent,  Charles  McKnight, 
James  McCrea,  Timothy  Allen,  Thomas  Lewis,  Andrew  Hunter,  Daniel  Law- 
rence, Israel  Read,  Samuel  Sacket,  Samuel  Blair,  John  Blair,  John  Roan, 
Samuel  Davis,  Andrew  Bay,  John  Rogers,  Azariah  Horton. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Peter  Beach,  Cornelius  Wynkoop,  Robert  Cummins,  Richard 


240  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1750. 

Walker,  'William  Lynn,  Moses  Hallam,  Joseph  Peck,  William  Boyd,  Samuel 
Morris,  William  Murphey. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Simon  Horton,  Timothy  Jones,  Enos  Ayres, 
Timothy  Syms,  John  Brainerd,  John  Grant,  Elihu  Spencer,  Robei't  Sturgeon, 
Gilbert  Tennent,  Samuel  Finly,  Charles  Tennent,  Andrew  Sterling,  James 
Campbell,  and  all  of  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk  except  Azariah  Horton. 

Mr.  Pierson,  the  last  year's  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  by  a  sermon  from 
Colos.  i.  18. 

Mr.  William  Tennent  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Arthur  clerk. 

The  reasons  sent  in  excuse  for  the  present  absence  of  Messrs.  Charles  Ten- 
nent, Samuel  Finly,  and  Simon  Horton,  are  sustained. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Lamb  is  removed  by  death  since  our  last  session. 

The  minutes  of  our  last  session  could  not  be  obtained  at  present,  and  there- 
fore the  Synod  was  necessitated'  to  proceed  without  them. 

Ordered,  That  any  member  of  the  Synod  who  may  have  them,  or  any  other 
of  the  minutes  of  this  Synod  since  its  first  erection,  in  their  keeping,  take  care 
to  produce  them  at  the  next  session. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  last  Synod  to  wait  upon  the  Synod  of 
Philadelphia,  with  a  preliminary  plan  for  an  union,  make  report  that  they 
complied  with  said  appointment,  and  in  consequence  thereof  a  commission  of 
both  Synods  agreed  to  meet  at  Trenton,  the  first  Wednesday  of  October,  1749, 
and  met  accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  that  meeting  be  laid  before  the  Synod,  which 
being  done,  the  Synod  ordered  them  to  be  inserted  in  their  minutes,  and  they 
are  as  follows,  viz. 

"  Trenton,  October  4:th,  1749. 

"  Met  according  to  an  agreement  between  the  commissioners  of  the  Synod 
of  New  York  and  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  the  commission  of  both  Synods 
to  treat  upon  an  overture  of  union  between  the  said  Synods,  offered  to  the  Synod 
of  Philadelphia  by  the  Synod  of  New  York. 

"  Present  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia :  Messrs.  Cross,  Alison,  Cathcart, 
Boyd,  McHenry,  Cowell,  Griffith,  and  Thom. 

"  Of  the  Synod  of  New  York :  Messrs.  Pierson,  Pemberton,  Gilbert  and 
William  Tennent,  Treat,  Samuel  and  John  Blair,  Lewis,  Finly,  Roan,  and 
Arthur. 

"  N.  B.  In  the  appointment  of  the  commission  of  the  Synod  of  New  York, 
liberty  was  expressly  granted  to  any  of  their  members,  though  not  in  com- 
mission, to  attend  and  have  equal  liberty  of  voting  with  the  commissioners  if 
they  were  inclined  so  to  do. 

^^Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra,  with  divers  members  of  the  Synod  of  New 
York. 

"  Mr.  David  Cowell  was  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Thomas  Arthur  clerk. 

"  Several  members  of  the  Synod  of  New  York,  that  had  not  been  present 
at  forming  the  general  plan  for  an  union,  moved  that  before  the  commissioners 
entered  upon  the  affair  of  the  union,  they  might  have  a  private  conference  with 
the  members  of  their  own  Synod,  that  they  might  be  fully  acquainted  with  each 
other's  sentiments  relating  to  the  union,  and  also  further  inform  themselves  as 
to  the  general  concessions  made  in  the  aforesaid  plan,  or  preliminary  articles, 
or  by  their  committee ;  which  motion  was  granted. 

"Adjourned  to  eight  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 


1750.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  241 

"Thursday,  hih  day,  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces  sederunt 
qui  supra. 

"The  commissioners  of  the  Synod  of  New  York  considering  the  protest 
of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  whereby  they  excluded  from  their  communion 
the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  and  theii'  adherents,  as  one  principal  bar 
to  an  union,  waiving  all  other  matters,  immediately  insisted  that  said  protest 
should,  by  some  authentic  and  formal  act  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  be 
made  null  and  void.  The  debates  on  this  head  arose  very  high,  and  there 
appearing  no  prospect  of  accommodating  matters,  the  commissioners  of  both 
Synods  came  unanimously  into  this  conclusion,  viz.  That  whereas  certain 
difficulties  arose  in  the  conversation  of  the  commissioners  of  both  Synods, 
they  came  finally  and  unanimously  into  this  agreement,  that  both  Synods  at 
their  next  sessions  do  more  fully  prepare  proposals  for  an  accommodation, 
and  interchange  said  proposals,  and  that  in  the  mean  time,  there  be  a  mutual 
endeavour  to  cultivate  a  spirit  of  candour  and  friendship.  At  the  same  time 
these  three  principal  things  were  especially  recommended  to  the  consideration 
of  their  respective  Synods.  1.  The  protest.  2.  That  paragraph  about  essen- 
tials.    3.  Of  Presbyteries.     Concluded  with  prayer." 

The  affair  of  the  union  was  taken  under  consideration,  according  to  the 
conclusion  of  the  commissioners  of  both  Synods  as  aforesaid.  But  the  Synod 
is  sorry  to  find  that  it  is  not  in  their  power  to  proceed  to  make  further  propo- 
sals at  this  session,  for  want  of  the  last  year's  minutes,  and  a  copy  of  the 
former  plan  of  preliminary  articles,  occasioned  by  the  absence  of  their  former 
clerk.  But  still  they  profess  their  design  to  enter  upon  the  affair  at  their 
next  sessions,  and  in  the  mean  time  to  maintain  a  spirit  of  candour  and 
friendship. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  minute  be  sent  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gilbert  Ten- 
nent,  who  is  hereby  appointed  to  deliver  it  in  to  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  at 
the  beginning  of  their  next  sessions. 

Upon  application  made  by  Mr.  Davis  in  behalf  of  the  people  in  the  southern 
colonies,  the  Synod  do  recommend  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  to 
endeavour  to  prevail  with  Mr.  John  Todd,  upon  his  being  licensed,  to  take  a 
journey  thither;  and  also  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  to  urge  the  same 
iipon  Messrs.  Syms  and  Greenman. 

Mr.  Davenport  is  appointed  to  go  into  Virginia  to  assist  in  supplying  the 
numerous  vacant  and  destitute  congregations  there.  The  same  is  also  recom- 
mended to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Byram. 

Adjourned  to  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

VJtTi  day,  at  eight  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

An  affair  of  the  congregation  of  Tehicken  was  brought  into  the  Synod  by  a 
reference  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick,  which  the  Synod  pro- 
ceeded to  consider,  and  ordered  the  parties  concerned  to  lay  the  case  before 
them  in  order  to  be  determined,  which  was  accordingly  done ;  and  after  much 
was  said,  many  papers  read,  and  all  persons  had  offered  what  they  thought 
proper  with  respect  to  the  matter  in  controversy,  the  Synod  came  into  the 
following  conclusion,  viz.  That  whereas  the  congregation  of  Tehicken  is  sadly 
divided  about  the  fairness  and  obligation  of  a  lot  made  use  of  by  them  for  the 
determining  the  place  for  their  meeting-house,  the  Synod,  after  a  full  hearing 
the  case,  came  unanimously  into  this  judgment,  viz.  that  though  they  do  by 
all  means  discountenance  the  method  of  ending  such  matters  of  controversy 
by  lottery,  yet  as  to  the  lot  under  debate,  the  Synod  is  of  the  opinion,  that 
31 


242  MINUTES  OF  THE  '  [1750. 

it  was  fairly  cast,  and  consequently  binding  upon  the  parties  concerned,  as  also 
other  former  agreements  said  people  have  solemnly  obliged  themselves  to; 
and  the  Synod  doth  judge,  that  they  have  acted  very  sinfully  who  have  broken 
through  these  repeated  solemn  obligations,  and  that  a  solemn  admonition  be 
given  unto  them  by  Mr.  Pemberton  in  the  name  of  the  Synod;  which  was 
accordingly  done. 

The  last  year's  commission  continued  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Adjourned  to  the  fourth  Thursday  in  September  next,  to  meet  at  Newark. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment, 

Newark,  September  27th,  1750.      Uhi post preces  sederunt     ■ 

Ministers  :  Messrs.  Ebenezdx  Prime,  Azariah  Horton,  James  Brown,  David 
Youngs,  Ebenezer  Pemberton,  John  Pierson,  Aaron  Burr,  Timothy  Jones, 
Jacob  Green,  John  Grant,  Caleb  Smith,  Aaron  Richards,  Timothy  Syms,  Daniel 
Thane,  Thomas  Arthur,  Enos  Ayres,  Elihu  Spencer,  William  Tennent,  Richard 
Treat,  Charles  Beatty,  Thomas  Lewis,  Daniel  Lawrence,  Timothy  Allen,  Israel 
Read,  Samuel  Finly,  Simon  Horton. 

Elders  :  John  Smith,  David  Ray,  John  Lyle. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Silvanus  White,  Samuel  Bewel,  James  McCrea, 
Gilbert  Tennent,  Job  Prudden,  Samuel  Sacket,  Andrew  Hunter,  James  Daven- 
port, Samuel  Blair,  John  Blair,  John  Roan,  Charles  Tennent,  Andrew  Bay, 
Samuel  Davis,  John  Rogers,  James  Campbell,  Andrew  Sterling,  Alexander 
Hutchinson. 

Mr.  Prime  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Smith  clerk. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  a  sermon  preached  by  Mr.  Cummins  from  Rom. 
viii.  15. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Eleazer  Wales  is  removed  by  death  since  our  last  session. 

Adjourned  till  two  of  the  clock,  post  meridiem.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Tioo  of  the  clocTc,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra 

The  minutes  of  the  Synod  since  their  first  erection  being,  according  to  the 
order  of  our  last,  brought  into  the  Synod,  they  appoint  Mr.  Treat  to  transcribe 
them  into  a  book  that  they  be  not  lost,  and  that  he  be  henceforth  their  stated 
clerk  for  that  purpose. 

The  reasons  given  by  the  present  members  of  their  absence  the  last  session 
were  sustained. 

The  afiair  of  the  union  with  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  came  under  consid- 
eration, and  the  Synod  appoints  Messrs.  Treat,  William  Tennent,  Finly,  Green, 
and  Spencer,  to  be  a  committee  to  draw  up  proposals  upon  that  head  to  be 
brought  in  at  their  next  sederunt. 

The  High  Dutch  congregation  of  Rockway,  in  the  township  of  Lebanon, 
applied  to  the  Synod  that  they  may  be  taken  under  the  care  of  this  Synod,  and 
that  a  certain  person  now  preaching  among  them  may  be  taken  under  examina- 
tion, and  if  approved,  ordained  a  minister  to  them.  The  Synod,  in  order  to  clear 
their  way  to  transact  any  thing  with  said  people,  do  appoint  Mr.  Pemberton  to 
make  inquiry  of  the  Dutch  ministers  in  New  York,  whether  said  people  do 
belong  to  their  jurisdiction ;  and  he  is  to  acquaint  a  committee  of  the  Synod 
how  that  matter  is.  And  the  Synod  appoints  Messrs.  Pierson,  Burr,  Arthur, 
Smith,  and  Spencer,  their  committee,  to  sit  at  such  time  and  place  as  they 
shall  appoint,  and  transact  in  said  afiair,  according  as  things  shall  then  appear  to 
them. 

Upon  a  representation  made  by  Mr.  Beatty  of  the  necessitous  circumstances 


1750.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  243 

of  the  congregation  of  Cape  May,  and  their  earnest  request  that  some  minister, 
or  candidate,  might  be  sent  down  to  them  and  settle  with  them,  the  Synod  ap- 
points Mr.  Davenport  to  go  and  gpeud  the  winter  with  them  for  that  purpose, 
if  consistent  with  his  affairs. 

Adjourned  till  eight  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

2Sth  day,  at  eight  of  the  clock,  A.  M.    Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  Pemberton,  Pierson,  Burr,  Arthur,  Gilbert  and  William  Ten- 
nent,  Treat,  Finly,  Samuel  and  John  Blair,  Azariah  Horton,  Brown,  and 
the  moderator,  are  appointed  to  be  a  commission  of  the  Synod  for  this 
year. 

The  Synod  making  inquiry  how  the  several  appointments  for  Virginia  have 
been  fulfilled,  do  find  that  Mr.  Davenport  has  been  there,  and  that  Mr.  Todd  is 
licensed,  and  preparing  speedily  to  go ;  but  that  the  other  appointments  by  one 
means  or  other  have  foiled. 

The  committee  according  to  appointment,  brought  in  a  draught  of  proposals 
for  an  union  with  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  which  the  Synod  approve,  and 
they  are  as  follow,  viz. 

1.  That  every  member  assent  unto  and  receive  the  Westminster  Confession 
of  Faith  and  Catechisms,  as  the  confession  of  his  faith,  according  to  the  plan 
formerly  mentioned  and  proposed,  and  also  agree  to  the  Directory  as  the  general 
plan  of  worship  and  discipline. 

2.  That  all  matters  shall  be  determined  by  a  majority  of  votes,  to  which 
determination  all  shall  submit ;  but  if  any  member  or  members  cannot,  in  con- 
science submit  to  any  particular  act  or  determination  of  the  body,  he  or  they 
shall  be  obliged,  after  sufficient  liberty  of  reasoning  and  modest  remonstration, 
to  withdraw  from  our  Synodical  communion.  Provided  always,  that  this  last 
article  shall  not  extend  to  any  cases  but  such  as  the  Synod  shall  judge  to  be 
essential  in  doctrine,  worship,  or  discipline. 

3.  That  it  shall  be  treated  as  a  censurable  misconduct,  for  any  member  to 
charge  any  of  his  brethren  with  errors  in  doctrine  or  immorality  in  conversa- 
tion, except  in  a  way  of  private  reproof  or  judicial  process.  And  that  none  shall 
be  judicially  condemned  or  censured  without  a  fair  trial  and  process,  according 
to  the  known  rules  of  our  discipline. 

4.  That  no  candidate  shall  be  taken  upon  trials  by  any  Presbytery,  without 
a  degree  or  a  certificate  from  the  president,  and  a  sufficient  number  of  the  tutors 
or  trustees  of  some  college,  testifying  to  the  sufficiency  of  his  learning ;  except 
in  cases  extraordinary,  in  which  the  Presbyteries  shall  be  accountable  to  the 
Synod  for  their  conduct. 

.5.  That  it  shall  be  treated  as  irregular,  for  any  minister  or  candidate  to  preach 
or  perform  other  ministerial  offices  in  the  congregations  of  other  ministers  be- 
longing to  our  body,  contrary  to  their  minds.  On  the  other  hand  it  shall  be 
esteemed  unbrotherly  for  any  minister  to  refuse  his  consent,  (without  weighty 
reasons,)  when  amicably  desired. 

6.  That  all  the  several  Presbyteries  belonging  to  both  Synods  respectively, 
shall  continue  distinct  Presbyteries  as  now  they  are,  and  that  the  several  con- 
gregations and  vacancies  may  continue  to  be  under  the  same'  Presbyteries  as  at 
present. 

7.  That  the  protestation  made  in  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  in  the  year 
1741,  be  declared  henceforth  void  and  of  none  efiect,  and  that  the  proposed  union 
shall  not  be  understood  to  imply  an  agreement  or  consent  to  said  protestation 
on  the  part  of  this  Synod. 

8.  Forasmuch  as  this  Synod  doth  believe,  (as  they  have  before  declared,)  that 


244  MINUTES  or  THE  [1751. 

a  glorious  work  of  Grod's  Spirit  was  carried  on  in  the  late  religious  appear- 
ances, (thougli  we  doubt  not  but  there  were  several  follies  and  extravagan- 
cies of  people,  and  artifices  of  Satan  intermixed  therewith,)  it  would  be  pleasing 
and  desirable  to  us,  and  what  we  hope  for,  that  both  Synods  may  come 
so  far  to  agree  in  their  sentiments  about  it,  as  to  give  their  joint  testimony 
thereto. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Treat,  the  stated  clerk,  transcribe  these  proposals  and 
deposit  a  true  copy  thereof  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Samuel  Hazard  of  Philadelphia, 
to  be  delivered  to  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  or  their  order,  when  he  shall  have 
received  their  proposals. 

The  Synod  adjourned  to  the  day  after  the  commencement  the  ensuing  year, 
and  then  to  sit  at  Newark.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

V 

1751. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

Newark,  Septemher  2%ih,  1751.      Vhipost  preces  sederunt 

Ministers  of  Suffolk  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Ebenezer  Prime  and  Azariah 
Horton. 

Of  the  New  York  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Ebenezer  Pemberton, 
Simon  Horton,  Aaron  Burr,  James  Davenport,  David  Bostwick,  Jacob  Green, 
Caleb  Smith,  John  Brainerd,  Elihu  Spencer,  Daniel  Thane,  Enos  Ayres,  John 
Moffett,  Chauncey  Glraham. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick :  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Kichard 
Treat,  Charles  McKnight,  Charles  Beatty,  Eliab  Byram,  Thomas  Lewis, 
Andrew  Hunter,  Daniel  Lawrence,  Israel  Read,  Samuel  Kennedy,  Benjamin 
Chesnutt. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle :  Messrs.  James  Campbell,  Samuel  Finly, 
John  Blair,  Samuel  Davis,  John  Rogers.     Mr.  John  Smith  correspondent. 

Elders :  Messrs.  John  Ball,  John  Henderson,  Anthony  Scout,  Hugh  Mar- 
ten, John  Kirkpatrick,  Philip  Celsel,  AUin  Killock,  Daniel  Morris,  Aaron 
Trueheart,  Jonathan  Holms,  Elias  Bayley. 

Ministers  absent.  Of  Long  Island  Presbytery:  Messrs.  Silvanus  White, 
James  Brown,  Samuel  Bewel,  Naphtali  Dagget,  David  Youngs,  Samuel 
Sackett. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Timothy  Syms,  Timothy  Jones,  John 
Grant,  Aaron  Richards,  Alexander  Cummins,  Jonathan  Elmore. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  James  McCrea, 
Timothy  Allen,  Job  Prudden,  John  Campbell,  John  Todd. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Charles  Tennent,  John  Roan,  Andrew 
Sterling,  Andrew  Bay,  Hugh  Henry. 

Mr.  John  Blair  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Byram  clerk. 

Mr.  Prime,  the  last  year's  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  by  a  sermon  from 
Psal.  cii.  16. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Blair  and  Thomas  Arthur,  are  departed  this  life 
since  the  last  Synod. 

A  petition  was  sent  into  the  Synod  by  the  trustees  of  the  college  of  New 
Jersey,  desiring  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ebenezer  Pemberton  might  be  appointed 
to  make  a  voyage  to  Europe  to  solicit  benefactions  for  said  college ;  and  like- 
wise, requesting  that  some  members  of  the  Synod  might  be  appointed  to  go 
immediately  to  New  York,  to  treat  with  Mr.  Pemberton's  congregation  upon 
said  affair.  The  Synod  taking  this  matter  into  consideration,  do  appoint  Messrs. 
Aaron  Burr,  Richard  Treat,  William  Tennent,  and  Samuel  Davis,  to  be  a  com- 


1751.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  245 

mittee  to  go  immediately  to  New  York,  and  treat  with  Mr.  Pemberton's  con- 
gregation upon  said  affair. 

Adjourned  to  three  of  the  clock,  post  meridiem.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  of  the  dock,  P.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  excuses  of  Messrs.  Hunter,  Davenport,  James  Campbell,  Rogers,  and 
the  moderator,  for  their  absence  from  the  last  Synod,  are  sustained. 

The  committee  to  whom  the  affair  of  the  Dutch  congregation  of  Rockway 
was  referred  the  last  Synod,  do  make  report,  that  difficulties  arising  in  their 
way  from  time  to  time,  they  have  not  been  able  to  do  any  thing  in  it.  And 
application  being  again  made  to  the  Synod  by  said  congregation,  desiring  they 
would  take  the  said  affair  under  their  care ;  the  Synod  do  refer  it  to  the  Pres- 
bytery of  New  Brunswick,  to  transact  in  it  according  as  they  shall  judge  best, 
when  matters  are  fully  laid  before  them. 

The  Synod  find  that  Mr.  Davenport  fulfilled  his  appointment  in  going  to 
Cape  May. 

Messrs.  Pierson,  Pemberton,  Burr,  Spencer,  Gilbert  and  William  Tennent, 
Treat,  Finly,  Rogers,  Prime,  Azariah  Horton,  Brown,  and  the  moderator,  are 
appointed  to  be  a  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Proposals  of  accommodation  from  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  (in  compli- 
ance with  the  agreement  of  the  commissions  of  both  Synods  at  Trenton,  men- 
tioned in  the  preceding  minutes,  page  23,)  were  brought  into  the  Synod 
and  read,  the  consideration  of  which  deferred  till  the  next  sederunt.  [See 
page  204.] 

The  Synod  understanding  that  one  Vandreron,  a  Dutch  preacher,  going  from 
place  to  place,  does  much  disturb  some  of  our  congregations,  and  being  a  person 
of  gross  enormities  and  scandals,  the  Synod  judge  it  to  be  their  duty  to  ad- 
monish all  the  people  under  their  care  to  avoid  the  said  Vandreron,  and  give  no 
countenance  to  his  preaching. 

Adjourned  to  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  of  the  clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

27th  day^  at  nine  of  the  clock,  A.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Prime  absent,  having  obtained  leave  to  go  home. 

The  Synod  being  informed  of  certain  misrepresentations  concerning  the  con- 
stitution, order,  and  discipline  of  our  churches,  industriously  spread  by  some 
of  the  members  of  the  Dutch  congregations,  interspersed  among  or  bordering 
upon  us,  with  design  to  prevent  occasional  or  constant  communion  of  their 
members  with  our  churches ;  to  obviate  all  such  misrepresentations,  and  to 
cultivate  a  good  understanding  between  us  and  our  brethren  of  the  Dutch 
churches,  we  do  hereby  declare  and  testify  our  constitution,  order,  and  dis- 
cipline, to  be  in  harmony  with  the  established  church  of  Scotland.  The  West- 
minster Confession,  Catechisms,  and  Directory  for  public  worship  and  church 
government  adopted  by  them,  are  in  like  manner  received  and  adopted  by  us. 
We  declare  ourselves  united  with  that  church  in  the  same  faith,  order,  and 
discipline.  Its  approbation,  countenance,  and  favour,  we  have  abundant  tes- 
timonies of.  They,  as  brethren,  receive  us ;  and  their  members,  we,  as  oppor- 
tunity offers,  receive  as  ours.  And  as  the  church  of  Scotland,  and  the  Re- 
formed churches  abroad,  agreeable  to  the  Geneva  Platform,  hold  a  ready  and 
free  communion  with  each  other,  so  we  also  desire  the  same  with  our  brethren 
of  the  Dutch  and  French  churches,  interspersed  amongst  and  bordering 
upon  us. 

The  exigencies  of  the  great  affair  of  propagating  the  gospel  among  the  hea- 


246  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1751. 

then,  being  represented  unto  the  Synod,  the  Synod,  in  order  to  promote  so 
important  and  valuable  a  design,  do  enjoin  all  their  members  to  appoint  a  col- 
lection in  their  several  congregations  once  every  year,  to  be  applied  for  that 
purpose ;  and  that  the  money  raised  by  such  collections  be  yearly  sent  to  the 
Synod. 

The  Synod  do,  moreover,  recommend  to  all  their  members,  as  far  as  prudence 
may  direct,  to  make  another  annual  collection  for  the  support  of  young  stu- 
dents, whose  circumstances  render  them  incapable  to  maintain  themselves  at 
learning,  and  for  other  charitable  purposes ;  which  contributions  shall  be  at  the 
disposal  of  such  respective  Presbyteries  where  they  are  made. 

A  petition  of  a  number  of  the  members  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Bruns- 
wick, praying  to  be  erected  into  a  distinct  Presbytery,  was  brought  into  the 
Synod,  the  further  consideration  of  it  deferred  till  the  next  sederunt. 

A  petition  from  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  Tinnicum  or  Tehicken,  pray- 
ing for  liberty  for  supplies  at  the  place  called  the  Old  House.  The  Synod, 
after  hearing  what  they  had  to  offer  in  support  of  said  petition,  and  after  con- 
sideration thereon,  do  unanimously  reject  said  petition. 

The  consideration  of  the  proposals  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  in  order  to 
union,  taken  under  consideration,  and  the  Synod  appoint  Messrs.  Pierson, 
Finly,  Smith,  Beatty,  and  the  moderator,  to  draw  up  an  answer  and  lay  it  be- 
fore the  Synod  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  to  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


Three  of  the  dock,  P.  3f.      Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  consideration  of  the  petition  of  some  members  of  the  Presbytery  of 
New  Brunswick  was  resumed,  and  after  hearing  what  they  had  to  offer  in 
support  thereof,  the  Synod  agree  to  grant  said  petition,  and  do  erect  that  part 
of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  that  live  in  Pennsylvania,  together  with 
those  who  live  in  New  Jersey,  to  the  southward  of  Philadelphia,  bordering 
upon  Delaware,  into  a  distinct  Presbytery  by  the  name  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Abington,  and  also  appoint  their  first  meeting  to  be  at  Philadelphia  the  third 
Wednesday  in  May  next. 

The  committee  appointed  to  draw  up  something  in  answer  to  the  proposals 
of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  laid  before  the  Synod  what  they  had  done,  which 
the  Synod  approve,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

The  proposals  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  for  union  with  this  Synod  were 
opened  and  read.  The  Synod  after  deliberate  perusal  of  them  are  pleased  in 
observing  any  steps  taken  towards  the  uniting  the  two  Synods,  and  that  our 
brethren  of  the  Philadelphia  Synod  profess  a  peaceable  disposition,  and  deter- 
mine to  concur  with  our  proposals  as  closely  and  as  far  as  they  can,  in  their 
present  view  of  things.  But  as  they  have  not  seen  fit  to  comply  with  some 
of  the  particulars  proposed  by  us  so  closely  as  we  could  have  wished,  we 
judge  it  becomes  our  professions,  and  our  endeavours  for  peace,  to  be  candidly 
open  and  free  in  pointing  out  those  things  from  which  we  disagree  in  their  pre- 
sent plan  of  accommodation. 

1.  Though  the  Synod  should  make  no  acts  but  concerning  matters  of  plain 
duty,  or  opinions  relating  to  the  great  truths  of  religion,  yet  as  every  thing 
that  appears  plain  duty  and  truth  unto  the  body,  may  appear  at  the  same  time 
not  to  be  essential,  so  we  judge  that  no  member  or  members  should  be  obliged 
to  withdraw  from  our  communion  upon  his  or  their  not  being  able  actively  to 
concur,  or  passively  submit,  unless  the  matter  be  judged  essential  in  doctrine 
or  discipline. 

2.  We  cannot  agree  that  all  the  public  and  fundamental  agreements  of  the 


1752.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  247 

Synod  of  Philadelphia  should  stand  safe,  if  this  is  understood  to  extend  to 
agreements  made  by  said  Synod  since  the  rupture  happened. 

3.  We  cannot  see  that  it  will  consist  with  the  peace  and  edification  of  the 
church  to  use  any  coercive  measures  to  oblige  people  to  be  under  the  ministry 
of  those  whom  they  do  not  choose,  or  to  dissolve  and  new  model  Presby- 
teries. 

4.  Seeing  by  the  goodness  of  Divine  Providence  we  have  now  a  college 
erected,  we  see  no  necesf^ity  for  the  alternative  of  the  Synod  or  their  commis- 
sion examining  candidates  before  they  be  admitted  to  Presbyterial  trials. 

As  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  had  not  our  last  proposals  before  them  when 
they  drew  up  the  present  plan  of  accommodation,  we  refer  them  to  said  pro- 
posals, as  to  what  wo  further  desire  in  order  to  our  union  with  them. 

Ordered,  That  the  clerk  send  an  attested  copy  of  the  above  to  Mr.  Samuel 
Hazard,  of  Philadelphia,  to  be  delivered  to  the  moderator  of  the  Synod  at 
Philadelphia. 

The  distressing  circumstances  of  Virginia  being  represented  to  the  Synod, 
they  appoint  Mr  Greenman  to  go  into  Virginia  as  soon  as  possibly  he  can,  and 
supply  there  for  some  time. 

A  motion  being  made  to  the  Synod  by  Mr.  Davis,  of  the  necessity  of  send- 
ing to  England  an  account  relating  to  the  dissenting  interest  in  Virginia,  the 
Synod  does  order  that  a  representation  of  the  circumstances  of  the  Presby- 
terian congregations  in  that  colony  be  made  and  signed  in  the  name  of  the 
Synod,  by  Messrs.  Burr  and  Pemberton,  to  Dr.  Doddridge  and  Dr.  Avery,  and 
also  a  certificate  of  Mr.  Davis's  character. 

The  committee  sent  to  New  York  by  the  Synod  on  the  petition  of  the  trus- 
tees of  the  college,  returned  and  reported  that  their  attempts  were  to  no  pur- 
pose in  the  affair  of  their  mission. 

Adjourned  to  the  day  after  the  commencement  of  the  ensuing  year,  and  then 
to  meet  at  Newark.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

17oS. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  appointment. 

Newark,  Beptenxber  1%ili.)Vl^1.      V hi  sederunt  post  preces. 

Ministers :  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Ebenezer  Pemberton,  Simon  Horton, 
Aaron  Burr,  James  Davenport,  Jacob  G-reen,  David  Bostwick,  Caleb  Smith, 
John  Brainerd,  Elihu  Spencer,  Daniel  Thane,  Chauncey  Graham,  William 
Tennent,  Andrew  Hunter,  Timothy  Allen,  Israel  Read,  Eliab  Byram,  Thomas 
Lewis,  Richard  Treat,  Charles  Beatty,  Daniel  Lawrence,  Samuel  Finly,  Aza- 
riah  Horton,  Aaron  Richards,  Alexander  Cummins,  Job  Prudden,  Conrad 
Worts,  John  Grant,  Naphtali  Dagget. 

Elders :  James  Kilburn,  Joseph  Kerr. 

Ministers  absent:  Enos  Ayers,  John  Moffbrt,  Timothy  Jones,  Jonathan 
Elmore,  Charles  McKnight,  James  McCrea,  Samuel  Kennedy,  John  Todd, 
Gilbert  Tennent,  Benjamin  Chesnutt,  John  Campbell,  James  Campbell,  John 
Blair,  John  Rogers,  Charles  Tennent,  John  Roan,  Andrew  Sterling,  Andrew 
Bay,  Hugh  Henry,  Ebenezer  Prime,  Silvanus  White,  Samuel  Bewel,  James 
Brown,  Samuel  Sacket,  James  Finly,  Robert  Smith. 

Mr.  Treat  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Samuel  Finly  clerk. 

Our  last  year's  moderator  being  absent  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jonathan  Edwards, 
at  the  request  of  the  members,  opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon  on  James 
ii.  19. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


^0  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1752. 

Th7'ee  of  the  clocJc,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Rev.  David  Youngs  has  departed  this  life  since  our  last. 

Mr.  Cummins,  Mr.  Richards,  Mr.  Grant,  Mr.  Dagget,  Mr.  Allen,  and  Mr. 
Prudden,  gave  the  reasons  of  their  absence  the  last  Synod,  which  were  sus- 
tained. 

According  to  appointment  of  Synod,  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick 
examined  the  aflPair  of  the  Dutch  congregation  at  Rockway,  and  ordained  Mr. 
Worts  to  be  their  minister. 

Messrs.  Pierson,  Pemberton,  Burr,  Spencer,  Grilbert  and  William  Tennent, 
Finly,  Rogers,  Prime,  Azariah  Horton,  Brown,  and  the  moderator,  are  ap- 
pointed to  be  a  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Inquiry  into  the  aflFair  of  th«  collection  for  the  Indians,  appointed  the  last 
Synod,  deferred  until  another  sederunt. 

The  clerk  reports  that  he  complied  with  the  order  of  sending  an  attested 
copy  of  our  last  year's  proposals  to  Mr.  Hazard,  to  be  given  in  to  the  Synod 
of  Philadelphia ;  in  consequence  of  which,  and  the  proposals  of  this  Synod  in 
the  year  1750,  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  sent  a  letter  of  remarks  and  propo- 
sals, which  being  read,  the  consideration  of  them  deferred  till  to-morrow. 
[See  page  205.] 

Mr.  Greenman's  reasons  for  his  not  going  to  Virginia,  according  to  the  ap- 
pointment of  the  last  Synod,  are  sustained. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Jonathan  Edwards,  John  Smith,  and Hopkins,  being 

present,  do  join  as  correspondents. 

A  reference  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  concerning  some  matters  of 
diflPerence  among  the  members  of  the  Presbyterian  congregation  of  New  York, 
which  were  laid  before  said  Presbytery,  was  brought  into  the  Synod,  and  after 
hearing  many  things  in  relation  thereto,  the  Synod  deferred  the  further  exami- 
nation thereof  till  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  nine  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

29  day,  at  nine  of  the  cloch,  A.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Only  Mr.  Lewis  departed  without  leave. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  make  inquiry  concerning  the  collection  for  the 
Indians,  and  it  was  found  that  all  the  members  present  made  collections  except 
Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Davenport,  Byram,  Beatty,  Richards,  Grant,  Dagget, 
Simon  Horton,  and  Read,  who  propose  afterwards  to  collect  and  send  their 
collections  to  Mr.  Brainerd.  Ordered,  also,  that  the  collections  brought  to  the 
Synod  be  paid  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Brainerd,  to  be  disposed  of  by  the  corre- 
spondents for  the  Indian  aifairs. 

A  motion  being  made  to  the  Synod  by  the  trustees  of  the  college  of  New 
Jersey  to  obtain  a  public  collection  from  all  the  congregations  belonging  to  the 
Synod,  and  the  Synod  having  taken  the  matter  into  consideration,  do  unani- 
mously approve  the  motion,  and  earnestly  recommend  it  to  all  the  Presbyteries 
to  see  that  every  one  of  their  members  do  endeavour  to  collect  money  in  their 
respective  congregations  for  that  purpose ;  and  also  in  vacancies,  where  they 
have  opportunity  so  to  do ;  and  the  Synod  order,  that  all  other  public  collec- 
tions before  appointed  by  them  to  be  annually  observed,  be  suspended  on  that 
account. 

The  Synod  do  likewise  order  that  the  said  collection  for  the  college  be 
made  betwixt  this  time  and  May  next,  and  that  an  account  of  what  is  gathered 
by  every  Presbytery,  be  transmitted  to  the  President  of  the  college  by  each 
Presbytery. 


1752.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  249 

The  consideration  of  the  proposals  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  in  order  to 
an  union,  further  deferred. 

The  affair  of  the  reference  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  reassumed,  and 
the  pleas  of  all  parties  being  fully  heard,  the  Synod  defer  the  judicial  determi- 
nation thereof  till  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  half  an  hour  after  two  of  the  clock,  P.  M.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

Hal f  an  hour  after  two,  P.  M.     Postpreces  sederunt  gut  supra. 

Mr.  Davis  is  come  to  the  Synod ;  his  not  coming  in  the  beginning  of  this 
session  occasioned  by  mistaking  the  time  of  their  meeting. 

The  Synod  agree  to  desire  the  Rev.  Mr.  Edwards  to  publish  his  sermon 
preached  before  them. 

Upon  a  representation  of  the  destitute  circumstances  of  Virginia,  &c.  the 
Synod  appoint  Mr.  Greenman  and  Mr.  Robert  Henry,  to  go  there  some  time 
betwixt  this  and  the  next  Synod. 

Whereas  a  certain  person  pretending  at  Egg  Harbour  to  be  a  minister  regu- 
larly ordained  among  the  Presbyterians,  and  under  that  character  baptized 
some  adults  and  infants,  and  it  appearing  to  the  Synod  that  his  pretences 
were  false,  having  at  that  time  no  license  or  ordination,  it  is  our  opinion  that 
all  the  gospel  ordinances  he  administered  under  that  false  and  pretended  char- 
acter are  null  and  invalid. 

The  proposals  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  came  to  be  considered,  and  the 
Synod  finding  they  had  not  time  to  go  through  with  them  this  session,  agreed 
upon  the  following  answer,  to  be  sent  to  them  by  the  stated  clerk. 

Very  Reverend  and  dear  Brethren :  We  have  received  your  letter.  The 
great  crowd  of  Synodical  affairs  now  upon  our  hands,  renders  it  impossible  for 
us  to  give  it  that  attentive  examination  which  the  importance  of  the  aff"air 
requires.  We  shall  endeavour,  as  soon  as  we  have  opportunity,  to  give  it  a 
calm  and  deliberate  consideration,  and  hope  we  shall  return  you  such  an  an- 
swer as  shall  give  you  convincing  evidence,  that  we  entertain  the  most  affec- 
tionate desires  of  peace  and  union  upon  such  a  bottom  as  may  contribute  to  the 
edification  and  comfort  of  all  our  churches.  In  the  mean  time,  it  is  our  sincere 
inclination  to  evidence  towards  you  all  proper  and  friendly  regards. 

The  aff"air  of  New  York  referred  to  the  Synod  as  before  mentioned,  and  heard 
at  length,  reassumed  in  order  to  a  judgment,  and  the  Synod  having  seriously 
and  deliberately  considered  the  sundry  articles  of  debate  and  complaint  laid 
before  them,  came  into  the  following  conclusions  : 

1.  That  the  building,  ground,  &c.  conveyed  from  the  General  Assembly  of 
the  Church  of  Scotland  to  the  Presbyterian  Society  in  New  York,  belong  to 
Presbyterians  without  distinction  of  name  or  nation,  who  conform  to  the 
general  plan  of  the  Church  of  Scotland  as  practised  by  the  Synod  of  New  York. 

2.  That  it  is  not  inconsistent  with  the  Presbyterian  plan  of  government,  nor 
the  institution  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  trustees,  or  a  committee  chosen 
by  the  congregation,  should  have  the  disposal  and  application  of  the  public 
money  raised  by  said  congregation,  to  the  uses  for  which  it  was  designed ;  pro- 
vided that  they  leave  in  the  hands  and  to  the  management  of  the  deacons,  what 
is  collected  for  the  Lord's  table  and  the  poor.  And  that  ministers  of  the 
gospel,  by  virtue  of  their  ofl&ce,  have  no  right  to  sit  with  or  preside  over  such 
trustees  or  committees. 

3.  That  it  appears  to  the  Synod,  that  the  trustees  of  said  church  have  faith- 
fully discharged  the  trust  reposed  in  them,  with  respect  to  its  temporalities, 
much  to  its  advantage. 

4.  That  as  to  the  articles  of  complaint  brought  against  Mr.  Gumming,  it 

32 


250  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1753. 

appears  to  the  Synod,  that  he  has  been  necessarily  hindered  from  performing 
his  part  in  public  service,  by  his  low  state  of  health ;  but  they  judge  it  his 
duty  to  discharge  it  according  to  his  call  when  his  health  will  admit;  and 
when  he  is  disabled,  he  should  desire  Mr.  Pemberton  to  officiate  in  his  room. 
That  his  insisting  on  a  right  to  sit  with  the  trustees  in  their  conventions  about 
the  temporal  affairs  of  the  congregation,  was  not  a  violation  of  his  ordination 
vows,  which  respect  only  the  work  of  the  ministry,  although  they  judge  he 
acted  imprudently  in  so  doing.  That  he  is  to  be  commended  for  insisting  on 
persons  praying  in  their  families,  who  present  their  children  to  baptism;  but 
inasmuch  as  it  appears  expedient,  that  the  same  form  of  covenanting  should 
be  used  in  the  same  church;  the  Synod  do,  therefore,  recommend  it  to  Mr. 
Pemberton  and  Mr.  Gumming,  to  consult  with  the  committee  hereafter  to  be 
mentioned  about  a  form  that  thev  can  both  agree  in. 

5.  That  the  said  church  proceed  as  soon  as  may  be,  to  the  choice  of  elders 
to  join  with  their  ministers  in  the  government  and  discipline  of  the  church  ; 
and  that  the  committee  hereafter  to  be  appointed  do  nominate  the  persons  to  be 
chosen,  and  determine  the  number. 

6.  That  as  to  the  methods  taken  to  introduce  a  new  version  of  the  psalms 
in  the  public  worship,  the  Synod  judge  it  to  be  disorderly,  and  always  to  be 
discountenanced,  when  the  parties  in  matters  of  debate  in  a  church  do  carry 
about  private  subscriptions. 

7-  That  as  to  the  introduction  of  a  new  version  of  psalms,  the  Synod  hath 
not  light  at  present  to  determine,  but  do  impower  the  committee  to  recom- 
mend Dr.  Watts's  version,  if  upon  observation  of  circumstances  they  think  it 
proper. 

And  the  Synod  do  appoint  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Davis,  Samuel  Finly, 
and  Charles  Beatty,  to  be  a  committee  to  go  immediately  to  New  York,  and 
direct  and  assist  the  Presbyterian  congregation  of  New  York  in  such  affairs  as 
may  contribute  to  their  peace  and  edification. 

Mjourned  to  the  first  Wednesday  of  October,  1753,  and  then  to  meet  at 
Philadelphia  at  three  of  the  clock;  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1753* 

The  Synod  met  according  to  appointment. 

Philadelphia,  October  Sd,  17 53.      Ubi post  jpreces  sederunt 

Ministers  of  New  York  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Azariah  Horton,  Timothy  Jones, 
Timothy  Allen,  David  Bostwick,  John  Brainerd,  Elihu  Spencer. 

Of  Suffolk  Presbytery  :  Mr.  James  Brown. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Charles  McKnight, 
Eliab  Byram,  Thomas  Lewis,  Israel  Bead,  Samuel  Kennedy,  Conradus  Wort. 

Of  Abington  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Richard  Treat,  Charles 
Beatty,  Andrew  Hunter,  Daniel  Lawrence,  Benjamin  Chesnutt. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Charles  Tennent,  Samuel  Finly,  James 
Campbel,  James  Davenport,  Evander  Morrison,  Samuel  Davis,  Andrew  Bay, 
John  Rogers,  Hugh  Henry,  Robert  Smith,  James  Finly,  John  Todd. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Jacob  Bedel,  Robert  Cummins,  Hugh  Marten,  John  Roy, 
Thomas  Coon,  Robert  English,  David  Chambers,  William  Adams,  Richard 
Walker,  Jonathan  Holmes,  William  McCrea,  John  Vandyke,  Francis  Alexan- 
der, Samuel  Jamison,  William  Buchanan. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Ebenezer  Pemberton,  Simon  Hor- 
ton, Aaron  Burr,  John  Smith,  Silas  Leonard,  Jacob  Green,  Aaron  Richards, 
Caleb  Smith,  Enos  Ayres,  Chauncey  Graham,  Alexander  Cummins,  John 
Moffett,  Daniel  Thane,  Jonathan  Elmore,  Ebenezer  Prime,  Silvanus  White, 


1753.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  251 

Joseph  Park,  Samuel  Sacket,  John  Maltby,  Samuel  Bewel,  Napthali  Dagget, 
James  McCrea,  Samuel  Harker,  Job  Prudden,  Alexander  Hutchinson,  Alex- 
ander Craighead,  John  Eoan,  John  Blair,  Andrew  Stirling,  John  Wright, 
Robert  Henry. 

Messrs.  John  Grant  and  John  Campbell,  have  departed  this  life  since  our 
last  Synod. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  Mr.  Treat,  the  last  year's  moderator,  by  a  sermon, 
on  Heb.  iii.  2. 

Mr.  Samuel  Finly  was  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Bostwick  chosen  clerk. 

Mr.  Davis  and  iNlr.  Rogers  were  appointed  to  revise  the  Synod's  book  against 
the  nest  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  nine  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

4:th  day,  at  nine  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Davis  and  Mr.  Rogers  complied  with  the  appointment  of  the  last  sede- 
runt  in  revising  the  Synod  book,  and  brought  their  remarks,  which  the  Synod 
approved. 

The  Synod  do  appoint,  that  Mr.  Treat,  who  is  the  stated  clerk,  be  allowed 
three  pounds  per  annum,  for  his  service  in  transcribing  the  minutes  in  their 
proper  order  into  the  Synod  book ;  and  that  every  minister  endeavour  to  bring 
ten  shillings  annually,  to  defray  the  above  mentioned  charge,  and  for  other 
exigencies  that  may  happen,  and  that  the  same  be  lodged  in  the  hands  of  Mr. 
Treat  as  the  Synod's  treasurer. 

Messrs.  Jones,  McKnight,  Todd,  Kennedy,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Rogers,  Ches- 
uutt,  James  Campbel,  Charles  Tennent,  Bay,  Hugh  Henry,  Silvanus  White, 
and  James  Finly,  gave  the  reasons  for  their  absence  the  last  year,  which  were 
sustained. 

The  following  ministers  were  absent  the  last  year  as  well  as  at  this  present 
meeting :  Messrs.  Enos  Ayres,  John  Moffet,  Jonathan  Elmore,  James  McCrea, 
John  Blair,  John  Roan,  Andrew  Sterling,  Ebenezer  Prime,  Samuel  Bewel. 

The  Synod  order,  that  the  last  mentioned  members  be  called  to  account  for 
their  absence. 

Messrs.  Pierson,  Pemberton,  Burr,  Spencer,  William  and  Charles  Tennent, 
Treat,  Rogers,  Prime,  Brown,  Azariah  Horton,  and  the  moderator,  are  appointed 
to  be  a  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  ensuing  year. 

The  Synod,  upon  inquiry  concerning  the  collection  appointed  for  the  use 
of  the  college,  do  find  they  cannot  go  through  with  said  affair,  by  reason  of 
the  absence  of  divers  of  their  members,  and  do,  therefore,  refer  it  to  each  of 
their  Presbyteries  to  make  inquiry  of  each  of  their  members,  touching  their 
compliance  with  said  appointment,  and  take  due  care  that  their  respective 
members  do  comply  with  it  accordingly,  and  give  an  account  of  their  conduct 
to  the  next  Synod. 

The  Synod  do  appoint  each  of  their  Presbyteries  to  bring  their  Presbytery 
books  to  the  next  Synod  in  order  to  be  examined. 

The  affiiir  of  union  with  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  referred  to  this  Synod 
by  our  last,  deferred  to  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjom-ued  to  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
The  affair  of  the  union  was  brought  under  consideration,  and  the  last  pro- 
posals from  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  &c.  were  read,  and  the  Synod  do  ap- 
point  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Davis,  and  the  moderator,  to  prepare  an  answer 
thereto,  and  lay  it  before  the  Synod  the  next  sederunt. 


252  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1753 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  last  Synod  to  go  to  New  York  to  direct 
and  assist  the  Presbyterian  congregation  in  affairs  relating  to  their  peace  and 
edification,  make  report  of  their  compliance  with  said  appointment.  The 
minutes  of  their  proceedings  being  laid  before  the  Synod,  are  approved,  and  are 
as  follows,  viz. 

"  New  York,  October  2d,  1752. 

"The  committee  appointed  by  the  Synod  to  direct  and  assist  the  Presbyte- 
rian congregation  of  New  York  in  such  affairs  as  contribute  to  their  peace  and 
satisfaction,  met,  uhi  post  preces  sederunt,  Messrs.  Samuel  Finly,  Charles  Beatty, 
and  Samuel  Davis. 

''  Mr.  Finley  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Davis  clerk. 

"  Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  Synod  containing  their  conclusions  con- 
cerning the  affair  referred  unto  them  by  the  Presbytery  be  read. 

"  The  committee  after  the  best  inquiry  they  could  make  into  the  circum- 
stances of  the  congregation,  do  conclude  that  but  two  persons  should  at  pre- 
sent be  chosen  to  sustain  the  office  of  elders,  and  that  Messrs.  David  Van- 
horn,  and  Israel  Horsfield  are  proper  persons  for  that  purpose,  and  they  do 
accordingly  nominate  the  said  persons  to  that  office;  and  give  public  notice, 
that  if  any  of  the  members  of  said  congregation  have  any  sufficient  objections 
against  either  of  them,  they  would  bring  them  into  the  committee  in  the 
afternoon. 

"  Adjourned  to  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

"  Tliree  of  the  clock,  P.  M.      Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

"  Messrs.  Vanhorn  and  Horsfield  being  spoken  unto  by  the  committee,  and 
the  peculiar  exigency  of  the  case  being  represented  unto  them,  they  consented 
to  accept  of  the  office  for  which  they  are  nominated ;  and  the  congregation 
brought  in  no  objections  against  them,  but  signified  their  consent  by  holding  up 
their  hands. 

"  The  committee  after  careful  inquiry  and  deliberation,  do  conclude,  from 
the  best  views  of  the  present  disposition  of  affairs  they  can  attain,  that  it  is  not 
expedient  at  present,  judicially  to  recommend  a  change  of  the  version  of 
Psalms,  lest  the  animosities  in  the  congregation  should  be  more  inflamed ;  but 
they  most  earnestly  recommend  moderation,  forbearance,  and  condescension  to 
both  parties,  till  such  times  as  by  the  use  of  proper  measures,  they  shall  come 
to  an  agreement  among  themselves.     Concluded  with  prayer." 

Application  was  made  to  the  Synod  in  behalf  of  the  trustees  of  the  Col- 
lege of  New  Jersey,  requesting  the  Synod  to  appoint  two  of  their  members 
viz.  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  and  Samuel  Davies,  to  take  a  voyage  to  Europe 
on  the  important  affairs  of  said  college;  to  which  the  Synod  unanimously 
consent. 

The  congregation  of  Philadelphia,  under  the  care  of  Mr.  Tennent,  requested 
that  in  the  absence  of  their  pastor,  they  may  be  supplied  with  such  members 
of  the  Synod  as  they  shall  choose,  till  their  next  meeting ;  which  was  unani- 
mously agreed  unto. 

Adjourned  till  nine  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

5th  day,  at  nine  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  mpra. 
The  committee  appointed  by  the  Synod  to  draw  up  an  answer  to  the  letter 


1753.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  253 

sent  to  them  by  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  on  the  affair  of  the  union,  brought 
in  said  answer,  which  being  read  before  the  Synod,  was  approved,  and  is  as 
follows,  viz. 

Reverend  and  dear  Brethren, — Your  remarks  on  our  proposals  for  an  union 
of  the  two  Synods  we  have  diligently  perused,  and  must  say,  that  some  of  them, 
at  least,  were  unexpected  to  us.  Our  first  proposals  contained  some  generals ; 
which,  being  too  much  so,  were  misconstrued  by  some  on  both  sides.  How- 
ever, when  the  commissioners  of  both  Synods  met  at  Trenton,  they  easily  saw 
that  it  was  necessary,  and  accordingly  agreed  to  be  particular  in  their  proposals 
for  the  future.  For  this  reason  we  mentioned  all  those  particulars  which  we 
desired  might  be  conceded,  or  at  least  canvassed,  when  we  come  to  confer  more 
closely  on  the  affair.  And  if  matters  are  duly  recollected,  we  presume  that  it 
will  appear  we  have  not  receded  from  our  own  proposals  in  any  particular. 

1.  AVe  did  propose  that  all  former  differences,  upon  our  union,  should  be 
buried  in  perpetual  oblivion.  And  we  also  proposed  that  the  protestation  en- 
tered in  the  Synod  in  the  year  1741,  should  particularly  be  buried  in  oblivion, 
being  declared  void  and  of  none  effect.  Nor  can  we  see  any  inconsistency  in  pro- 
posing the  general,  and  afterwards  a  particular  contained  under  it.  For  so 
we  viewed  the  matter.  Now  the  protest  must  either  be  declared  void,  or  not 
be  buried  in  oblivion.  As  you  declare  it  to  be  a  judicial  act,  it  must  stand  in 
full  force  and  virtue  unless  it  be  nullified  by  an  equal  act.  And  thus  our 
uniting  without  its  repeal,  would  be  an  implicit  approbation  of  it,  contrary  to 
our  judgment.  And  further,  your  "  looking  upon  the  design  of  the  protesta- 
tion answered"  by  your  terms  of  union,  seems  to  favour  what  we  heard  was 
reported  by  some  of  your  number,  viz.  that  the  protest  was  to  be  confirmed, 
and  we  to  be  received  on  that  footing ;  which  was  given  by  the  commission  of 
our  Synod  at  Trenton,  as  the  reason  of  their  mentioning  said  protest  in  parti- 
cular. Nor  have  we  any  further  design  in  insisting  that  it  be  declared  void 
and  of  none  effect,  but  that  our  uniting  may  not  imply  our  approbation  of  it. 
And  we  think  that  your  continuing  to  declare  that  '*  you  are  well  satisfied 
that  the  protestation  was  made  on  sufficient  and  justifiable  grounds,  and  that 
you  are  not,  in  the  least,  convinced  that  the  Synod  acted  wrong  in  said 
step,"  is  far  from  being  an  inducement  to  unite  without  an  express  repeal 
thereof 

2.  As  to  the  inconsistency  mentioned  in  the  second  article,  between  our 
proposing  that  all  differences  should  be  buried  in  oblivion,  and  all  names  of 
distinction  abolished,  and  our  insisting  that  Presbyteries  and  congregations 
should  continue  as  they  are,  we  must  remind  you  that  both  these  particulars 
were  expressly  inserted  in  our  first  proposals,  which  you  yourselves  concluded 
to  be  pacific ;  and  we  could  not  have  expected  that  this  would  now  be  consid- 
ered as  a  receding  further  from  an  union,  and  from  our  own  proposals  in  order 
thereto.  Nor  can  we  yet  see  that  it  is  an  inconsistency  in  fact,  all  things  con- 
sidered. For  why  might  there  not  be  an  union  of  the  two  Synods,  so  that 
we  might  all  be  considered  as  one  body,  though  Presbyteries  and  congrega- 
tions continue  as  they  are  ?  If  it  seems  a  jarring  concord,  as  we  proposed  it, 
it  would  be  more  so  to  force  people  into  it  faster  than  they  have  clearness  to 
go.  If  then,  we  proposed  an  union  on  the  best  terms  and  footing  that  cir- 
cumstances would  allow,  our  proposals  were  most  consistent  in  fact.  And 
though  the  "  concessions  of  our  delegates,  and  our  former  proposals  viz.  that 
congregations  as  they  are  at  present,  should  belong  to  the  same  Presbyteries 
they  now  do,  till  a  favourable  opportunity  of  an  advantageous  alteration  might 
give  you  ground  to  apprehend  that  we  would  assent  to  the  uniting  of  Pres- 
byteries," yet  it  could  not  give  ground  to  apprehend  we  would  do  so  until 
that  favourable  opportunity  presents,  which  we  did  not  apprehend  could  be 
immediately   upon  the   union    of  the  Synods,  much  less  antecedent  thereto. 


254  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1753. 

So  that  we  have  not  in  the  least  receded  from  our  former  concession  in  this 
point. 

3.  Our  professing  that  mutual  forbearance  as  to  different  sentiments  respect- 
ing the  late  religious  appearances,  was  our  duty,  since  we  all  profess  the 
same  confession  of  faith  and  directory  for  worship ;  and  our  desiring  and  hop- 
ing for  a  joint  testimony  to  the  late  glorious  work  of  God,  are  not  inconsistent, 
inasmuch  as  the  manner  in  which  we  have  proposed  this  particular  is  differ- 
ent from  that  of  the  others.  And  though  it  would  be  inconsistent  with  our 
former  judgment,  peremptorily  to  insist  on  it  as  a  term  of  union,  yet  it's  not 
inconsistent  to  speak  of  it,  and  desire  an  agreement  about  it,  and  leave  room 
to  make  trial  how  far  we  could  agree  therein ;  and  this  was  our  design  in  that 
particular.  And  if  we  could  agree  to  unite  in  other  things,  it  cannot  be  denied 
but  agreement  in  a  matter  of  that  importance  would  be  desirable  and  worth 
attempting.  And  as  we  know  not  but  upon  friendly  conference  about  it,  the 
difference  perhaps  would  not  be  so  great  as  it  has  seemed,  we  thought  it  might 
very  well  be  proposed  in  the  manner  in  which  we  have  done  it.  At  the  same 
time  it  is  also  plain  that  there  is  no  inconsistency  between  our  present  pro- 
posal and  our  declared  sentiments,  that  difference  in  judgment  should  not  oblige 
a  dissenting  member  to  withdraw  from  our  communion,  unless  the  matter  were 
judged  by  the  body  to  be  essential  in  doctrine  or  discipline.  And  this  we 
must  own  is  an  important  article  with  us,  which  we  cannot  any  way  dispense 
with ;  and  it  appears  to  us  to  be  strictly  Christian  and  scriptural,  as  well  as 
Presbyterian,  otherwise  we  must  make  every  thing  that  appears  plain  duty  to 
us,  a  term  of  communion,  which  we  apprehend  the  Scripture  prohibits.  And 
it  appears  plain  to  us  that  there  may  be  many  opinions  relating  to  the  great 
truths  of  religion,  that  are  not  great  themselves,  nor  of  sufficient  importance  to 
be  made  terms  of  communion.  Nor  can  these  sentiments  "  open  a  door  to  an 
unjustifiable  latitude  in  principles  and  practices,"  any  more  than  the  apostolic 
prohibition  of  receiving  those  that  are  weak  to  doubtful  disputations.  What  is 
plain  sin  and  plain  duty  in  one's  account,  is  not  so  in  another's ;  and  the  Synod 
has  still  in  their  power  to  judge  what  is  essential  and  what  is  not.  In  order 
to  prevent  an  unjustifiable  latitude,  we  must  not  make  terms  of  communion 
which  Christ  has  not  made ;  and  we  are  convinced  that  he  hath  not  made  every 
truth  and  every  duty  a  term. 

As  to  the  true  stating  of  what  we  believe  to  be  the  glorious  work  of  God's 
Spirit  in  the  late  religious  appearances,  that  we  judged,  and  do  judge,  could 
properly  be  done  when  both  Synods  came  to  confer  about  it.  Though  our 
public  prints  have  not  been  silent  on  that  head.  Nor  have  we  left  even  ''  the 
more  simple  and  ignorant,"  who  inclined  to  give  heed  to  us,  without  the  means 
of  distinguishing  between  "  the  work  of  God's  Spirit  and  their  own  follies,  or 
the  artifices  of  Satan."  So  that  if  they  yet  "  continue  in  the  mistake,"  it  is 
not  of  us. 

4.  As  to  "  the  intrusions  of  disorderly  ministers  into  your  congregations, 
so  that  they  are  rendered  incapable  to  perform  their  solemn  engagements  to 
their  pastors,"  of  which  you  complain,  and  also  "  that  no  regard  was  to  be 
paid  to  your  repeated  desires  and  public  votes,  that  young  men  should  have 
certificates  from  some  college,"  without  retorting  to  the  former,  we  only  ob- 
serve that  these  complaints  are  proper  if  we  are  to  overhaul  old  debates,  and 
come  to  be  judged  before  you ;  but  permit  us  to  request  that  they  may  not 
come  into  pacific  proposals ;  for,  as  each  side  pretend  to  justify  themselves  in 
many  things  of  which  the  other  accuses,  such  criminations  can  have  no  pro- 
priety, nor  tendency  to  peace  and  re-union,  but  rather  to  provoke  recriminations, 
and  are  but  a  begging  the  question,  or  taking  for  granted  what  is  in  dispute. 
We  have  thought  it  our  duty  to  avoid  them  as  an  incongruity,  and  inconsistent 
with  our  proposals.     If  we  sincerely  seek  peace,  let  us  speak  and  act  so  as 


1753.1  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  255 

has  a  tendency  to  promote  it,  and  none  to  subvert  it.  We  do  not  presume 
to  treat  you  as  criminals  on  the  present  footing,  and  we  expect  to  be  treated 
as  a  judicature  on  equal  ground.  But  were  each  side  candidly  disposed  to 
make  the  utmost  acknowledgments  to  the  other,  of  past  wrongs,  which  they 
possibly  could  with  a  clear  judgment  and  conscience,  then  these  things  might 
properly  be  pointed  out  and  proposed  to  consideration,  and  this  might  answer 
a  valuable  end. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  be  sent  to  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  at 
their  next  session,  by  the  Synod's  stated  clerk. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'dochj  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Motion  being  made  by  William  McCrea  in  behalf  of  the  congregation  at 
Whiteclay  Creek,  for  a  copy  of  the  original  plan  of  the  constitution  of  this 
Synod,  they  order  the  same  to  be  given  them  by  their  stated  clerk. 

The  like  motion  was  made  by  l)avid  Chambers  in  behalf  of  the  new  erected 
Presbyterian  congregation  in  Philadelphia,  which  was  also  granted. 

A  representation  being  made  to  the  Synod  by  Mr.  Pemberton,  and  several 
members  of  the  Presbyterian  congregation  in  New  York,  of  the  divided  state 
of  said  congregation,  requesting  the  assistance  of  the  Synod  in  their  distressed 
case,  the  Synod  do  appoint  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Samuel  Davies,  Aaron 
Burr,  Caleb  Smith,  David  Bostwick,  Elihu  Spencer,  Richard  Treat,  Charles 
Beatty,  and  John  Rogers,  to  be  a  committee  to  meet  at  New  York  on  the 
fourth  Wednesday  of  instant  October,  at  ten  of  the  clock,  A.  M.,  with  full 
power  and  authority  to  transact  such  things  with  respect  to  said  congregation, 
as  they  shall  judge  necessary  for  the  healing  of  the  divisions  of  said  congrega- 
tion, and  best  interest  of  religion  therein. 

It  being  moved  to  the  Synod,  what  they  judge  necessary  as  to  the  form  or 
method  to  be  used  in  the  administration  of  baptism,  the  Synod  do  refer  to  our 
excellent  Directory  in  that  case. 

It  being  further  moved  to  the  Synod,  whether  a  church  session  hath  power 
to  introduce  a  new  version  of  psalms  into  the  congregation  to  which  they  belong, 
without  the  consent  of  the  majority  of  said  congregation;  it  was  voted  in  the 
negative,  nemine  contradicente. 

A  draught  of  an  address  from  this  Synod  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Church  of  Scotland,  was  brought  into  the  Synod  and  being  read,  the  Synod 
appoint  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Spencer,  Allen,  and  Treat,  a  committee  to 
revise  said  draught  and  bring  it  in  the  next  sederunt. 

The  Synod  do  also  appoint  said  committee  to  draw  up  certificates  for  Mr. 
Tennent  and  Mr.  Davies. 

The  Synod  taking  into  consideration  how  to  supply  Mr.  Davies's  congrega- 
tion during  his  absence,  do  appoint  Messrs.  Blair,  Bay,  Henry,  James  Pinly, 
and  Rogers,  and  the  particular  seasons  of  their  supplying  to  be  adjusted  and 
fixed  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  to  which  they  belong,  and  the  Synod 
do  appoint  said  Presbytery  to  supply  their  respective  congregations  in  their 
absence  as  much  as  they  can.  And  to  assist  therein,  the  Synod  do  appoint 
Mr.  Lewis  to  supply  two  Sabbaths  in  Fag's  Mannor,  and  one  for  the  Forks  of 
Brandywine  before  the  next  Synod. 

The  Synod  also  appoint  Mr.  Lawrence  to  supply  Mr.  Henry's  congrega- 
tion four  Sabbaths,  to  begin  with  the  third  Sabbath  in  May.  They  also  ap- 
point Mr.  Allen  to  supply  St.  George's  four  Sabbaths  in  April,  beginning  with 
the  first. 

Adjourned  to  nine  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 


256  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1753. 

6<A  day,  at  nine  of  the  clock.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  do  recommend  it  to  the  several  Presbyteries  belonging  to  their 
body,  to  call  those  sessions  to  account  that  do  not  send  elders  to  attend  upon 
the  Synod' and  Presbyteries,  and  to  enjoin  these  sessions  to  call  those  elders  to 
an  account  that  do  not  attend  upon  judicatories,  when  sent  by  them. 

For  the  supplying  of  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent's  congregation  for  this  year,  the 
Synod  do  appoint  Mr.  Treat  to  supply  four  Sabbaths  in  November,  if  need 
be;  Mr.  William  Tennent  the  four  first  Sabbaths  in  December;  Mr.  Beatty 
the  last  Sabbath  in  December  and  the  three  first  in  January;  Mr.  Charles 
Tennent  the  last  Sabbath  in  January  and  the  three  first  in  February ;  Mr. 
Davenport  the  last  Sabbath  in  February  and  the  three  first  in  March ;  Mr. 
Greenman  the  two  last  Sabbaths  in  March ;  Mr.  Burr  the  four  Sabbaths  in 
April ;  Mr.  Pemberton  the  four  Sabbaths  in  May ;  Mr.  Finly  the  four  first 
Sabbaths  in  June ;  Mr.  Greenman  the  last  Sabbath  in  June  and  the  first  in 
July  ;  Mr.  Cummins  the  three  last  in  July  and  first  in  August ;  Mr.  Kennedy 
the  three  last  in  August  and  first  in  September ;  Mr.  Spencer  the  three  last  in 
September  and  first  in  October;  Mr.  Bostwick  the  four  last  in  October. 

The  Synod  do  moreover  appoint,  that  if  any  of  these  cannot  fulfil  said  ap- 
pointments, the  Presbytery  to  which  they  belong  shall,  without  fail,  send 
others  in  their  stead. 

The  Synod  appoint  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk,  to  supply  New  York  and 
Jamaica  in  the  absence  of  their  ministers ;  that  is  to  say.  New  York  the  whole 
of  the  time,  provided  they  were  otherwise  totally  vacant,  and  Jamaica  the  one 
half  of  the  time. 

The  Synod  also  appoint  that  Mr.  Spencer's  congregation  be  supplied  in  his 
absence,  the  whole  of  the  time,  at  the  request  of  his  excellency  the  governor. 

And  that  each  Presbytery  do,  as  much  as  they  can,  to  supply  the  absence  of 
their  respective  members. 

The  Synod  do  appoint  Mr.  Brainerd  to  supply  Hanover,  in  Virginia,  the  four 
last  Sabbaths  in  March  next. 

That  Mr.  Beatty  supply  three  Sabbaths  at  Fag's  Manor  and  in  the  Forks 
of  Brandywine,  before  next  Synod. 

Mr.  Moffet  is  appointed  to  supply  Mr.  Beatty' s  congregation  those  three 
Sabbaths,  and  Mr.  Horton  is  appointed  to  inform  Mr.  Moffet  of  the  same,  that 
he  may  seasonably  acquaint  Mr.  Beatty  when  he  can  come. 

The  committee  appointed  to  revise  the  draught  of  the  address  to  the  General 
Assembly,  presented  the  same,  which  being  read  was  unanimously  approved.* 

*  A  copy  of  the  address  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church  of  Scotland. 

To  the  very  venerable  and  honourable  the  moderator  and  other  members  of  the  Gene- 
ral Assembly  of  the  Church  of  Scotland,  to  meet  at  Edinburgh,  May,  1754.  The  peti- 
tion of  the  Synod  of  New  York,  convened  at  Philadelphia,  October  3,  1753,  hiunbly 
Bhoweth : 

That  a  college  has  been  lately  erected  in  the  province  of  New  Jersey  by  his  majesty's 
royal  charter,  in  which  a  number  of  youth  has  been  already  educated,  who  are  now  the 
instruments  of  service  to  the  church  of  God ;  and  which  would  be  far  more  extensively 
beneficial  were  it  brought  to  maturity.  That  after  all  the  contributions  that  have  been 
made  to  the  said  college,  or  can  be  raised  in  these  parts,  the  fund  is  far  from  being 
sufficient  for  the  erection  of  proper  buildings,  supporting  the  president  and  tutors,  fur- 
nishing a  library,  and  defraying  other  necessary  expenses ;  that  the  trustees  of  said 
college,  who  are  zealous  and  active  to  promote  it  for  the  public  good,  have  already  sent 
their  humble  petition  to  this  venerable  house  for  some  assistance  in  carrying  on  so  im- 
portant a  design;  and  also  petitioned  this  Synod  to  appoint  two  of  their  members,  the 
Rev.  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent  and  Samuel  Davies,  to  undertake  a  voyage  to  Europe  in 
behalf  of  said  college. 

Your  petitioners,  therefore,  most  heartily  concur  in  the  said  petition  of  the  trustees  to 


1753.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  257 

The  same  committee,  according  to  appointment,  produced  a  certificate  for  the 

the  Reverend  Assembly,  and  appoint  the  said  Messrs.  Tennent  and  Davies  to  be  their 
commissioners  for  that  purpose. 

And  as  your  petitioners  apprehend  the  design  of  said  petition  to  be  of  the  utmost  im- 
portance to  the  interests  of  learning  and  religion  in  this  infant  country,  and  are  confident 
of  the  zeal  of  so  pious  and  learned  a  body  as  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church  of 
Scotland,  to  promote  such  a  design ;  they  beg  leave  to  lay  before  this  venerable  house,  a 
general  representation  of  the  deplorable  circumstances  of  the  churches  under  their  Syno- 
dical  care,  leaving  it  to  the  commissioners  to  descend  to  particulars. 

In  the  colonies  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  Virginia,  and 
Carolina,  a  great  number  of  congregations  have  been  formed  upon  the  Presbyterian  plan, 
•which  have  put  themselves  under  the  Synodical  care  of  your  petitioners,  who  conform  to 
the  constitution  of  the  Church  of  Scotland,  and  have  adopted  her  standards  of  doctrine, 
worship,  and  discipline.  There  are  also  large  settlements  lately  planted  in  various 
parts,  particularly  in  North  and  South  Carolina,  where  multitudes  are  extremely  desi- 
rous of  the  ministrations  of  the  gospel ;  but  they  are  not  yet  formed  into  congregations, 
and  regularly  organized  for  want  of  ministers. 

These  numerous  bodies  of  people,  dispersed  so  wide  through  so  many  colonies,  have 
repeatedly  made  the  most  importunate  applications  to  your  petitioners,  for  ministers  to 
be  sent  among  them ;  and  your  petitioners  have  exerted  themselves  to  the  utmost  for 
their  relief,  both  by  sending  their  members  and  candidates  to  officiate  some  time 
among  them,  and  using  all  practicable  measures  for  the  education  of  pious  youth  for  the 
ministry. 

But  alas !  notwithstanding  these  painful  endeavours,  your  petitioners  have  been  ut- 
terly incapable  to  make  sufficient  provision  for  so  many  shepherdless  flocks ;  and  those 
that  come  hundreds  of  miles  crying  to  them  for  some  to  break  the  bread  of  life  among 
them,  are  often  obliged  to  return  in  tears,  with  little  or  no  relief,  by  reason  of  the  scar- 
city of  ministers. 

Though  every  practicable  expedient,  which  the  most  urgent  necessity  could  suggest, 
has  been  used  to  prepare  labourers  for  this  extensive  and  growing  harvest ;  yet  the 
number  of  ministers  in  this  Synod  is  far  from  being  equal  to  that  of  the  congregations 
under  their  care.  Though  sundry  of  them  have  taken  the  pastoral  charge  of  two  or 
three  congregations  for  a  time,  in  order  to  lessen  the  number  of  vacancies  ;  and  though 
sundry  youth  have  lately  been  licensed,  ordained,  and  settled  in  congregations,  that 
were  before  destitute  ;  yet  there  are  no  less  than  forty  vacant  congregations  at  present 
under  the  care  of  this  Synod,  besides  many  more  which  are  incapable  at  present  to  sup- 
port ministers  ;  and  the  whole  colony  of  North  Carolina,  where  numerous  congregations 
of  Presbyterians  are  forming,  and  where  there  is  not  one  Presbyterian  minister  settled. 

The  great  number  of  vacancies  in  the  bounds  of  this  Synod,  is  owing,  partly,  to  the 
new  settlements  lately  made  in  various  parts  of  this  continent,  partly  to  the  death  of 
sundry  ministers  belonging  to  this  Synod,  but  principally  to  the  small  number  of  youth 
educated  for  the  ministry,  so  vastly  disproportionate  to  the  numerous  vacancies ;  and 
unless  some  effectual  measures  can  be  taken  for  the  education  of  proper  persons  for  the 
sacred  character,  the  churches  of  Christ  in  these  parts  must  continue  in  the  most  desti- 
tute circumstances,  wandering  shepherdless  and  forlorn  through  this  wilderness,  thou- 
sands perishing  for  lack  of  knowledge,  the  children  of  God  hungry  and  unfed,  and  the 
rising  age  growing  up  in  a  state  little  better  than  that  of  heathenism,  with  regard  to  the 
public  ministrations  of  the  gospel. 

The  numerous  inconveniences  of  a  private,  and  the  many  important  advantages  of  a 
public  education  are  so  evident,  that  we  need  not  inform  this  venerable  assembly  of  them, 
who  cannot  but  be  sensible  from  happy  experience,  of  the  many  extensive  benefits  of 
convenient  colleges. 

The  difficulty,  (and  in  some  cases  impossibility,)  of  sending  youth  two,  three,  four,  or 
five  hundred  miles  or  more,  to  the  colleges  in  New  England,  is  also  evident  at  first  sight. 
Now  it  is  from  the  college  of  New  Jersey  only,  that  we  can  expect  a  remedy  of  these 
inconveniences  ;  it  is  to  that  your  petitioners  look  for  the  increase  of  their  number  ;  it 
is  on  that  the  Presbyterian  churches,  through  the  six  colonies  above  mentioned,  princi- 
pally depend  for  a  supply  of  accomplished  ministers ;  from  that  has  been  obtained  consi- 
derable relief  already,  notwithstanding  the  many  disadvantages  that  unavoidably  attend 
it  in  its  present  infant  state;  and  from  that  may  be  expected  a  sufficient  supply  when 
brought  to  maturity. 

Your  petitioners,  therefore,  most  earnestly  pray,  that  this  very  reverend  Assembly 
would  afford  the  said  college  all  the  countenance  and  assistance  in  their  power.     The 
young  daughter  of  the  Church  of  Scotland,  helpless  and  exposed  in  this  foreign  land, 
33 


258  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1754 

Rev.  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent  and  Samuel  Davies,  which  being  read  was  unani- 
mously approved.* 

Upon  a  representation  made  to  the  Synod,  of  the  illegal  restraints  the  Pro- 
testant dissenters  lie  under  in  Virginia,  as  to  their  religious  liberties,  Messrs. 
James  Davenport  and  John  Rogers,  were  appointed  to  draw  up  a  recommenda- 
tion of  the  affair,  and  a  certificate  for  Messrs.  Samuel  Davies  and  John  Todd, 
members  of  our  body  living  in  that  colony,  which  being  done  was  read  and 
approved. f 

Adjourned  to  Thursday  the  day  after  the  commencement  next  September,  and 
then  to  meet  at  Newark.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1754. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

NeioarJc,  Sejitemher  2Q>th,Vib^.      Uhi post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers  of  New  York  Presbytery :  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Simon  Horton, 
Aaron  Burr,  Timothy  Jones,  David  Bostwick,  Caleb  Smith,  John  Brainerd, 
Daniel  Thane,  Azariah  Horton,  Jacob  Grreen,  Aaron  Richards,  Enos  Ayres, 
John  Moffet,  John  Smith,  Robert  Henry,  Alexander  Cummins. 

Suffolk  Presbytery  :    Messrs.  Ebenezer  Prime,  Samuel  Sacket. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery:  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  James  Davenport, 
James  McCrea,  Thomas   Lewis,  Israel  Read,  Samuel  Kennedy. 

Abington  Presbytery:  Messrs.  Andrew  Hunter,  Charles  Beatty,  Richard 
Treat,  Benjamin  Chesnut,  Nehemiah  Greenman,  Henry  Martin. 

cries  to  her  tender  and  powerful  mother  for  relief.  The  cries  of  ministers  oppressed 
■with  labours,  and  of  congregations  famishing  for  want  of  the  sincere  milk  of  the  word, 
implore  assistance.  And  were  the  poor  Indian  savages  sensible  of  their  own  case,  they 
would  join  in  the  cry,  and  beg  for  more  missionaries  to  be  sent  to  propagate  the  religion 
of  Jesus  among  them. 

Now  as  the  college  of  New  Jersey  appears  the  most  promising  expedient  to  redresa 
these  grievances,  and  to  promote  religion  and  learning  in  these  provinces,  your  petition- 
ers most  heartily  concur  with  the  trustees,  and  humbly  pray,  that  an  act  may  be  passed 
by  this  venerable  and  honourable  Assembly,  for  a  national  collection  in  favour  of  said 
college.     And  your  petitioners  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray,  &c. 

*  A  copy  of  the  certificate  for  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent  and  Samuel  Davies. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent  and  Samuel  Davies,  the  bearers  hereof,  undertaking 
a  voyage  to  Europe,  by  the  appointment  of  this  Synod,  in  concurrence  with  the  trustees 
of  the  college  of  New  Jersey,  for  the  service  of  said  college ;  the  Synod  do  hereby  cer- 
tify, that  the  above  reverend  gentlemen  are  worthy  and  well  approved  members  of  their 
body,  and  do  recommend  them  to  the  acceptance  of  the  church  of  God,  and  the  work  of 
their  mission,  wheresoever  Divine  Providence  may  call  them,  imploring  the  Divine  Pre- 
sence with  them  and  success  to  their  important  undertaking. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  Synod. 

f  A  copy  of  the  representation  and  certificate. 

Whereas,  the  Protestant  dissenters  of  the  Presbyterian  denomination  in  the  colony  of 
Virginia  lie  under  some  restraints,  particularly  with  regard  to  the  number  of  their  meet- 
ing-houses, which  is  not  at  all  equal  to  what  their  circumstances  require,  though  they 
have  taken  all  legal  measures  to  have  a  sufficient  number  registered  according  to  the  act 
of  toleration;  and_  whereas,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Davies  has  been  appointed  to  take  a 
voyage  to  Great  Britain  in  behalf  of  the  college  of  New  Jersey,  and  may  have  an  oppor- 
tunity of  using  proper  means  to  procure  a  redress  of  said  grievance,  this  Synod  do  hum- 
bly and  earnestly  request  the  concurrence  and  assistance  of  their  friends  there,  for  the 
relief  of  an  helpless  and  oppressed  people  in  a  point  of  so  great  consequence,  in  which 
their  religious  liberties  are  so  nearly  concerned. 

We  do  therefore  cheerfully  recommend  the  said  Mr.  Davies,  who  is  settled  in  A''irginia, 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Todd,  his  colleague,  as  regular  and  worthy  members  of  their 
body,  zealously  and  prudently  engaged  in  advancing  the  Redeemer's  kingdom. 


1754.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  259 

New  Castle  Presbytery :  IMessrs.  Samuel  Finly,  John  Blair,  Joliu  Rogers, 
Robert  Smith. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Caleb  l^alilwiii,  Joseph  Prudden,  Timothy  AVhitchead,  Sa- 
muel Lumb,  Jonathan  Sayres,  Junah  Ilalstoad,  David  Ray,  Ephraini  Lockart, 
Thomas  Coon,  Brice  Rickey,  Abraham  Reeves,  David  Fulton,  Abram  Slack, 
"William  Buchanan. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Silas  Leonard,  Jonathan  Elmore,  Chancey  Gra- 
ham, Timothy  Allen,  Elihu  Spencer,  John  Maltby,  Samuel  Bowel,  James 
Brown,  Silvanus  White,  Joseph  Park,  Naphtali  Dagget,  Eliphalet  Ball,  Alex- 
ander Craighead,  Charles  Tennent,  James  Campbel,  John  Roan,  Samuel  Da- 
vies,  Andrew  Stirling,  Andrew  Bay,  Hugh  Henry,  John  Todd,  James  Finly, 
John  Brown,  John  Right,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Daniel  Lawrence,  Charles 
McKnight,  Job  Prudden,  Samuel  Barker,  Conradus  Worts,  Evander  Mor- 
rison. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  a  sermon  on  2  Cor.  x.  4,  preached  by  IMr.  Finly, 
the  last  year's  moderator. 

Mr.  Davenport  was  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Beatty  clerk. 

Mr.  Eliab  Byram  has  been  removed  by  death  since  our  last  Synod. 

Adjourned  till  half  an  hour  after' two  of  the  clock,  post  meridiem.  Concluded 
with  prayer. 

Eodem  Die,  Tialf  an  hour  after  tioo  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sedervM 
qui  supra. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Pemberton  is  removed  out  of  the  bounds  of  this  Synod  since 
our  last. 

The  reasons  given  by  Messrs.  Pierson,  Simon  Horton,  Burr,  John  Smith, 
Green,  Richards,  Caleb  Smith,  Ayres,  Cummins,  Moffet,  Thane,  Prime,  Sacket, 
McCrea,  Blair,  and  Robert  Henry,  for  their  absence  the  last  Synod  were  sus- 
tained. 

Messrs.  Pierson,  Burr,  Spencer,  Bostwick,  William  and  Charles  Tennent, 
Treat,  Rogers,  Prime,  James  Brown,  Azariah  Horton,  Finly,  and  the  modera- 
tor, are  appointed  to  be  a  commission  of  the  Synod  the  year  ensuing. 

tlpou  inquiry  it  was  found  that  the  Presbyteries  have  complied  with  the 
order  of  the  Synod,  with  respect  to  collections  for  the  college. 

The  Presbytery  books  of  New  York  and  New  Castle  were  brought  to  the 
Synod  according  to  order,  the  others  being  forgot,  are  ordered  to  be  brought  the 
next  Synod. 

3Ir.  Finly  and  Mr.  Rogers  are  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of 
New  York,  and  Mr.  Bostwick  and  Mr.  Jones  the  Presbytery  book  of  New 
Castle,  and  make  report  thereof  before  the  conclusion  of  this  Synod. 

The  clerk  reported,  that  he  complied  with  the  order  of  the  Synod,  and  de- 
livered their  letter  into  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia. 

A  letter  from  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  was  brought  in  and  read,  the  con- 
sideration whereof  was  deferred  till  the  next  sederunt. 

The  clerk  certified  the  Synod,  that  he  had  complied  with  their  order,  and 
gave  copies  of  the  plan  of  their  first  constitution  to  the  persons  who  requested 
them. 

The  committee  appointed  by  our  last  Synod  to  go  to  New  Y'"ork,  make  report, 
that  they  complied  with  said  appointment,  and  presented  the  minutes  of  their 
proceedings,  which  being  read  were  approved  and  are  as  follows.* 

*  The  committee  of  the  Synod  met  according  to  appointment, 

Neiv  York,  October  24-,  1753. 
Ministers  present:  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Aaron  Burr,  Charles  Beatty,  David   Bos- 
wick,  Elihu  Spencer,  Caleb  Smith.     Elder :  Mr.  Samuel  Kerr. 


260  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1754. 

The  appointments  of  the  last  Synod,  with  respect  to  supplying  Philadelphia, 
were  well  fulfilled.  And  also  those  for  Hanover,  except  Mr.  Brainerd  and  Mr. 
Bay,  whose  reasons  for  omission  were  sustained. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Richard  Treat,  Samuel  Davies,  and  John  Rogers. 
Mr.  Tennent  was  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Bostwick  clerk. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Adjourned  to  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.,  and  then  to  meet  at  the  house  of  Mr.  PemTDcr- 
ton.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Several  members  of  the  Presbyterian  congregation  at  New  York,  laid  before  the  com- 
mittee a  remonstrance,  containing  sundry  articles  of  grievance  which  they  labour  under 
from  the  past  and  present  management  of  their  ecclesiastical  affairs.  The  committee 
having  distinctly  and  impartially  ^nsidered  the  several  articles  of  complaint,  came  to 
the  following  conclusions,  viz : 

1.  As  to  the  two  first  articles  complaining  of  the  neglect  of  ministerial  visits,  and  ex- 
amining into  the  lives  and  conversations  of  the  people,  it  appears  by  the  representation 
made  by  Mr.  Pemberton,  that  he  has  made  conscience  of  his  duty  in  these  respects, 
though  of  late  he  has,  by  reason  of  the  divisions  subsisting  among  his  people,  desisted 
from  it ;  we  therefore  earnestly  recommend  his  persisting  in  that  important  part  of  his 
ministerial  labours,  and  that  he  be  not  discouraged  by  any  disagreeable  appearances 
among  them. 

2.  As  to  the  third  article  against  the  session  concerning  the  new  version  of  the  psalms, 
the  committee  cannot  think  it  regular  for  the  ministers  and  elders  to  introduce  a  new 
version,  without  the  express  consent  and  approbation  of  the  majority  of  the  congrega- 
tion ;  yet  since  Dr.  Watts's  version  is  introduced  in  this  church,  and  is  well  adapted  for 
Christian  worship,  and  received  by  many  Presbyterian  congregations,  both  in  America 
and  Great  Britain,  they  cannot  but  judge  it  best  for  the  well  being  of  the  congregation 
under  their  present  circumstances,  that  they  should  be  continued. 

3.  As  to  the  fourth  article  complaining  of  the  neglect  of  the  Westminster  Confession, 
and  not  recommending  of  it  in  baptism,  the  committee  conceive  that  the  vote  of  the 
Synod,  as  to  the  latter,  is  sufficient ;  and  Mr.  Pemberton's  declaring  his  high  approba- 
tion of  said  Confession,  and  public  teaching  the  Westminster  Catechisms,  ought  to  be 
satisfying  to  all. 

4.  As  to  praying  at  the  burial  of  the  dead,  since  it  is  not  practised  but  at  the  request 
of  those  concerned,  and  all  are  left  at  their  liberty  to  request  it  or  not ;  the  committee 
think  it  no  just  matter  of  offence,  especially  as  it  is  frequently  practised  by  the  Presby- 
terian ministers  in  this  country,  and  the  reasons  for  which  the  General  Assembly,  (in  the 
early  times  of  reformation  from  popery,)  prohibited  it,  are  now  evidently  ceased. 

5.  As  to  the  singing  anthems,  &c.,  though  the  committee  cannot  disapprove  of  them  at 
proper  seasons,  yet  lest  it  should  tend  to  take  off  the  minds  of  persons  from  the  important 
things  they  have  heard  in  the  house  of  God,  and  as  it  seems  matter  of  conscience  to 
some,  the  committee  judge  it  advisable  to  forbear  the  practice  on  the  Lord's  day. 

6.  As  to  the  article  complaining  of  injurious  and  contemptuous  treatment ;  the  com- 
mittee are  much  grieved  to  find  that  there  has  been  so  much  of  it  on  both  sides,  during 
the  unhappy  disputes  that  have  subsisted  among  them,  and  do  earnestly  recommend  mu- 
tual forgiveness,  forbearance,  and  moderation  towards  one  another,  as  the  most  likely 
method  to  promote  peace  and  unanimity  among  them. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  at  eleven  of  the  clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2^th  day,  at  eleven  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Pemberton  and  Gumming  requested  a  dismission  from  their  pastoral 
relation  to  this  church.  Mr.  Pemberton  ofl'ered  as  his  reasons,  the  unhappy  divisions 
subsisting  among  the  people,  the  appearances  of  some  dissatisfaction  with  him,  and  the 
little  prospect  of  success  in  his  ministerial  labours.  Mr.  Gumming  oflered,  that  his  low 
state  of  health  would  not  allow  him  to  go  on  with  his  work  in  the  present  divided  and 
confused  state  of  the  congregation.  The  committee  proposed  to  the  people  whether  they 
had  any  thing  to  object  against  the  dismission  of  their  ministers.  A  number  of  gentle- 
men in  the  behalf  of  others,  strongly  remonstrated  against  Mr.  Pemberton's  dismission, 
as  endangering  the  peace  of  the  congregation.  The  committee  do  judge  the  continuance 
of  Mr.  Pemberton,  under  the  present  circumstances  of  the  congregation,  to  be  necessary, 
and  are  in  hopes  that  the  present  confusion  in  the  congregation,  and  seeming  dissatisfac- 
tion of  some  that  hinder  the  success  of  his  labours,  will  be  removed.    But  at  Mr.  Pern- 


1754.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  261 

Mr.  Sacket  has  leave  to  go  home,  as  also  hath  Mr.  Green. 
Adjourned  till  eight  of  the  clock,   to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with 
prayer. 

2101  day,  at  eitjht  of  the  dock,  A.  3f.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  svpra. 

(Excepting  Mr.  Sacket.) 

The  committee  appuinted  to  revise  the  Presbytery  books  are  not  prepared  to 
give  in  their  report,  and  are  ordered  to  be  ready  against  the  next  sederunt  if 
they  can. 

Mr.  Ross,  a  minister  from  New  England  being  present,  was  desired  to  sit  as 
correspondent. 

The  letter  from  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  respecting  our  union  with  them, 
was  taken  into  consideration,  and  in  compliance  with  their  desire  therein  ex- 
pressed, the  Synod  appoint  Messrs.  Aaron  Burr,  David  Bostwick,  William  Ten- 
nent,  Bichard  Treat,  Samuel  Finly,  and  John  Blair,  to  be  a  committee  to  attend 
the  next  session  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  in  order  to  confer  with  them 
about  said  union,  in  which  they  are  to  conclude  nothing  inconsistent  with  our 
former  proposals. 

Upon  the  request  of  some  members  of  the  congregation  of  New  York,  the 
Synod  do  appoint  Messrs.  Finly  and  Blair  to  supply  the  said  congregation  the 
next  Sabbath. 

Messrs.  Simon  Horton  and  Richards  are  absent  without  leave. 

A  letter  from  Hanover  in  Virginia,  requesting  further  supplies  until  their 
pastor  returns,  was  laid  before  the  Synod,  in  answer  to  which  the  Synod  ap- 
points Mr.  Greenman  to  supply  them  from  the  fourth  Sabbath  of  November 
until  and  including  the  last  Sabbath  of  February  next,  and  recommend  it  to 
the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  to  supply  said  congregation  the  preceding  and 
remaining  time. 

And  the  Synod  doth  appoint  Mr.  Clark,  a  candidate  in  the  Presbytery  of 
New  York,  to  supply  Mr.  Greenman's  congregation  from  the  time  of  his  first 
absence  unto  the  last  Sabbath  of  January. 

Application  was  also  made  to  the  Synod  in  behalf  of  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent's 
congregation  in  Philadelphia,  for  supplies  until  their  pastor  returns  from  Great 
Britain ;  in  compliance  with  which  the  Synod  appoint  Mr.  Prime  to  supply  the 
fonj  Sabbaths  in  November  next ;  Mr.  Blair  the  first  four  Sabbaths  in  Decem- 
ber ;  Mr.  Treat  the  last  in  December  and  three  fii-st  in  January ;  Mr.  Rogers 
the  last  in  January  and  three  first  in  February ;  Mr.  William  Tennent  the  last 
in  February  and  three  first  in  March ;  Mr.  Davenport  the  two  last  in  March, 
and  two  first  in  June ;  Mr.  Bewel  the  four  Sabbaths  in  April ;  Mr.  Burr  the 

berton's  earnest  request,  the  committee,  (being  sensible  of  the  many  special  difficulties 
he  labours  under,)  allow  him  a  month's  time  of  trial,  and  if  upon  a  faithful  endeavour  to 
heal  the  divisions  and  serve  the  interest  of  Christ's  kingdom  among  them,  he  finds  all  hig 
attempts  vain,  and  still  continues  his  desire  of  a  dismission,  they  judge  it  best  he  should 
be  left  at  liberty  to  remove  from  or  abide  with  them,  as  he  shall  think  most  consistent 
with  his  duty. 

As  to  Mr.  Gumming,  since  no  reasons  have  been  offered  to  the  committee  against  his 
dismission,  the  committee  do  judge  from  what  has  appeared  to  them,  and  for  the  reasons 
urged  by  him,  that  his  pastoral  relation  to  the  Presbyterian  congregation  in  New  York 
should  be  dissolved,  and  it  is  hereby  dissolved  accordingly.  It  is  with  pleasure  the  com- 
mittee observe  that  there  has  been  no  objection  against  Mr.  Cumming's  moral  conduct 
or  ministerial  labours  ;  they  do,  therefore,  freely  recommend  him,  (if  God  shall  please  to 
restore  his  health,)  to  any  Christian  congregation  where  Divine  Providence  may  call  him, 
as  a  man  of  eminent  ministerial  gifts  and  abilities,  and  one  whom  they  think  in  many 
respects  fitted  for  special  service  in  the  church  of  Christ.  And  the  committee  do  recom- 
mend it  to  the  congregation  as  their  indispensable  duty,  that  they  make  up  all  the  arrears 
of  salary  they  promised  to  give  to  Mr.  Gumming.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


262  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1755. 

four  Sabbaths  in  May ;  Mr.  Finly  the  last  two  in  June  and  two  first  in  July  ; 
Mr.  John  Smith  the  three  last  in  July  and  first  in  August ;  Mr.  Jones  the  three 
last  in  August  and  first  in  September ;  Mr.  Spencer  the  four  last  in  September. 
And  in  case  any  of  the  members  fail,  it  is  recommended  to  the  several  Presbyte- 
ries to  which  they  respectively  belong,  to  take  proper  care  that  others  be  sent  in 
their  room. 

The  Synod  taking  into  consideration  the  destitute  condition  of  Virginia  and 
North  Carolina,  as  it  hath  been  represented  unto  them,  do  appoint  Messrs - 
Beatty,  Bostwick,  Lewis,  and  Thane,  each  of  them  to  make  a  visit  to  those 
parts,  for  the  space  of  three  months,  and  the  seasons  to  be  agreed  upon  by 
themselves. 

In  order  to  supply  Mr.  Beatty's  congregation,  the  Synod  appoints  Mr. 
Moffet  to  supply  the  month  of  November,  (he  concluding  to  set  ofi"  in  the 
beginning  of  said  month,)  and  Mr.  Azariah  Horton  the  four  first  Sabbaths  of 
December;  that  Mr.  Allen  supply  Mr.  Lewis's  congregation  the  month  of 
January,  and  Mr.  McCrea  the  month  of  February. 

Adjourned  till  half  an  hour  after  two  of  the  clock,  P.  M.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

Eodem  Die,  half  an  hour  after  two  o'clocic,  P.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt 
qui  supra. 

Together  with  Mr.  Allen,  whose  absence  hitherto  is  excused. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  New  York  being  revised  was  approved. 

The  supplying  Mr.  Thane's  congregation  during  his  journey  to  Virginia, 
&c.  is  recommended  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  as  they  shall  judge 
needful. 

With  respect  unto  Mr.  Bostwick's  congregation,  the  Synod  appoint  Mr. 
Cumming  to  supply  it  three  Sabbaths  during  his  absence,  and  Mr.  Simon 
Horton  three  Sabbaths,  Mr.  Dagget  two  Sabbaths,  and  Mr.  Park  two  Sab- 
baths. 

The  Synod  also  appoint  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk  to  supply  Mr.  Bewel's 
congregation  during  the  time  he  supplies  in  Philadelphia. 

The  Synod  do  agree,  that  hereafter  there  shall  be  a  committee  of  overtures 
appointed  at  the  beginning  of  the  Synod,  and  that  all  new  business  shall  first 
be  laid  before  said  committee,  in  order  by  them  to  be  laid  before  the  Synod. 

Pursuant  to  the  order  of  the  last  Synod  for  a  collection  by  the  several  minis- 
ters of  their  body,  the  following  members  brought  their  collections,  viz.  Messrs. 
Burr,  Jones,  Bostwick,  Thane,  Azariah  Horton,  Davenport,  William  Tennent, 
Lewis,  Bead,  Kennedy,  Hunter,  Beatty,  Treat,  Robert  Henry,  Greenman, 
Finly,  Blair,  Rogers,  and  Robert  Smith,  all  which  amounted  to  nine  pounds, 
sixteen  shillings,  and  nine  pence,  provincial  currency,  and  was  committed  into 
the  hands  of  Mr.  Treat,  as  their  treasurer. 

Adjourned  to  the  first  of  October,  to  meet  at  Philadelphia.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

1755. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  appointment. 

Philadelphia,  October  1st,  1755.      U hi  post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers  of  New  York  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Aaron  Burr,  Azariah  Horton, 
Elihu  Spencer,  Jacob  Green,  John  Brainerd. 

Elders  :  Samuel  Lum,  Joseph  Ogden,  Joseph  Tuttle. 

Ministers  absent:   Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Timothy  Jones,  Simon  Horton, 


1755.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  263 

Timothy  Allen,  David  Bostwick,  Caleb  Smith,  Aaron  Eichards,  Alexander 
Cummins,  Chancey  Cirabam,  Jonathan  Elmore,  Enos  Ayers,  John  Moffat, 
John  Smith,  Daniel  Thiine,  John  Maltby,  Hugh  Knox. 

Ministers  of  New  Drunswick  Presbytery :  Messrs.  James  McCrea,  James 
Davenport,  Charles  McKnight,  Thomas  Lewis,  Israel  Read,  Samuel  Harker, 
Samuel  Kennedy. 

Elders  :  John  Adams,  Gilbert  Hendrickson,  Robert  Moore,  George  Warner, 
Thomas  Coone. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Job  Prudden,  Conradus  Worts. 

Suffolk  Presbytery  :  All  ab.sent. 

Abington  Presbytery,  ministers :  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Richard  Treat, 
Andrew  Hunter,  Daniel  Lawrence,  Benjamin  Chesnut,  Charles  Beatty. 

Polders  :  Thomas  Bourn,  William  Adams,  Thomas  Francis,  Isaac  Mills,  John 
Wigton. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Nehemiah  Greenman,  Henry  Marten. 

New  Castle  Presbytery,  ministers :  Messrs.  Evander  Morrison,  James  Camp- 
bell, Samuel  Fiuley,  Samuel  Davies,  John  Roan,  Andrew  Bay,  John  Rodgers, 
James  Finley,  John  Hogge,  John  Blair,  Robert  Smith. 

Elders :  John  Kirkpatrick,  Philip  Davies,  William  Bell,  John  Withrow, 
David  Stewart,  Benjamin  BIyth,  Charles  Vance,  Thomas  Sharp,  William 
McCrea. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Charles  Tennent,  Alexander  Craighead,  Andrew 
Sterling,  Hugh  Henry,  Robert  Henry,  John  Brown,  John  Wright,  John 
Todd. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  a  sermon  from  2  Cor.  iv.  1,  preached  by  Mr. 
Davenport,  the  last  yeai-'s  moderator. 

Mr.  Burr  is  chosen  moderator  for  the  ensuing  year,  Mr.  Davies  clerk. 

Mr.  Edwards  is  desired  to  sit  with  this  Synod  as  correspondent. 

The  reasons  of  the  absence  from  last  Synod,  of  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Spencer, 
Campbell,  Roan,  Davies,  Bay,  Todd,  James  Finley,  Gilbert  Tennent,  John 
Wright,  Lawrence,  McKnight,  Harker,  and  Morrison,  are  sustained. 

The  reasons  of  absence  from  this  Synod,  of  Messrs.  Pierson,  William 
Tennent,  Greenman,  Todd,  Bostwick,  Jones,  Smith,  Richards,  and  Simon 
Horton,  being  related  by  some  members  present,  are  sustained. 

Messrs.  Pierson,  Spencer,  Bostwick,  Gilbert,  William  and  Charles  Ten- 
nent, Treat,  Davenport,  Rogers,  Prime,  Brown,  Azariah  Horton,  Samuel  Finly, 
and  the  moderator,  are  appointed  to  be  a  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year 
ensuing. 

The  Synod  finding  there  is  but  one  Presbytery  book  present,  it  is  ordered 
that  all  the  books  be  brought  by  each  Presbytery  at  the  meeting  of  the  next 
Synod. 

The  committee  appointed  to  attend  upon  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  to  con- 
fer with  them  upon  the  head  of  the  union,  do  make  report,  that  they  complied 
with  said  appointment,  and  after  conference  had  with  a  committee  of  that  Synod 
upon  that  head,  and  after  hearing  several  things  offered  in  relation  thereto, 
desired  that  Synod  to  send  their  proposals  in  writing  to  this  Synod  to  be  con- 
sidered at  their  next  meeting. 

Mr.  Simon  Horton' s  reason  for  absence  from  the  last  Synod  without  leave, 
is  sustained. 

Mr.  Greenman's  appointment  to  supply  Hanover  was  complied  with;  as 
also  the  supplies  appointed  for  Philadelphia,  till  Mr.  Tennent's  return  from 
Great  Britain. 

Messrs.  Beatty  and  Thane  have  fulfilled  their  appointments  to  go  to  Vir- 
ginia and  Carolina;  and  Mr.  Lewis's  reasons  for  non-compliance,  are  sus- 
tained. 


264  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1755. 

Mr.  Azariah  Horton  supplies  Mr.  Beatty's  congregation  in  his  absence, 
according  to  appointment. 

As  Mr.  Mofikt  did  not  comply  with  the  appointment  of  Synod  in  his  sup- 
plies, the  Synod  order  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  to  inquire  into  the  rea- 
sons of  his  omission. 

Messrs.  Blair,  Azariah  Horton,  Rogers,  Davenport,  Morrison,  Beatty,  and 
Davies,  are  appointed  a  committee  of  overtures,  and  for  any  other  business 
the  Synod  shall  recommend  unto  them,  and  that  they  meet  to-morrow  morning, 
at  eight  of  the  clock   and  Mr.  Davies  moderator. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  of  the  clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

2d  day.     Nine  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  Marten,  Read,  Charles  Tennent,  and  Worts,  are  come,  and  the 
reasons  of  their  absence  yesterday  are  sustained. 

A  reference  was  brought  into  the  Synod  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  York, 
concerning  the  removal  of  Mr.  Bostwick  from  Jamaica,  by  a  call  from  the 
Presbyterian  congregation  of  New  York,  and  the  settling  the  order  and  disci- 
pline of  said  church,  which,  after  reading  several  papers,  and  hearing  what 
was  oflFered  in  relation  thereto,  was  deferred  till  the  next  sederunt,  for  further 
consideration. 

Application  being  made  to  the  Synod  from  the  trustees  of  New  Jersey  col- 
lege, for  a  general  collection  in  all  their  congregations  for  the  use  of  said  col- 
lege, the  Synod  do  recommend  it  to  their  several  Presbyteries,  to  take  such 
measures  as  they  judge  proper  to  make  collections  in  the  congregations  within 
their  respective  bounds,  for  the  use  of  the  college  of  New  Jersey  betwixt  this 
and  the  next  Synod,  and  send  such  collections  by  some  proper  hand  to  the 
Synod. 

Adjourned  till  four  of  the  clock,  P,  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Four  of  the  clocTe,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qid  supra. 

The  afiair  of  New  York  reassumed,  but  for  want  of  time  to  go  through  with 
it,  it  is  referred  to  the  next  sederunt. 

Upon  sundry  petitions  from  various  parts  of  North  Carolina,  setting  forth 
their  distressed  circumstances  for  want  of  a  preached  gospel  among  them,  and 
requesting  help  from  this  Synod,  Messrs.  Brainerd  and  Spencer  are  appointed 
to  take  a  journey  thither  before  winter,  and  supply  the  vacant  congregations 
there,  and  in  parts  adjacent,  for  six  months,  or  as  long  as  they  shall  think  ne- 
cessary ;  and  the  appointment  of  supplies  for  Mr.  Spencer's  congregation  is  refer- 
red till  to-morrow. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  half  an  hour  after  eight  of  the  clock. 
Concluded  with  prayer. 

3c?  day.     Half  an  hour  after  eight  of  tJie  clock,  A.  M.    Post  preces  sederunt 
qui  supra. 

Except  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Burr,  Brainerd,  McKnight,  and  Lawrence,  who 
were  permitted  to  go  away. 

The  moderator  being  gone,  Mr.  Treat  was  desired  to  take  his  place  at  this 
season. 

A  petition  was  brought  into  the  Synod  setting  forth  the  necessity  of  erecting 
a  new  Presbytery  in  Virginia,  the  Synod  therefore  appoint  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Davies,  John  Todd,  Alexander  Craighead,  Robert  Henry,  John  Wright, 
and   John   Brown,  to  be  a  Presbytery,  under   the   name  of  the  Presbytery 


1755.] 


SYNOD  or  NEW  TOEK. 


265 


of  Hanover,  and  that  their  first  meeting  shall  be  in  Hanover,  on  the  first 
"Wednesday  of  December  next,  and  that  Mr.  Davies  open  said  meeting  by  a 
sermon ;  and  that  any  of  their  members  settling  to  the  southward  and  west- 
ward of  Mr.  Hogge's  congi-egation,  shall  have  liberty  to  join  said  Presbytery 
of  Hanover. 

The  affair  from  New  York  reassumed,  and  as  there  was  not  time  to  finish  it, 
it  is  referred  till  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  of  the  docli,  P.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  mpra. 

The  affair  from  New  York  reassumed,  and  the  Synod  having  fully  heard  and 
discussed  said  affair,  do  appoint  Messrs.  Spencei',  Samuel  Finley,  and  the  clerk, 
to  draw  up  the  judgment  of  the  Synod  thereupon,  against  eight  of  the  clock  this 
evening. 

The  Synod  appoint  Mr.  Clark  to  take  a  journey  into  Virginia  and  North 
Carolina,  to  supply  the  vacancies  there  for  sis  months,  betwixt  this  and  next 
Synod,  particularly  at  Rocky  River  and  Sugar  Creek,  at  the  Hawfields,  Enno, 
Ilico,  and  Dan  Rivers. 

A  paper  was  presented  to  the  Synod  containing  an  account  of  sundry  gene- 
rous and  valuable  donations  from  divers  friends  in  England,  for  the  education 
of  pious,  indigent  youth,  for  the  gospel  ministry,  which  the  Synod,  in  order .t/* 
express  their  gratitude  for,  as  well  as  for  the  security  of  the  same  for  th^  pur- 
poses aforesaid,  order  to  be  recorded  in  their  minutes,  and  are  as  follows. 


To  the  Reverend  Synod  of  New  York, 

The  annual  interest  of  the  following  donations  was  appropriated  by  the  donors, 
for  the  education  of  such  youth  for  the  ministry  of  the  gospel,  in  the  College 
of  New  Jersey,  as  are  unable  to  defray  the  expenses  of  their  education,  who 
appear,  upon  proper  examination,  to  be  of  promising  genius,  Calvinistic  prin- 
ciples, and  in  the  judgment  of  charity,  experimentally  acquainted  with  a  work 
of  saving  gi-ace,  and  to  have  a  distinguished  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  and 
salvation  of  men. 

Loyidon. 

IMr.  Saniuel  Savage, 
Mrs.  Rachel  Spellerberg, 
Mr.  William  Wetmore 
Robert  Cruttenden,  Esquire,    . 
Rev.  Mr.  Ziegenhagen, 
Rev.  Samuel  Pike, 
Rev.  George  TurnbuU, 
Mr.  Joseph  Williams,  of  Kidderminster, 
Mr.  x\ustin,  of  ditto 

Mr.  Joseph  Field, 
Mr.  Cruttenden' s  Friend,     . 
Mr.  Henry  Carrington, 
Mr.  Carrington  Bowles, 
Mr.  Dennis  Debert, 
Mr.  James  Cox, 
Mr.  William  Fuller, 
Daniel  Booth,  Esquire, 

Rev.  Thomas  Gibbons,  and  some  of  his  friends. 
Rev.  Thomas  Hall,  and  some  of  his  friends, 
Mr.  Joseph  Hartwell,      .... 
34 


£ 

s. 

d. 

10 

10 

0 

50 

0 

0 

5 

5 

0 

5 

5 

0 

4 

4 

0 

3 

3 

0 

1 

1 

0 

5 

5 

0 

3 

12 

0 

1 

1 

0 

5 

5 

0 

3 

3 

0 

1 

1 

0 

5 

5 

0 

5 

5 

0 

5 

5 

0 

5 

5 

0 

12 

12 

0 

15 

15 

0 

2 

2 

0 

266 


MINUTES  OF  THE 


[1755. 


5    5 

0 

2    2 

0 

1     1 

0 

3    3 

0 

1     1 

0 

10  10 

0 

.    23    9 

0 

27    5 

6 

.    46    0 

0 

5     5 

0 

1     1 

0 

20  10 

6 

£296  17 

0 

London. 

Mr.  John  Bowles, 

Mr.  Furnell, 

Mr.  Skinner, 

Mr.  Jonathan  Eade,         .... 
Mr.  Shirly  Wolmer,  .... 

Mr.  James  English,         .... 
The  Independent  Congregation  in  Ipswich,    . 
Rev.  Mr.  Frost's  Congregation  in  Yarmouth, 
Rev.  Mr.  Davidson's  Congregation  in  Braintre, 
Rev.  Mr.  Fosket  in  Bristol,* 
Mr.  Lunel  in  Dublin,  .... 

Rev.  Mr.  Ogilvie  in  New  Castle, 

Sum  total, 

The  above  sum  of  two  hundred  and  ninety-six  pounds,  seventeen  shillings, 
sterling,  being  given  in  trust  to  us,  the  subscribers,  with  design  that  the  annual 
interest  thereof  for  ever  be  applied  for  the  use  aforesaid :  We  do,  by  virtue  of 
said  trust,  put  the  said  sum  into  the  hands  of  the  trustees  of  the  College  of 
^'^ew  Jersey,  in  trust,  to  be  applied  to  the  education  of  such  youth,  of  the  cha- 
ractei  above  mentioned,  as  shall  be  examined  and  approved  of  by  the  Synod 
of  New  York,  (or  by  what  name  soever  that  body  of  men  may  be  hereafter 
called,)  and  by  them  recommended  to  the  trustees  of  said  college,  and  to  be 
divided  among  such  youth  in  such  proportion  as  said  Synod  shall  think  fit. 
Witness  our  hands, 

Gilbert  Tennent,  Samuel  Da  vies. 

London,  October  25th,  1754. 

November  1st,  1754.  Received  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Pye,  of  Sheffield,  the  addi- 
tional sum  of  ten  pounds,  seven  shillings,  and  six  pence,  sterling,  to  be  applied 
as  above  directed. 

Total  three  hundred  and  seven  pounds,  four  shillings,  and  six  pence,  ster- 
ling. 

Gilbert  Tennent,  Samuel  Davies. 

For  the  education  of  youth  of  the  character  aforesaid. 
Samuel  Ruggles,  Esquire,  of  Bocking,  fifty  pounds. 

The  above  sum  of  fifty  pounds  sterling,  being  given  in  trust  to  us,  the  sub- 
scribers, with  design  that  the  principal  be  applied  as  soon  as  occasion  requireth, 
for  the  education  of  youth  of  the  characters  before  described :  We  do,  by  vir- 
tue of  said  trust,  put  the  said  sum  into  the  hands  of  said  trustees,  for  the  use, 
and  under  the  direction  of  the  Synod  of  New  York,  as  aforesaid. 

Witness  our  hands,  London,  October  25,  1754. 

Gilbert  Tennent,  Samuel  Davies. 

The  Synod  appoint  that  such  youth  as  may  be  candidates  for  this  benefac- 
tion, be  examined  by  the  Synod  at  their  annual  meeting. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent  reported  to  the  Synod  that  he  has  lately  received  a  bill 
for  two  hundred  pounds  sterling,  generously  given  for  the  propagation  of  the 
gospel  among  the  Indians,  and  to  be  under  the  direction  of  this  Synod. 


*  The  Rev.  Mr.  Fosket,  the  donor,  expressly  ordered,  that  his  donation  be  applied  to 
the  education  of  poor  pious  youth,  of  Calviuistic  principles,  of  every  denomination  of 
Protestants. 


1755.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  267 

The  Synod  do  appoint  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Samuel  Finly, 
Green,  Spencer,  and  Davies,  to  draw  up  a  plan  for  the  application  of  the  money 
contributed  in  Great  Britain  for  the  use  of  the  Indians,  and  lay  the  same  before 
the  Synod,  before  the  end  of  their  present  session.  The  same  committee  ap- 
pointed to  draw  up  certificates  for  those  ministers  who  are  appointed  to  go  to 
the  southward. 

The  Synod  appoint  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  to  draw  up  a  certificate  for 
Mr.  Clark,  being  a  candidate  belonging  unto  them. 

The  committee  appointed  to  draw  up  the  judgment  of  the  Synod  on  the  affair 
of  New  York,  presented  what  they  had  written,  which,  with  some  amendments, 
was  approved,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

The  Synod  having  heard  and  maturely  considered  the  sundry  complaints  and 
requests  of  both  parties  from  the  Presbyterian  congregation  in  New  York,  come 
to  the  following  conclusions  thereon  : 

That  though  the  Synod  upon  former  inquiry  did  find  that  the  trustees  have 
faithfully  discharged  their  trust,  and  are  still  of  the  same  judgment,  yet  as 
there  has  been  a  mutual  agreement  between  the  trustees  and  those  dissatisfied 
with  that  constitution,  that  as  soon  as  the  debts  of  the  church  are  paid,  they 
should  no  longer  be  elected  in  their  present  form ;  the  Synod  approve  of  said  agree- 
ment, and  judge,  that  if  the  congregation  think  it  expedient  to  have  a  commit- 
tee for  the  management  of  their  temporal  concerns,  the  said  committee  shall  be 
chosen  after  that  time,  by  the  ministers,  elders,  and  deacons,  with  the  consent 
of  the  congregation,  and  accountable  to  them  for  their  conduct.  And  in  order 
the  more  speedily  to  discharge  the  said  debts,  the  Synod  recommend  it  to  the 
congregation  to  pay  punctually,  and  as  soon  as  possible,  the  pew  rents  that  may 
be  due.  And  that  the  affairs  of  the  congregation  may  be  carried  on  with 
greater  regularity,  the  Synod  also  recommend  it  to  them  to  choose  a  greater 
number  of  elders  and  deacons  as  soon  as  they  conveniently  can. 

That  as  there  is  a  number  of  the  congregation  much  dissatisfied  with  the  con- 
stant use  of  Dr.  Watts's  version  of  the  Psalms,  and  earnestly  desirous  that  the 
Scotch  version  should  be  used,  and  as  mutual  forbearance  and  condescension  in 
such  cases,  is  a  duty  which  Christians  owe  to  one  another,  and  is  necessary  to 
preserve  the  peace  of  society,  the  Synod  determine  that  the  Scotch  version  be 
used  equally  with  the  other  in  the  stated  public  worship  on  the  Lord's  days. 

That  previously  to  the  administration  of  baptism,  the  minister  shall  inquire 
into  the  parents'  knowledge  of  the  great  and  fundamental  doctrines  of  the  gos- 
pel, and  the  regularity  of  their  life ;  and  being  satisfied  so  as  to  admit  them, 
shall  in  public  point  out  the  special  duties  of  the  parents,  and  particularly,  that 
they  teach  their  children  the  doctrines  and  precepts  of  Christianity,  contained 
in  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  and  comprised  in  the  West- 
minster Confession  of  Faith  and  Catechisms :  which  therefore  he  shall  recom- 
mend unto  them. 

That  whereas  complaint  has  been  made  of  a  number  assuming  the  name  of 
the  Scotch  Presbyterian  Society,  it  shall  be  deemed  irregular  and  censurable 
for  any  part  of  the  congregation  to  form  a  party,  and  consider  themselves  as  a 
society  distinct  from  the  rest  of  the  congregation. 

That  as  to  the  removal  of  Mr.  Bostwick,  the  congregation  of  Jamaica  not 
being  prepared  to  make  a  representation  on  this  head,  the  Synod  appoints  the 
following  members,  viz.  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Prime,  William  Tennent, 
Burr,  Treat,  Davenport,  John  Smith  of  Rye,  McCrea,  Beatty,  Hunter,  Allen, 
Read,  Buel,  Sacket,  Brown,  Lewis,  and  Rodgers,  to  be  their  committee,  to  meet 
at  Jamaica,  on  the  29th  of  this  instant  October,  to  determine  that  affair,  and 
any  other  matters  relative  to  it,  that  may  come  before  them. 

Adjourned  till  nine  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 


268  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1755. 

4:tJi  day,  at  nine  of  the  dock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Except  Messrs.  Lewis,  Campbell,  and  Hogge,  who  have  obtained  leave  to  go 
home. 

The  Synod  recommend  it  to  all  the  members,  excepting  such  who  live  so 
near  the  place  of  meeting  that  they  can  go  to  their  congregations  after  twelve 
of  the  clock  on  Saturday,  and  return  again  by  ten  of  the  clock  on  jMonday, 
that  they  do  not  make  any  appointments  to  preach  on  the  Lord's  day  following 
the  Synod,  or  so  pre-engage  themselves  as  to  be  obliged  to  return  before  the 
conclusion  of  the  Synod,  in  any  time  coming. 

A  letter  from  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  concerning  an  union  with  this 
Synod,  was  read,  [See  page  218,]  and  after  much  debate  and  consultation  had 
upon  it,  it  was  referred  to  a  committee  to  draw  up  an  answer  against  next  Mon- 
day morning,  at  ten  of  the  clocSi,  and  that  those  members  that  remain  in  town 
this  afternoon  be  a  committee  for  that  purpose. 

Adjourned  till  Monday  morning,  at  ten  of  the  clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

October  6,  ten  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

In  order  to  supply  the  congregations  of  those  ministers,  who  are  to  go  to 
the  southward,  the  Synod  appoint  the  Presbyteries  of  New  Brunswick  and 
Abington  to  supply  within  the  bounds  of  New  York  Presbytery  each  four 
Sabbaths.  And  that  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk  supply  either  New  York  or 
Jamaica,  as  need  shall  be,  each  member  two  Sabbaths. 

As  the  present  critical  and  alarming  situation  of  the  country,  requires  par- 
ticular applications  to  heaven,  the  Synod  recommend  it  to  all  the  Presbyteries 
to  appoint  a  day,  when  they  think  proper,  to  be  religiously  observed,  either  in 
thanksgiving  or  humiliation,  as  the  posture  of  affairs  may  then  require. 

Mr.  Charles  Tennent  is  appointed  to  preach  in  Philadelphia  the  first  Sabbath 
in  November,  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent,  who  is  to  be  from  home  on 
the  appointment  to  Jamaica. 

The  committee  appointed  to  draw  up  an  answer  to  the  minute  of  Philadelphia 
Synod,  make  report,  that  they  have  not  been  able  yet  to  complete  it,  but  expect 
to  be  ready  against  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.      Post  p)reces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  brought  in  their  answer  to  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  which 
was  carefully  examined,  but  there  not  being  time  to  finish  it,  the  further  con- 
sideration of  it  is  referred  till  to-morrow. 

The  following  ministers,  viz  :  Messrs.  Burr,  Charles  Tennent,  Rogers,  Piobert 
Smith,  Davies,  Azariah  Horton,  Davenport,  Ilunter,  McKnight,  and  Kennedy, 
brought  collections  into  the  Synod,  in  all  amounting  to  five  pounds  four  shil- 
lings provincial,  and  it  is  committed  to  Mr.  Treat  their  treasurer. 

Adjourned  till  nine  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

7  th  day,  at  nine  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  Messrs.  Roan,  Smith,  and  James  Finly,  and  Charles  Vance,  who 
had  leave  to  go  away.) 

The  answer  to  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  was  again  taken  under  consideration, 
together  with  a  plan  of  proposals  for  an  union,  and  Messrs.  Samuel  Finly  and 
Blair  are  appointed  to  finish  the  plan  and  brir.g  it  in  at  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1756.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  269 

Eodem  Die,  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  Finly  and  Blair  brought  in  their  answer  to  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia, 
and  a  plan  of  union,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  as  follows : 

[This  plan  of  union  being  already  inserted,  pages  221,  222,  it  is  not  necessary 
to  repeat  it  here.] 

The  Synod  appoint  their  clerk  to  transcribe  the  above  answer  and  plan,  and 
send  it  in  to  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  at  their  next  meeting. 

The  committee  appointed  to  draw  up  a  plan  for  the  application  of  the  money 
generously  given  for  the  propagation  of  the  gospel  among  the  Indians,  report 
that  the  donor  of  the  before-mentioned  money,  directs  it  to  be  put  into  the 
bands  of  the  trustees  of  the  college  of  New  Jersey  and  their  successors  in  tnist, 
for  the  uses  and  purposes  hereafter  mentioned,  viz  :  ''  Either  towards  the  sup- 
port of  a  pious  and  well  qualified  missionary  in  preaching  the  gospel  among 
the  Indians  in  North  America,  or  the  supporting  of  a  pious  and  well  qualified 
schoolmaster  in  teaching  the  Indians  the  English  language,  and  the  principles 
of  natural  and  revealed  religion ;  or  for  maintaining  a  pious  and  well  qualified 
Indian  youth  at  the  college  of  New  Jersey,  while  prosecuting  his  studies  there, 
in  order  to  his  instructing  his  countrymen  in  the  English  language  and  the 
Christian  religion,  or  preaching  the  gospel  to  them ;  or  for  maintaining  a  pious 
and  well  qualified  youth  of  English  or  Scotch  extract,  at  that  college,  during 
his  preparatory  studies  for  teaching  or  preaching  the  gospel  among  the  In- 
dians, in  case  an  Indian  youth  of  suitable  qualifications,  cannot  at  some  par- 
ticular time  be  obtained.  With  this  express  limitation,  namely,  that  the  Synod 
of  New  York,  (or  by  whatever  name  that  body  shall,  in  time  coming,  be 
called,)  shall  direct  and  determine,  to  which  of  the  uses  before  mentioned,  the 
yearly  interest  of  the  aforesaid  principal  sum,  shall  be  from  time  to  time  ap- 
plied ;  and  which  of  the  candidates  for  that  particular  use  shall  be  preferred ; 
and  how  the  overplus  above  what  may  reasonably  answer  the  particular  use 
at  any  time  pitched  on,  (if  any  such  overplus  be,)  shall  be  employed  in 
providing  Bibles  or  other  good  books,  conducive  to  promote  the  general 
design." 

The  Synod  agree  to  follow  the  directions  of  the  generous  donor,  and  to  apply 
the  donation  for  the  purpose  intended  as  soon  as  possible. 

It  being  proposed  to  form  a  fund  for  the  use  of  ministers'  widows  and 
orphans,  the  Synod  appoint  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  and  Burr,  to  procure 
plans  against  the  next  Synod ;  and  they  recommend  it  to  their  members  to  use 
proper  means  in  the  interim,  to  make  ministers  and  people,  sensible  of  its  ne- 
cessity and  importance ;  and  that  they  come  prepared  to  contribute  to  it  at  the 
next  meeting. 

Adjourned  to  the  day  after  the  next  commencement  at  Newark.  Concluded 
with  prayer. 

1756. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 

Newark,  September  30,  1756.      Uhi  post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers  of  Suffolk  Presbytery:  Messrs.  Ebenezer  Prime,  Samuel  Bewel, 
James  Brown,  Samuel  Sacket,  Eliphalet  Ball. 

Ministers  of  New  York  Presbytery :  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Aaron  Burr, 
Simon  Horton,  Azariah  Horton,  John  Brainerd,  Timothy  Allen,  John  Smith, 
Jacob  Green,  David  Bostwick,  Elihu  Spencer,  Timothy  Jones,  Daniel  Thane, 
Aaron  Richards,  Nathaniel  Whitaker. 

Ministers  of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  James 
Davenport,  James  McCrea,  Charles  McKnight,  Thomas  Lewis,  Samuel  Ken- 
nedy, Benjamin  Hait. 


270  MINUTES  OF  THE  [175G. 

Ministers  of  Abington  Presbytery:  Messrs.  lllchard  Treat,  Aixlrew  Hunter, 
Cbnrles  Bcatty,  Daniel   liawronco,  Tfcnry  Marten. 

Ministers  of  New  Castle  J/resbytcry  :  Messrs.  Samuel  Finly,  John  J>lair, 
John  llodgors. 

Minist(!rs  of  flanover  Presbytery:  Messrs.  John  Todd,  John  AVrij^ht. 

Eld(!rs :  (!i<l(M)n  II(!d<!;(!S,  Kluiithan  Cory,  rJosoph  ();i;d(!n,  Joseph  J'ruddcn, 
Timothy  Whitehead,  Isiiae  I'nuil,  Ivobert  ('Unuiiins,  (Jilbert  llendrickson, 
Samuel  Brown,  Abraham  Larieu,  IMiilip  Wynkoop,  Hubert  Civings,  Ezra 
Carey. 

Ministers  absent,  of  Suffolk  Presbytery:  Messrs.  Silvanus  White,  Benjamin 
Talinage,  Abner  Heeves. 

01"  New  York  ]'resbytcry:  Messrs.  Knos  Ayros,  (.haney  Crahani,  John 
Moffett,  Jonathan  Elmore,  llugh  Knox,  John  Maltby,  Caleb  Smith,  Alexander 
(Cummins.  ^ 

Of  New  ]5ninswi(d{  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Israel  Bead,  Samuel  Ilarker,  Job 
Prudden,  (lonradus  Worts. 

Of  Abin<^ton  J'resbytery:  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tenncnt,  Benjamin  Chesnutt, 
Neheniiah  (Jreenman. 

Of  New  Ciistle  ]*resbyt(!ry  :  Messrs  CharhiS  Tenncuit,  James  (jamplx^ll,  John 
Knan,  Andrew  Hay,  John  Hogg,  Bobert  Smith,  Andrew  Sterling,  James  Finlcy, 
Evander  Morrison,  Moses  TuttJe,  Hugh  Henry,  .lohn  Harris. 

Of  Ihinover  l*resl)ytery :  Messrs.  Samuel  Davies,  Alexander  Craighead, 
Ilobert  Henry,  John  Hrown. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  a,  sermon  preached  by  Mr.  Burr,  the  last  year's 
moderator,  on  Isaiah  xxi.  11,  12. 

Mr.  William  Teiuient  was  chosen  moderator  for  the  year  ensuing,  Mr.  Treat 
clerk. 

Mr,  Light,  an  approved  ministcT  of  the  Dutch  Church,  being  present,  is  de- 
sired to  sit  with  this  Synod  as  correspondent. 

Adjourned  to  half  an  hour  after  two  of  the  clock,  P.  M.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 


Ilalf  an  hour   after  two   of  the   clock,   P.  M.       Pout  jtreces   sederunt  qui 
svpra. 

ThtJ  reasons  offered  for  the  absence  of  Messrs.  John  Todd,  John  Smith, 
Hugh  Knox,  Dani(d  Thane,  and  John  Maltby,  the  last  Synod,  arc  sustained. 

Messrs.  John  J'ierson,  Elihu  Spencer,  Dnvid  Bostwiek,  (Jilbert  Tennent, 
Charles  Tennent,  Bichard  Treat,  James  Davenport,  John  Bodgers,  Aaron 
Burr,  Ebenezer  Prime,  James  J{rown,  Azariab  Horton,  Samuel  Finley,  and 
the  moderator,  arc  appointed  to  be  a  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year 
ensuing. 

The  ]Vesbyt(!ry  books  of  New  York,  Abington,  and  New  Brunswick,  are 
brought  according  to  appointment.  The  other  Presbytery  books  are  ordered 
to  be  brought  next  Synod. 

Mr.  Bewel  and  Mr.  Rogers  are  appointed  to  revise  Abington  Presbytery 
book  :  Mr.  Blair  and  Mr.  Beatty  to  revise  New  Brunswick  I'resbytery  book  ; 
and  Mr.  Tennent  and  Mr   J^'inly  the  I'resbytery  book  of  New  York. 

iMessrs.  I'rime,  Azariah  Horton,  Davenport,  Jones,  Brainerd,  Allen,  John 
Smith,  and  the  moderator,  are  appointed  to  be  a  committee  of  overtures  and 
any  other  business  the  Synod  .shall  recomnuind  unto  them. 

Upon  in(|uiry  it  was  found  that  none  of  the  Presbyteries  did  fully  comply 
with  the  order  of  the  last  Synod  respecting  collections  for  the  colleg(! ;  yet, 
inasmuch  as  some  particular  members  have  done  it,  the  Synod  order  them  to 


175G.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  271 

pay  the  same  into  the  liands  of  Mr.  Brainerd,  and  that  he  give  an  account 
thereof  to  the  Synod,  befure  the  conclusion  of  this  meeting. 

And  the  Synod  do  recommend  it  to  their  members  that  have  not  as  yet 
complied  with  the  said  order,  to  do  all  they  reasonably  can  before  their  next 
meeting. 

The  difl&cultics  and  dangers  of  the  times  render  it  in  a  great  degree  im- 
practicable for  Messrs.  Spencer  and  Brainerd  to  answer  the  end  of  their  ap- 
pointment to  the  southward,  and  for  that  reason  said  appointments  were  not 
fulfilled. 

There  were  the  like  reasons  for  Mr.  Clark's  not  fulfilling  his  appointment  to 
the  southron  provinces. 

There  having  been  reposed  a  certain  sum  of  money  in  the  hands  of  the  trus- 
tees of  New  Jersey  College,  for  the  uses  expressed  in  the  minutes  of  last  year, 
the  Synod  doth  ajipoint  Mr.  Allen  to  attend  upon  the  President,  and  receive 
proper  receipts  and  certificates  for  said  money,  to  be  brought  into  the  Synod 
at  their  next  meeting. 

And  whereas  the  Synod  appointed  such  scholars  as  expect  any  part  of  the 
fund  designed  for  tlic  education  of  pious  youth,  to  be  examined  by  the  Synod 
at  their  annual  meeting,  the  Synod  finding  they  are  unable,  through  a  multipli- 
city of  business,  and  by  reason  of  the  absence  of  some  that  design  to  offer 
themselves,  to  have  their  examination  before  their  own  body  at  this  meeting,  do 
appoint  Me.s.srs.  Burr,  William  Tennent,  Brainerd,  Davenport,  Treat,  McKnight, 
Cummins,  and  Hait,  to  be  a  committee  to  meet  at  Princeton,  the  twenty-third 
day  of  November  next,  to  examine  such  candidates  as  offer,  and  determine  what 
proportion  of  said  money  each  shall  have  the  ensuing  year. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  at  Jamaica  on  the  aflPair  of  Mr.  Bostwick's 
removal,  laid  the  minutes  of  their  proceedings  before  the  Synod,  which  were 
approved,  and  are  as  follows  : 

''  At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  the  Synod  of  New  York,  at  Jamaica, 
October  29,  1755,  according  to  appointment.  Present,  Messrs.  President 
Burr,  Samuel  Sacket,  Samuel  Bewel,  Israel  Read,  James  Brown,  Timothy 
Allen. 

"  Fostpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

"  The  committee  was  opened  by  a  sermon  preached  by  Mr.  Bewel,  from  Job 
xiv.  8. 

*'  Mr.  Burr  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Allen  clerk. 

•'  The  affair  of  Mr.  Bostwick's  removal  came  under  consideration.  The  com- 
mittee having  heard  all  the  several  parties  concerned  in  that  affair,  had  to  offer 
on  that  head,  after  much  deliberation  adjourned  the  further  consideration  of  it 
till  to-morrow,  half  an  hour  past  eight  in  the  morning,  to  which  time  the  com- 
mittee is  adjourned.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

<'  Z^ih  day,  the  Committee  met  according  to  adjournment.      Uhi  post  preccs 

sederunt 
"  The  committee  proceeded  to  a  long  deliberation  on  the  affair  of  Mr.  Bost- 
wick's removal. 

"  Eodem  Die,  seven  of  the  clock,  P.  M. 

"  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  William  Tennent,  James  McCrea,  Charles  Beatty, 
Andrew  Hunter,  and  John  Rogers,  came,  being  prevented  attending  the  prece- 
ding sederunts  by  the  tempestuousness  of  the  weather. 

"  The  affair  of  Mr.  Bostwick's  removal  from  Jamaica  to  New  York  reconsid- 


272  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1756. 

ered ;  and  after  much  consultation,  concluded  to  defer  the  further  consideration 
of  it  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  eight  of  the  clock ;  to  which  time  the  committee 
is  adjourned.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

"  Slst  da?/,  the  Committee  met  according  to  adjournment.     Uhi  post  preces 
sederunt. 

"  The  affair  of  Mr.  Bostwick's  removal,  &c.  reassumed. 

"  The  committee  not  having  sufficient  light  to  come  to  a  full  determination  of 
that  affair  at  this  time,  conclude  that  it  be  referred  to  the  standing  commission 
of  the  Synod  of  New  York,  to  be  convened  by  the  moderator,  at  Princeton,  on 
the  second  Wednesday  of  April  next,  at  eleven  of  the  clock,  A.  M. ;  and  that 
Mr.  Bostwick  be  appointed  to  supply  at  New  York,  the  whole  months  of  De- 
cember and  January,  and  the  two  fii'st  Sabbaths  of  February  next ;  and  that 
the  Presbytery  of  New  York  provide  a  constant  supply  for  Jamaica,  during  Mr. 
Bostwick's  absence.  And  this  committee  recommends  it  to  the  people  of  Ja- 
maica, to  make  the  necessary  winter  provisions  for  Mr.  Bostwick's  family  as 
usual.     Concluded  with  prayer." 

The  commission  of  the  Synod  made  report  to  the  Synod,  that  they  met  on  the 
affair  of  Mr.  Bostwick's  removal,  referred  unto  them  by  the  committee.  The 
minutes  of  their  proceedings  are  as  follows : 

"  The  commission  of  the  Synod  of  New  York  regularly  called,  met  at 

"  Princetoion,  April  14, 1756. 

"  Present :  Messrs.  the  moderator,  Aaron  Burr,  John  Pierson,  William  Ten- 
nent,  Richard  Treat,  James  Davenport,  John  Rogers,  Azariah  Horton. 

"  Absent :  Messrs.  Elihu  Spencer,  David  Bostwick,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Charles 
Tennent,  Ebenezer  Prime,  James  Brown,  Samuel  Finly. 

'•'  Correspondents  :  Messrs.  Timothy  Jones,  Timothy  Allen,  Charles  Mc- 
Knight,  John  Brainerd,  Charles  Beatty,  Daniel  Lawrence,  Caleb  Smith. 

"  Post  preces  sedei'unt. 

"  Mr.  Caleb  Smith  was  chosen  clerk. 

"  The  commission  was  opened  by  a  sermon  preached  by  the  moderator  from 
John  xviii.  36. 

"  The  Rev.  Mr.  Johannes  Light,  a  minister  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church, 
was  desired  to  sit  as  correspondent. 

''  The  affair  of  Mr.  Bostwick's  removal  from  Jamaica  to  New  York,  was 
brought  before  the  commission  by  a  letter  from  the  elders  and  deacons  of  the 
Presbyterian  congregation  in  New  York,  representing  their  continued  unan- 
imity for  Mr.  Bostwick,  and  that  the  reasons  for  his  removal  to  them  are  very 
much  strengthened  and  increased  by  his  labours  among  them  the  last  winter, 
which  appeared  more  fully  by  their  commissioners,  who  were  sent  for  that 
purpose.  The  moderator  also  reported  to  the  commission,  that  he  had  acci- 
dentally left  at  home  a  letter  he  had  received  from  Mr.  Bostwick,  representing 
his  low  state  of  health,  and  fear  that  he  could  not  attend  the  commission,  and 
in  case  he  did  not,  that  he  would  acquiesce  in  their  judgment  about  his  removal 
to  New  York. 

"  The  commission  having  read  the  papers  containing  a  representation  of  the 
state  of  the  Presbyterian  congregation  at  Jamaica,  and  their  reasons  against 
Mr.  Bostwick's  removal  j  after  much  deliberate  consideration  of  the  import- 
ant affair,  and  earnest  prayer  to  God  for  direction  in  it,  adjourned  the  further 
consideration  of  it  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  eight  of  the  clock.  Concluded 
with  prayer. 


1756.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  273 

"  15th  dai/,  at  eight  of  the  clock,  A.  M.,  the  commission  met.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

"The  Rev.  Mr.  David  Cowell,  was  desired  to  sit  as  correspondent. 

"  The  aifair  of  Mr.  Bostwick's  removal  reassumed.  The  commission  having 
weighed  the  reasons  for  and  against  it  with  deep  concern  and  great  delibera- 
tion, considering  the  peculiar  circumstances  and  great  importance  of  New  York 
congregation,  how  long  they  have  been  destitute ;  how  many  fruitless  attempts 
have  been  made  to  resettle  the  gospel  among  them ;  the  little  hopes  of  their 
being  so  well  united  in  any  other  person;  and  especially  the  desirable  prospect 
that  appears  of  Mr.  Bostwick's  great  usefulness  in  that  place;  cannot  but 
judge  it  to  be  his  duty  to  remove ;  and  his  pastoral  relation  to  the  church  and 
congregation  at  Jamaica  is  dissolved  for  that  purpose.  But  as  the  commission 
have  a  tender  concern  for  the  congregation  of  Jamaica,  a  great  sense  of  their 
importance,  and  how  their  case  calls  for  special  regard,  they  desire  the  modera- 
tor, in  his  journey  to  Boston,  to  look  out  for  a  candidate  to  be  sent  among  them, 
and  appoint  the  said  moderator  to  supply  them  one  Sabbath  on  his  return ;  and 
Messrs.  Simon  Hortou,  Ebenczer  Prime,  and  Benjamin  Talmage,  are  appointed 
to  supply  at  Jamaica  the  three  Sabbaths  immediately  succeeding  Mr.  Bostwick's 
departure,  of  which  Mr.  Bostwick  is  appointed  to  give  them  notice.  And  the 
Pesbyteries  of  New  York  and  Suflfolk  are  ordered  to  take  special  care  that  they 
be  constantly  supplied  till  next  Synod.  The  commission  also  considering,  that 
the  congregation  of  Jamaica  will  necessarily  be  put  to  charge  in  obtaining  a 
resettlement  of  the  gospel  ministry,  do  earnestly  recommend  it  to  the  Presby- 
terian church  in  New  York,  to  exercise  a  Christian  generosity  toward  the  peo- 
ple of  Jamaica,  that  they  may  be  better  enabled  to  settle  another  minister. 

'■'  Mr.  Beatty  representing  to  the  commission,  that  a  motion  had  been  lately 
made  to  him  by  the  government  of  Pennsylvania,  to  go  out  as  chaplain  with 
their  forces  upon  the  frontiers,  desired  that  some  provision  might  be  made  for 
the  supply  of  his  pulpit.  The  commission  accordingly  appointed  Abiugton 
Presbytery  to  supply  four  Sabbaths ;  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  three  Sab- 
baths ;  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  four  Sabbaths ;  and  the  Presbytery 
of  New  Castle  five  Sabbaths.     Concluded  with  prayer." 

The  appointment  of  last  Synod,  for  a  day  to  be  religiously  observed  as  a 
day  of  fasting  or  thanksgiving,  was  complied  with. 

A  letter  from  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  in  answer  to  one  sent  them  from 
this  Synod  the  last  year,  was  read ;  the  further  consideration  of  it  was  deferred 
to  the  next  sederunt.     [See  page  222.] 

Upon  application  made  to  this  Synod,  they  agreed  to  allow  the  interest  of 
the  money  under  their  direction  for  the  progagation  of  the  gospel  among  the 
Indians,  unto  Mr.  Brainerd,  a  missionary  to  the  Indians,  in  order  to  assist  him 
in  labouring  among  them  for  this  year. 

The  order  of  the  last  Synod  respecting  a  fund  for  ministers'  widows  and  or- 
phans, came  under  consideration,  but  seeing  no  plans  for  that  purpose  have  yet 
been  obtained,  the  Synod  do  defer  any  further  proceedings  in  that  aflFair  till  the 
next  meeting. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  overtures  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  eight 
of  the  clock. 

Adjourned  to  nine  of  the  clock;  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

October  1st,  at  nine  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  New  York  Presbytery  book  was  revised  and  approved. 

The  consideration  of  the  letter  from  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  deferred  till 
the  next  sed&runt. 
35 


274  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1756. 

Mr.  Caleb  Smith  is  come  to  the  Synod,  whose  absence  yesterday  was  occa- 
sioned  by  sickness. 

A  paper  was  brought  into  the  Synod  from  several  persons  belonging  to  the 
Presbyterian  congregation  of  New  York,  setting  forth  some  grievances  they 
suppose  themselves  to  labour  under,  &c.  The  Synod  having  heard  said  paper 
read,  and  what  their  commissioner  offered  to  them,  do  refer  it  to  Messrs.  John 
Blair,  Samuel  Finly,  Timothy  Allen,  and  Caleb  Smith,  to  draw  up  the  judg- 
ment of  the  Synod  thereupon,  and  bring  it  in  as  soon  as  they  can. 

Adjourned  to  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  of  the  dock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  Abington  was  revised  and  approved. 
An  affair  was  brought  into  the  Synod  by  way  of  reference  from  the  Presby- 
tery of  New  Brunswick,  in  relation  to  Mr.  McCrea's  accepting  the  call  from 
the  congregation  of  Bedminster  and  parts  adjacent,  with  whom  he  has  laboured 
for  several  years  past,  but  last  fall,  liberated  from  them  by  his  Presbytery,  by 
reason  of  some  dissatisfactions  in  the  congregation  :  the  Synod,  after  having 
read  divers  papers  and  heard  what  all  concerned  had  to  offer  on  the  head,  came 
to  the  following  conclusion,  that  is  to  say,  that  inasmuch  as  by  far  the  greatest 
part  of  the  congregation  are  united  in  their  desires  for  his  settlement  with  them, 
and  it  is  likely  to  be  for  the  hurt  of  the  congregation,  as  well  as  of  Mr.  McCrea 
and  his  family,  if  he  should  remove  from  them ;  the  Synod  judge  that  Mr. 
McCrea  have  liberty  to  accept  of  the  call  of  said  people  if  he  see  fit.  But  in  case 
Mr.  McCrea  shall  accept  the  call  of  said  people,  the  Synod  see  no  reason  for  the 
minor  part  of  said  congregation  to  be  set  off  from  the  congregation  and  have  sup- 
plies for  themselves,  or  be  refunded  any  part  of  the  money  they  have  expended 
in  building  their  meeting-house,  as  they  in  their  paper  proposed  to  the  Synod. 
Several  supplications  for  supplies  from  vacancies  in  North  and  South  Caro- 
lina, and  Bladensburg  in  Maryland,  were  read,  the  consideration  of  which  was 
referred  to  the  next  sederunt. 

The  Synod  agree  that  an  address  be  prepared  and  presented  to  Lord  Lowden, 
commander  in  chief  of  all  his  majesty's  forces  in  North  America,  and  they  do 
appoint  Messrs.  Aaron  Burr,  Elihu  Spencer,  David  Bostwick,  and  Caleb  Smith, 
or  some  one  of  them,  to  prepare  and  present  it  in  the  name  of  this  Synod  on 
the  first  proper  opportunity. 

The  Synod  agreed  to  desire  Mr.  Burr  to  favour  them  with  a  copy  of  his  ser- 
mon preached  before  them  at  the  opening  of  their  session,  in  order  to  have  it 
printed,  they  apprehending  the  publication  of  said  sermon  may  be  of  good  ser- 
vice at  this  season. 

The  committee  appointed  to  draw  up  the  judgment  of  the  Synod  on  the  affair 
of  New  York,  brought  in  the  same,  which  after  much  consideration  and  some 
amendments,  was  unanimously  approved  and  is  as  follows  : 

A  paper  was  presented  to  the  Synod  signed  by  several  members  of  the  Pres- 
byterian congregation  of  New  York,  which  the  Synod  observe  contains  insult- 
ing and  even  threatening  expressions,  and  insinuations  of  partiality  and  dis- 
honesty, together  with  several  demands  proposed  in  a  very  disrespectful  man- 
ner, and  with  an  air  of  contempt.  As  this  conduct  in  professors  of  religion  to- 
wards a  judicature  of  Jesus  Christ  is  insufferably  arrogant,  presumptuous,  and 
of  evil  tendency,  and  contrary  to  the  commands  of  our  Lord,  who  has  ordered  us 
to  suffer  no  man  to  despise  us  acting  properly  in  our  own  office,  we  judge  it  highly 
censurable.  And  though  we  might  justly  refuse  to  take  any  further  notice  of 
what  is  offered  in  said  paper,  yet  as  we  would  condescend  to  the  weakness, 
and  as  far  as  can  consist  with  duty,  bear  with  the  imperfections  of  those  who 
are  under  our  care,  for  the  sake  of  their  edification,  we  therefore  inform  them 


1756.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  275 

that  by  adopting  the  Westminster  Confession,  we  only  intend  receiving  it  as 
a  test  of  orthodoxy  in  this  church ;  and  it  is  the  order  of  this  Synod,  that  all 
who  are  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel,  or  become  members  of  any  Presbytery 
in  our  bounds,  shall  receive  the  same  as  the  confession  of  their  faith,  according 
to  our  constituting  act,  which  we  see  no  reason  to  repeal. 

That  as  to  the  singing  of  Dr.  Watts's  version  of  the  Psalms,  though  the 
conduct  of  the  congregation  in  their  adhering  to  them,  contrary  to  Synodical 
appointment,  without  waiting  for  an  opportunity  to  obtain  a  repeal  of  said  ap- 
pointment, was  not  regular ;  yet  as  the  said  Psalms  are  orthodox,  and  no  par- 
ticular version  is  of  Divine  authority,  and  that  the  using  them  is  earnestly  de- 
sired by  a  great  majority  of  said  congregation,  contrary  to  the  view  we  had  of 
the  case  the  last  year,  the  Synod,  for  the  sake  of  their  peace,  do  permit  the  use 
of  said  version  unto  them  :■  and  determine  that  this  judgment  shall  be  finally 
decisive  as  to  this  afiair. 

That  they,  who  obstinately  refuse  to  pay  their  pew  rents,  are  to  be  esteemed 
as  not  walking  orderly,  and  do  in  fact  forfeit  their  pews,  nor  is  it  an  injury 
done  them  by  the  congregation,  if  they  are  deprived  of  them. 

As  to  reading  in  the  desk,  the  Synod  consider  it  as  a  mere  indiflPerency  in 
itself;  and  as  the  congregation  has  long  used  this  practice,  which  is  not  con- 
trary to  any  Divine  rule,  or  constitution  of  this  church,  there  appears  no  neces- 
sity of  altering  it  by  authority. 

The  other  particulars  proposed  in  said  paper,  being  already  determined  by 
the  Synod  in  former  sessions,  we  adhere  to  those  determinations. 

Adjourned  to  eight  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2d  dai/,  at  eigJit  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Abington  Presbytery  book  was  revised,  and  is  approved. 

The  letter  from  the  Philadelphia  Synod  came  under  consideration,  with 
respect  to  which  the  Synod  came  to  the  following  agreement,  viz. 

That  notwithstanding  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  have  not  given  a  satisfac- 
tory answer  to  the  particulars  contained  in  our  letter,  which  were  judged  ne- 
cessary to  be  settled  previous  to  an  union ;  the  Synod,  from  an  earnest  desire 
of  an  hearty  and  lasting  union,  do  comply  with  their  proposal  of  a  mutual  con- 
ference, and  accordingly  appoint  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tenneut,  William  Tennent, 
Aaron  Burr,  James  Davenport,  Richard  Treat,  Samuel  Finly,  John  Blair, 
Caleb  Smith,  Ebenezer  Prime,  James  Brown,  to  be  a  committee  to  meet  with 
the  commission  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  at  Trenton,  the  second  Wednes- 
day in  May  next,  to  fix  upon  a  proper  plan  of  union,  to  be  laid  before  each 
Synod  at  their  next  meeting. 

Application  was  made  to  the  Synod  by  Mr.  Beatty,  desiring  to  know  their 
mind  with  respect  to  his  going  chaplain  to  the  forces  that  may  be  raised  in  the 
province  of  Pennsylvania,  if  he  shall,  by  the  government,  be  called  to  that  ser- 
vice. The  Synod  do  judge  it  to  be  his  duty,  and  in  that  case  do  appoint  their 
several  Presbyteries  to  provide  supplies  for  Mr.  Beatty's  congregation,  three 
Sabbaths  in  four  he  shall  be  absent  from  them ;  particularly  the  Presbytery  of 
Abington,  three  Sabbaths ;  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick,  three  Sabbaths ; 
the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  three  Sabbaths ;  and  the  Presbytery  of  New 
Castle,  three  Sabbaths ;  and  in  case  these  shall  not  suffice,  the  said  Presbyteries 
shall  provide  further  supplies  in  like  proportion  until  his  return. 

The  Synod  considering  what  asssitance  can  be  afibrded  by  way  of  supply 
to  the  several  vacancies  to  the  southward  that  have  applied  to  them,  do  appoint 
Mr.  Duffield  and  Mr.  Ramsey  to  go  this  fall  as  soon  as  they  can ;  and  likewise 
Mr.  Brainerd  and  Mr.  Rodgers  before  winter ;  Mr.  Hait  and  JMr.  Whitaker  in 
the  spring,  and  to  spend  each  four  months  in  their  journey,  and  supply  all 
those  destitute  congregations  as  much  as  they  can. 


276  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1756. 

Ordered,  That  certificates  be  given  to  Mr.  Brainerd  and  Mr.  Rogers  by  the 
Synod. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Samuel  Finly  do  sign  proper  certificates  for  Messrs. 
Whitaker,  Hait,  Duffield,  and  Ramsey,  in  the  name  of  the  Synod. 

The  Synod  does  appoint  Mr.  Blair  to  supply  Mr.  Ramsey's  pulpit  three  Sab- 
baths in  his  absence. 

Mr.  Brainerd  reported  that  he  had  received  of  collections  for  New  Jersey 
College : 

Of  Mr.  Rogers,  £8  lis.  6c?. ;  Mr.  Lawrence,  £5 ;  Mr.  Hunter,  £4  19s.  Qd. 
£18  lis.  Provincial  currency. 

Which  Mr.  Brainerd  is  ordered  to  pay  to  the  college  treasurer. 
^'^  The  Synod,  under  a  sense  of  the  present  distressed  and  calamitous  state  of 
the  country,  do  agree  that  they  will  recommend   to  all  their  congregations  to 
unite  in  observing  the  last  Thursday  of  October  instant,  as  a  day  of  public 
humiliation,  fasting,  and  prayer. 

The  Synod  propose  further  to  recommend  to  their  congregations  to  spend 
part  of  the  last  Thursday  of  every  month  in  extraordinary  prayer,  while  the 
present  mournful  state  of  our  public  affairs  continues. 

And  they  do  further  most  earnestly  recommend  it  to  all  their  members,  pre- 
sent and  absent,  to  exert  themselves  in  an  extraordinary  manner,  in  their 
several  spheres  of  influence,  for  a  general  and  thorough  reformation  of  those 
crying  abominations  which  seem  most  evidently  to  have  kindled  the  anger  of 
heaven  against  this  land. 

And  that  they  would,  in  their  public  performances,  frequently  explain,  and 
warmly  press  on  their  hearers  the  necessity  of  such  a  reformation  in  this  day. 

The  Synod  taking  into  serious  consideration  the  dangerous  situation  of  the 
public  at  this  juncture,  by  means  of  a  potent,  prevailing,  and  cruel  enemy ; 
the  divided  state  of  these  colonies ;  the  abounding  of  profanity,  luxury,  infi- 
delity, error,  and  ignorance;  the  evident  suspension  of  spiritual  influences 
from  the  Church,  which  is  followed  with  an  evident  insensibility  under  the 
judgments  as  well  as  ordinances  of  God;  together  with  other  awful  aspects  of 
Divine  Providence ;  cannot  but  view  them  as  plain  demonstrations  of  his  dis- 
pleasure. We  have  been  warned  and  chastised,  first  more  gently,  then  more 
terribly ;  but  not  returning  to  him  that  smites  us,  his  anger  is  not  turned  away, 
but  his  hand  is  stretched  out  still.  Judgment  yet  proceeds,  the  prospect  be- 
comes darker  and  darker,  and  all  things  respecting  us  are  loudly  alarming. 
When  God  judges  he  will  overcome ;  none  have  ever  hardened  themselves 
against  him  and  prospered.  Nothing  but  impiety  rouses  his  vengeance,  and 
nothing  but  repentance  towards  him,  and  faith  towards  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
can  turn  it  away.  We  have  not  so  much  as  the  least  reason  to  expect  deliver- 
ance and  safety  in  a  way  of  impenitent  sinning;  for  we  are  assured,  if  we 
walk  contrary  to  our  God,  he  will  walk  contrary  to  us,  and  will  punish  us  yet 
seven  times  more  for  our  iniquity.  And  as  we  judge  that  extraordinary  dis- 
tresses are  calls  to  extraordinary  humiliation  and  acts  of  devotion,  so  we  look 
on  ourselves  bound,  not  only  as  members  of  the  community,  but  by  the  duty 
of  our  oflice,  as  those  who  are  entrusted  with  the  declaration  of  God's  re- 
vealed will,  to  warn  all  who  will  attend  unto  us,  and  earnestly  exhort  them  to 
prostrate  themselves  before  his  offended  majesty,  in  the  humblest  manner ;  to 
deprecate  his  righteous  displeasure ;  implore  his  mercy  for  themselves,  their 
children,  country,  and  nation,  their  and  our  rightful  and  gracious  sovereign 
King  George  the  second,  his  royal  family,  all  officers  civil  and  military,  and 
the  whole  Church  of  God ;  and  solemnly  endeavour  sincere  and  thorough  re- 
formation. For  this  purpose  the  Synod  agree  to  recommend  the  last  Thurs- 
day of  this  instant,  to  be  observed  as  a  day  of  public  fasting  and  prayer,  in  all 
the  congregations  under  our  care.     We  also  recommend  to  all  the  members  of 


1757.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  277 

our  body,  that  they  exert  themselves  iu  promoting  a  reformation  from  those 
evils  which  have  ovidontly  kiiullcd  the  anger  of  heaven  against  this  laud;  and 
that  they  would  frequeutly  urge  the  necessity  of  such  a  reformation  in  this 
day. 

Signed  iu  the  name  of  the  Synod, 

Richard  Treat,  Synod  clerk. 

The  Synod  order  their  clerk  to  transcribe  out  of  the  Synod  book  such  of 
their  minutes  as  relate  to  the  Presbyterian  congregation  iu  New  York,  and 
send  them  to  INIr.  Burr  as  soon  as  may  be,  in  order  to  be  transmitted  to  Scot- 
land if  need  shall  require. 

Adjourned  to  the  third  Wednesday  of  IMay  next,  and  then  to  meet  at  New 
York ;  when,  fn-  many  reasons,  the  Synod  desires  that  their  meeting  may  be 
as  full  as  possible ;  and  should  the  small-pox  be  in  New  Y'ork  at  that  time, 
the  moderator  is  empowered  to  appoint  it  at  any  other  place  he  shall  judge 
proper,  giving  due  notice.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1757. 

The  Synod  met  at  Maidenhead,  according  to  appointment. 

May  18?7i,  1757.      U bi post  preces  sederunt 

Minister  of  Suffolk  Presbytery  :  Mr.  Ebenezer  Prime. 

Ministers  of  New  l^'ork  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Aaron  Burr,  David  Bostwick, 
Azariah  Horton,  Nathaniel  Whitaker,  Timothy  Jones. 

Ministers  of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Thomas 
Lewis,  James  McCrea,  Charles  McKuight,  Samuel  Kennedy,  Israel  Head, 
Samuel  Marker,  Benjamin  Halt. 

Ministers  of  Abingtou  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Richard  Treat,  Charles  Beatty, 
Benjamin  Chesnut,  Henry  Marten,  Daniel  Lawrence,  Andrew  Hunter,  Wil- 
liam Ramsey. 

Ministers  of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  John  Rodgers,  Robert  Smith, 
Hugh  Henry,  James  Finley,  Samuel  Finley,  George  Duffield. 

Elders :  Jacob  Ford,  David  Harriot,  William  Lynn,  Stephen  Pangburn, 
Abraham  Larew,  Robert  Armer,  John  Charlesworth,  Robert  Evans,  Joseph 
Peck,  James  Evans. 

Ministers  absent,  Suffolk  Presbytery :  Mes.srs.  Samuel  Bewel,  James  Brown, 
Samuel  Sacket,  Eliphalet  Ball,  Silvanus  White,  Beujamin  Talmage,  Abner 
Reeves. 

New  York  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Simon  Horton,  John  Brainerd, 
Timothy  Allen,  John  Smith,  Jacob  Green,  Elihu  Spencer,  Daniel  Thane,  Aaron 
Richards,  Enos  Ayres,  Chaucey  Graham,  John  Moffett,  Jonathan  Elmore, 
Hugh  Knox,  John  Maltby,  Caleb  Smith,  Alexander  Cumming. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  Messrs.  James  Davenport,  Job  Prudden, 
Conradus  Worts. 

Abington  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Nehemiah  Greenman. 

New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  John  Blair,  Charles  Tennent,  James  Camp- 
bell, John  Roan,  Andrew  Bay,  John  Hogg,  Andrew  Stirling,  Moses  Tuttle, 
John  Harris,  Hugh  McAdams. 

Hanover  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Samuel  Davies,  Alexander  Craighead,  Robert 
Henry,  John  Brown,  John  Todd,  John  Wright. 

Ministers  in  all,  present  and  absent,  seventy-three. 

Mr.  Bostwick  was  chosen  moderator  for  the  year  ensuing,  Mr.  Treat  clerk. 

The  small-pox  being  in  New  I'ork,  the  appointed  place  of    this  present 


278  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1757- 

meeting,  the  moderator  appointed  the  Synod  to  meet  in  this  place  pursuant  to 
the  powers  committed  to  him  by  the  last  Synod. 

Messrs.  Read,  Harker,  Chesnut,  Robert  Smith,  James  Finley,  and  Hugh 
Henry,  gave  the  reasons  of  their  absence  the  last  Synod,  which  were  sus- 
tained. 

Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Aaron  Burr,  Elihu  Spencer,  Ebenezer  Prime,  James 
Brown,  William  Tennent,  James  Davenport,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Richard  Treat, 
Charles  Tennent,  Samuel  Finley,  John  Rodgers,  and  the  moderator,  are  appointed 
to  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year  ensuing. 

There  being  only  one  Presbytery  book  brought,  the  Synod  made  no  ap- 
pointment for  the  revising  the  same,  but  order  that  all  of  them  be  brought  the 
next  meeting.  , 

Messrs.  Beatty,  Rogers,  James  Finly,  and  the  moderator,  are  appointed  to 
be  a  committee  of  overtures,  and  for  any  other  business  the  Synod  shall  recom- 
mend unto  them. 

Such  members  as  have  complied  with  the  Synod's  order  for  getting  collec- 
tions for  the  college,  are  ordered  to  pay  the  same  to  the  president. 

The  order  of  the  last  Synod  respecting  the  getting  of  proper  receipts  or  cer- 
tificates from  the  president  of  New  Jersey  college,  for  money  deposited  in  the 
treasury  of  said  college  under  the  direction  of  this  Synod,  not  being  fulfilled, 
the  Synod  appoint  Mr.  William  Tennent  to  do  the  same  and  have  it  ready 
against  the  next  meeting. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  for  the  examination  of  such  candidates  as 
should  offer  themselves,  to  share  in  such  money  as  the  Synod  hath  to  dispose 
of  for  the  education  of  sound,  pious,  and  promising  students,  at  the  college  of 
New  Jersey,  do  make  report,  that  they  met,  and  having  laid  before  the  Synod 
the  minutes  of  their  proceedings,  they  are  approved  and  ordered  to  be  recorded 
as  follows : 

^'Princeton,  November  23,  1756. 

"  The  committee  of  the  Synod  of  New  York  met,  according  to  appointment, 
and  opened  by  prayer. 

"  Present :  Messrs.  President  Burr,  William  Tennent,  Richard  Treat,  James 
Davenport,  Charles  McKnight,  Benjamin  Halt. 

"  Mr.  Tennent  moderator,  Mr.  Treat  clerk. 

"  The  committee  proceeded  to  the  business  assigned  them  by  the  Synod. 

"  John  Strain  and  John  Carmikle  offered  themselves  for  examination  as  can- 
didates to  receive  assistance  from  the  fund  designed  for  the  support  of  such 
pious  youths  as  are  of  Calvinistic  principles,  and  are  unable  to  support  them- 
selves, at  the  college  of  New  Jersey.  The  committee,  upon  particular  exami- 
nation, concluded  they  were  persons  of  such  character  as  were  to  be  encouraged 
and  assisted,  and  therefore  agreed  to  allow  unto  John  Strain  the  sum  of  twenty- 
four  pounds,  to  John  Carmikle  the  sum  of  twelve  pounds,  for  this  year.  Con- 
cluded with  prayer." 

The  Synod  do  appoint  the  aforesaid  committee  to  stand  for  this  year  also, 
and  to  meet  at  Princeton  the  last  Wednesday  of  July  next  for  the  same 
purpose. 

The  Synod  do  agree  to  allow  Mr.  Brainerd,  a  missionary  to  the  Indians,  the 
interest  of  the  money  under  their  direction  for  the  propagation  of  the  gospel 
among  the  Indians  for  the  next  year,  in  case  the  correspondents  shall  continue 
him  in  the  mission. 

The  affair  of  getting  a  fund  for  the  support  of  ministers'  widows  and  orphans, 
referred  to  this  Synod,  came  under  consideration,  but  for  want  of  proper  plans 
they  could  not  proceed  in  it,  and  do  appoint  Messrs.  Bostwick,  Green,  Jones, 


1757.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  279 

Spencer,  and  Caleb  Smith,  to  prepare  a  plan  to  be  laid  before  the  next 
Synod. 

The  order  of  the  last  Synod,  for  an  address  to  be  presented  to  Lord  Lowden, 
for  want  of  a  proper  opportunity,  was  not  complied  with. 

The  appointments  to  the  southward  for  supplies  were  not  fulfilled,  a  d  upon 
proper  inquiry  the  reasons  offered  for  the  omission  were  sustained.  And  in 
order  to  supply  said  southward  vacancies,  the  Synod  does  appoint  Mr.  Hait  to 
take  a  journey  thither  as  soon  as  his  affairs  will  permit,  and  spend  four  months 
among  them.  The  Synod  does  also  recommend  it  to  the  Presbytery  of 
New  Castle  to  send  another.  The  Synod  also  appoints  the  Presbytery  of 
Hanover  to  spend  one  with  Mr.  Hait  when  he  shall  come  to  them.  They  do 
also  appoint  Mr.  Samuel  Finly  to  give  them  certificates  in  the  name  of  the 
Synod. 

The  committee  of  overtures  appointed  to  meet  at  nine  of  the  clock,  to-morrow 
morning. 

The  Synod  adjourned  to  half  an  hour  after  nine.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

19th  dai/,  half  after  nine   of  the  clocJCf   A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui 
supra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  with  the  commission  of  the  Synod  of 
Philadelphia  to  confer  about  the  union,  do  make  report,  that  they  met  accord- 
ing to  appointment ;  that  they  found  the  commissioners  of  the  Philadelphia 
Synod  well  disposed  towards  an  union  3  that  they  declared  for  themselves, 
and  doubted  not  but  their  Synod  would  also  readily  declare,  that  they  do  not 
look  upon  the  protest  as  the  act  of  their  body  nor  adopt  it  as  such,  and  that 
there  appeared  also  to  be  an  agreement  on  both  sides  concerning  the  nature  and 
right  of  protesting,  and  other  things  formerly  proposed  as  necessary  to  an  union. 
And  it  was  further  agreed  on  by  the  commissioners  on  both  sides,  that  they 
would  propose  to  their  respective  Synods,  to  have  their  next  meeting  at  the 
same  time  and  place,  in  order  to  unite,  in  case  matters  shall  appear  at  that  time 
ripe  for  it. 

The  Synod  taking  into  consideration  the  report  of  their  committee,  are 
pleased  to  find  so  desirable  a  prospect  of  an  union,  and  do  agree  that  their  next 
meeting  be  in  Philadelphia  at  the  time  of  the  meeting  of  the  Synod  of  Phila- 
delphia, and  propose  that  the  commission  of  each  Synod  mert  at  Philadelphia 
on  the  Monday  next  before  the  said  meeting,  at  ten  of  the  clock,  in  order  to 
prepare  matters  for  both  Synods  and  their  happy  union.  And  they  do  appoint, 
that  this  agreement  and  proposal  be  commxinicated  to  the  Synod  of  Philadel- 
phia for  their  concurrence. 

The  Synod  does  also  appoint  Messrs.  Samuel  and  James  Finley,  John  Blair, 
Robert  Smith,  and  John  Rodgers,  to  prepare  a  plan  as  the  ground  of  the  afore- 
said union,  and  bring  it  into  the  commission  at  their  meeting. 

An  affair  was  overtured  to  the  Synod  by  the  committee  of  overtures,  setting 
forth  that  some  members  of  the  congregation  of  Bedminster,  under  the  minis- 
terial charge  of  Mr.  McCrea,  requested  the  Synod  to  re-hear  their  case  which 
was  determined  at  their  last  meeting,  alleging  in  support  of  their  request  that 
they  did  not  offer  what  they  might  have  done  at  the  time  of  trial,  and  especially 
with  respect  to  Mr.  McCrea,  and  which  they  suppose,  if  it  had  been  done  and 
considered  by  the  Synod,  might  have  given  them  another  view  of  things,  and 
produced  a  different  judgment  in  said  affair. 

The  Synod,  upon  consideration  of  the  affair,  and  what  was  at  this  time  laid 
before  them,  do  judge,  that  there  is  not  sufficient  reason  offered  them  to  re-hear 
said  case,  nor  does  the  Synod  suppose  said  people  have  sufficient  reason  to  com- 
plain of  the  former  judgments  of  Presbytery  and  Synod,  as  injurious  to  them, 


280  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1758. 

seeing  they  only  were  in  fault  in  not  giving  all  the  light  they  could  when  it  was 
the  proper  season  for  it,  and  they  were  by  no  means  on  the  part  of  the  Synod 
prevented  thereof;  nevertheless,  as  the  Synod  would  not  improve  the  mistakes 
or  omissions  of  any  people  against  them,  they  refer  said  people  to  their  own 
Presbytery  to  judge  their  cause,  and  to  right  them  if  they  find  them  injured  by 
any  former  judgment,  and  in  particular  to  hear  and  judge  of  such  articles  as 
they  have  to  exhibit  against  Mr.  McCrea,  in  case  he  be  seasonably  notified  of 
them,  and  to  grant  them  supplies  of  preaching,  if  regular  application  be  made, 
and  the  Presbytery  judge  it  to  be  proper. 

The  Synod  considering  the  present  posture  of  public  affairs,  do  judge  they 
loudly  call  for  humiliation  and  prayer,  and  do,  therefore,  recommend  to  all  their 
members  and  congregations,  to  keep  the  fourth  Thursday  of  June  next  as  a  day 
of  humiliation,  fasting  and  praye^. 

Application  having  been  made  to  the  Synod,  by  a  commissioner  from  the  con- 
gregation of  Newark,  for  some  supplies  in  their  destitute  condition,  the  Synod 
does  appoint  Mr.  Treat  to  supply  them  three  Sabbaths  in  June,  and  as  much 
more  as  he  can. 

The  Synod  does  appoint  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  to  supply  Mr.  Hait's 
congregation  five  Sabbaths,  in  case  he  fulfils  his  appointment  to  the  southward. 

Adjourned  to  the  fourth  Thursday  of  May  next,  to  meet  at  Philadelphia  at 
ten  of  the  clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1758. 

The  Synod  met  according  to  appointment, 

PMladelphia,  May  the  25th,  1758.      Vhi post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers  :  Messrs.  David  Bostwick,  Azariah  Horton,  Nathaniel  Whitaker, 
Daniel  Thane,  Aaron  Richards,  Caleb  Smith,  Abraham  Kettletas,  William  Ten- 
nent,  Thomas  Lewis,  Charles  McKnight,  Samuel  Kennedy,  Benjamin  Hait, 
Gilbert  Tennent,  Richard  Treat,  Charles  Beatty,  Benjamin  Chesnut,  Henry 
Marten,  Daniel  Lawrence,  Andrew  Hunter,  Nehemiah  Greenman,  William 
Ramsey,  John  Rodgers,  Robert  Smith,  Samuel  Finley,  James  Finley,  George 
Duifiel'd,  John  Blair,  Charles  Tennent,  John  Roan,  Moses  Tuttle,  John  Harris, 
Samuel  Davies. — 32. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Nathaniel  Silsby,  Job  Brown,  David  Rhea,  Robert  Newil, 
William  Norcross,  Joshua  Thomas,  Jonathan  Holmes,  Henry  Pierson,  Thomas 
Brown,  John  Vandyke,  Thomas  Flemins,  James  Evans,  James  Cochran,  Wil- 
liam McCrea,  William  Craighead,  Hugh  Hamilton,  Brice  Ricky,  Francis  Alex- 
ander.— 13. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Ebenezer  Prime,  Samuel  Bewel,  James  Brown, 
Samuel  Sacket,  Eliphalet  Ball,  Silvanus  White,  Benjamin  Talmage,  Abner 
Reeves,  Timothy  Jones,  John  Pierson,  Simon  Horton,  John  Brainerd,  Timothy 
Allen,  John  Smith,  Jacob  Green,  Elihu  Spencer,  Enos  Ayres,  Chauncy  Gra- 
ham, John  Moffet,  Jonathan  Elmore,  Hugh  Knox,  John  Maltbie,  Alexander 
Cummins,  James  McCrea,  Israel  Read,  Samuel  Harker,  Job  Prudden,  Conra- 
dus  Worts,  Hugh  Henry,  James  Campbel,  Andrew  Bay,  John  Hogg,  Andrew 
Sterling,  Hugh  McAdam,  Alexander  Craighead,  Robert  Henry,  James  Brown, 
John  Todd,  John  Wright,  John  Marten.— 40  absent,  32  present,  in  all  72. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  a  sermon  on  2  Cor.  iv.  5,  by  Mr.  Bostwick,  the 
last  year's  moderator. 

Mr.  Davies  was  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Rogers  clerk. 

Adjourned  to  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1758.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  281 


Three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  Samuel  Kennedy  and  James  Finley  are  now  come,  with  their  elders, 
Brice  Rickey  and  Francis  Alexander. 

Messrs.  Thane,  Caleb  Smith,  Richards,  Gilbert  Tcnnent,  Greenman,  Blair, 
Charles  Tennent,  Roan,  Tuttlc,  Harris,  and  the  moderator,  gave  reasons  for 
their  absence  the  last  Synod,  which  were  sustained. 

Mr.  Pierson  sent  reasons  for  his  present  absence,  which  are  sustained. 

The  Rev.  Aaron  Burr  and  James  Davenport  are  removed  by  death  since  our 
last  Synod. 

Mr.  James  Campbell  is  removed  out  of  the  bounds  of  our  Synod,  since  the 
last  meeting. 

Messrs.  .John  Pierson,  Azariah  Horton,  David  Bostwick,  Caleb  Smith, 
Ebenezer  Prime,  James  Brown,  William  Tennent,  Charles  McKuight,  Thomas 
Lewis,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Richard  Treat,  Charles  Beatty,  Charles  Tennent, 
Samuel  Finley,  John  Blair,  John  Rogers,  John  Todd,  and  the  moderator,  are 
appointed  a  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Inasmuch  as  the  moderator  lives  at  so  great  a  distance,  and  cannot  call  the 
commission  for  the  ensuing  year,  should  there  be  need  for  it,  Mr.  Gilbert  Ten- 
nent is  appointed  as  moderator  for  this  purpose. 

Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  William  Tennent,  Samuel  Finly,  John  Blair, 
Richard  Treat,  and  the  moderator,  are  appointed  a  committee  of  overtures,  to 
meet  at  eight  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning. 

The  Presbytery  books  of  New  York,  New  Castle,  and  New  Brunswick, 
are  brought.  Messrs.  Caleb  Smith  and  Horton  are  appointed  to  revise  the 
Presbytery  book  of  New  Brunswick ;  Messrs.  Robert  Smith  and  Roan  to  revise 
that  of  New  York ;  and  Messrs.  Bostwick  and  Halt  that  of  New  Castle.  _ 

The  order  of  the  last  Synod,  respecting  the  money  under  the  direction _  of 
this  Synod,  in  the  treasury  of  ISfew  Jersey  College,  not  being  complied  with, 
the  said  order  continued. 

The  Synod  does  moreover  appoint  Messrs.  Samuel  Kennedy,  Benjamin  Halt, 
and  Abraham  Kettletas,  or  any  two  of  them,  to  be  a  committee  to  meet  with 
the  committee  of  the  trustees  of  the  college,  to  settle  the  accounts  of  the  money 
which  is  iu  their  treasury,  at  the  direction  of  this  Synod,  and  make  report 
thereof  at  our  next  meeting. 

The  Synod  does  also  appoint  that  the  receipts  for  said  money  to  be  taken 
in  their  name  and  behalf,  be  given  to  the  gentlemen  above  mentioned,  and 
that  the  time  of  their  meeting  be  at  the  examination  at  Nassau  Hall,  the  last 
Wednesday  of  July. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  last  Synod  for  the  examining  the  subjects 
that  offer  for  the  donations  at  the  direction  of  this  Synod,  make  report  that 
they  met,  according  to  appointment.  The  minutes  of  their  doings  are  as 
follows : 

"  Princetown,  July  29, 1757. 

"  The  committee  appointed  by  the  Synod  for  the  examination  of  candidates 
Jor  the  fund  designed  for  the  support  of  pious  youth  at  the  New  Jersey  College, 
met  according  to  appointment.     Present,  Messrs.  Aaron  Burr,  William  Ten- 
nent, and  Richard  Treat.  _ 

"  The  committee  having  received  satisfaction  as  to  the  piety  of Curtise 

and  James  Leslie,  and  the  desirable  prospect  of  their  usefulness,  conclude  to 
allow,  out  of  said  fund,  to  (Jurtise,  ten  pounds  ten  shillings,  and  to  Leslie,  thir- 
teen pounds,  which  the  president  is  ordered  to  pay  them,  and  charge  the  same 
to  account  of  said  fund. 
36 


282  MINUTES  OF  THE  [1758. 

"  Mr.  William  Tennent  is  appointed  to  inquire  whether  said  sums  have  been 
paid,  and  if  not,  to  draw  on  the  treasurer  for  them. 

"  Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  William  Tennent,  Richard  Treat, 
Caleb  Smith,  Alexander  Cummins,  Charles  McKnight,  and  Benjamin  Hait,  be 
a  committee  for  examining  such  youth  as  may  offer  themselves  for  the  benefit 
of  the  above  donation,  and  dispose  the  same  for  one  year  to  such,  and  in  such 
proportions  as  they  shall  judge  best  and  meet,  at  the  time  of  examination  above 
mentioned." 

Upon  application  made,  the  Synod  agree  to  allow  Mr.  William  Tennent 
twenty  pounds  out  of  the  Indian  fund  for  payment  of  a  schoolmaster  among 
them,  and  other  contingent  expenses  relating  to  the  school. 

The  committee  appointed  for  drawing  up  a  plan  for  the  widows'  fund, 
have  not  complied  therewith ;  their  reasons  were  sustained.  This  affair  further 
deferred.  *" 

Mr.  Hait  has  not  complied  with  the  appointment  of  our  last,  in  going  to  the 
southward ;  his  reasons  are  sustained. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  have  not  complied  with  the  appointment  in 
sending  one  of  their  number  to  the  southward  colonies ;  their  reasons  are  sus- 
tained. 

Adjourned  to  nine  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

2Qt7i  day  J  at  nine  of  the  dock,  A.  M.     Post  jyreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Brunswick  Presbytery  book  revised,  brought  in,  and  approved. 

The  appointment  of  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  by  our  last  Synod  was  com- 
plied with. 

David  Rhea,  Mr.  William  Tennent's  elder,  has  leave  to  go  home. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  last  Synod,  for  preparing  a  plan  of  union, 
fulfilled  said  appointment;  which  plan  was  brought  into  the  commission  of 
this  Synod  according  to  order,  read,  and  considered.  A  mutual  and  friendly 
conference  between  the  commission  of  both  Synods  was  held,  in  which  a  com- 
mittee of  both  commissions  was  agreed  upon,  and  appointed  to  meet  and  pre- 
pare a  plan,  to  be  laid  before  both  Synods,  which  being  done,  was  brought  into 
this  Synod  and  read. 

While  the  said  plan  was  under  consideration,  a  message  was  sent  from  the 
Synod  of  Philadelphia,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  McDowell,  desiring  the  aforesaid 
committee  might  be  appointed  to  meet  again,  to  confer  about  any  alterations 
that  may  be  proposed  by  either  Synod,  in  the  plan  aforesaid,  which  motion 
was  readily  complied  with,  and  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Finley,  John  Blair, 
David  Bostwick,  and  the  moderator,  who  were  the  committee  of  the  commis- 
sion aforesaid,  were  appointed  for  this  purpose. 

"  Adjourned  to  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Hirce  of  the  cloch,  P.  31.     Post  j)reces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  New  Castle  Presbytery  book  revised,  brought  in,  and  approved. 

The  New  York  Presbytery  book  revised,  brought  in,  and  approved,  ex- 
cept a  paragraph  in  page  149,  in  which  the  Synod  has  not  light  to  determine. 

Application  having  been  made  to  Mr.  Beatty,  by  Colonel  Armstrong,  to 
serve  as  chaplain  to  the  first  battalion  of  the  Pennsylvania  provincials  for  the 
ensuing  campaign,  he  requested  the  advice  and  judgment  of  this  Synod,  with 
respect  to  his  duty  therein.  The  Synod  do  unanimously  agree  that  it  is  his 
duty  to  go. 

Mr.  Caleb  Smith,  and  his  elder,  had  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  nine  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 


1758.]  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK.  288 

21(71  day,  at  nine  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Thomas  Slemins,  Mr.  Robert  Smith's  elder,  has  leave  to  go  home.  As,  like- 
wise, has  William  3IcCroa,  Mr.  Charles  Tennent's  elder. 

A  petition  was  brought  in,  from  the  Society  for  Wanaging  the  Indian  Mission 
in  Virginia,  requesting  that  the  interest  of  the  money  under  the  direction  of 
this  Synod,  for  the  propagating  the  gospel  among  the  Indians,  may  be  allowed 
them  for  one  year.  The  Synod,  though  sincerely  disposed  to  do  every  thing  in 
their  power  to  favour  that  pious  mission,  yet  as  the  interest  of  that  money  is 
already  disposed  of,  they  cannot  comply  with  the  aforesaid  request. 

A  supplication  was  brought  in  from  Itico,  Enno,  and  the  Haw  fields  in  North 
Carolina,  for  supplies,  and  for  a  candidate  to  be  sent  among  them  in  order  for 
settlement. 

As  several  of  our  members  are  to  be  absent  from  their  respective  congrega- 
tions this  summer,  on  public  affairs,  which  this  Synod  approve  of,  the  Synod 
took  into  consideration  how  to  supply  said  congregations.  And  for  supplies 
for  Mr.  Beatty's  congregation,  the  Synod  does  appoint  Mr.  Thane  the  last  Sab- 
bath in  June,  and  the  first  in  July ;  Mr.  Lawrence  the  second  and  third  Sab- 
baths of  July ;  Mr.  Hunter  the  last  in  July  and  first  in  August ;  Mr.  Rogers 
the  third  and  fourth  Sabbaths  in  August ;  Mr.  Ramsey  the  second,  third,  and 
fourth  Sabbaths  of  September;  Mr.  Thane  the  first  and  second  Sabbaths  of 
October ;  that  Mr.  Marten  and  Mr.  Chesnutt  each  supply  two  Sabbaths  at  the 
times  wherein  none  is  provided. 

The  Synod  does  also  appoint  Mr.  Greenman  to  supply  one  Sabbath  for  Mr. 
Hunter,  and  another  for  Mr.  Ramsey,  during  their  supplying  for  Mr.  Beatty. 

The  Synod  does  appoint  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  to  supply  Newark  the 
whole  of  the  time  during  Mr.  Brainerd's  absence  from  them. 

And  in  case  Mr.  Spencer  shall  go  out  as  chaplain  with  the  New  York  forces, 
the  Synod  appoints  Mr.  Simon  Horton  to  supply  Jamaica  congregation  three 
Sabbaths,  and  Mr.  John  Smith  two  Sabbaths,  and  that  the  Presbytery  of  Suf- 
folk supply  seven-eighths  of  the  remaining  time  of  his  absence. 

That  since  Mr.  Caleb  Smith  is  to  be  absent  from  his  congregation  three- 
fourths  of  his  time  for  this  summer,  in  the  service  of  the  College  of  New  Jer- 
sey, the  Synod  does  appoint  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  to  assist  to  their 
utmost  in  supplying  his  congregation. 

Adjourned  to  ten  of  the  clock  on  Monday  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

29fh  day,  at  ten  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  sfupra. 

The  Synod  appoints  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  to  send  a  candidate 
to  Itico,  Enno,  and  the  Haw  fields,  if  possible,  before  the  next  Synod. 

It  is  also  earnestly  recommended  to  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk,  to  send  Mr. 
Brush  to  those  important  vacancies  as  soon  as  possible  j  and  Mr.  Bostwick  is 
appointed  to  inform  them  of  the  same. 

Upon  application  made  by  two  members  of  the  Society  in  Virginia  for  man- 
aging the  Indian  Mission,  setting  forth  the  desirableness  and  advantage  of  a 
correspondence  between  this  Synod  and  said  society,  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent  is 
appointed  on  the  part  of  this  Synod,  to  correspond  with  the  secretary  of  said 
society  in  case  there  shall  be  occasion  for  it. 

A  reference  was  brought  into  the  Synod  from  the  New  Brunswick  Presby- 
tery, respecting  Mr.  Samuel  Harker,  one  of  their  members,  as  having  imbibed 
and  vented  certain  erroneous  doctrines ;  the  further  consideration  of  this  affair 
deferred  till  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  to  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


284  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  NEW  YORK.  [1758. 

Three  of  the  dock,    P.  3f.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Harker  reassumed.  The  Sjnod,  after  serious  considera- 
tion had,  do  agree  that,  inasmuch  as  Mr.  Harker  is  absent  they  cannot  proceed 
to  a  regular  determination  of  said  affair,  and  do  therefore  appoint  Messrs.  Gil- 
bert Tennent,  Richard  Treat,  Samuel  Finley,  and  John  Blair,  to  deal  with  him 
as  they  shall  have  opportunity,  in  such  manner  as  shall  appear  to  them  best 
adapted  for  his  conviction ;  and  refer  the  further  determination  to  the  next 
Synod  if  there  shall  be  need ;  and  in  the  mean  time,  the  Synod  does  re- 
commend it  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  to  take  such  measures  as 
they  shall  judge  best  to  prevent  the  spread  and  hurtful  influence  of  those 
errors. 

The  Synod  having  seriously  ar^d  maturely  considered  the  plan  of  union  laid 
before  them  by  their  commission,  as  before  mentioned,  with  all  the  alterations 
and  amendments  proposed  on  either  side,  do  unanimously  approve  of  it,  and 
agree  to  it,  as  a  plan  of  union  between  the  two  Synods,  and  do  judge  it  to  be 
their  duty  to  unite  with  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  upon  the  same.  And  this 
Synod  having  a  message  brought  them  from  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  inform- 
ing of  their  approbation  of,  and  agreement  with,  the  aforesaid  plan,  and  desire 
of  union  upon  the  same,  desiring  that  the  time  and  place  of  meeting  in  one 
body  may  be  agreed  upon,  which  was  done  the  last  sederunt,  viz.  at  four  of  the 
clock  this  afternoon,  in  this  house.  And  the  time  appointed  for  this  meeting 
being  come,  and  all  other  business  being  finished,  this  Synod,  in  order  to  the 
union  aforesaid,  adjourned,  sine  die.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


The  preceding  minutes,  embracing  the  correspondence  between  the  Synods  of 
Philadelphia  and  New  York,  preparatory  to  their  union,  after  a  separation  of  so 
many  years,  will  serve  to  show  that  the  respective  parties,  while  they  materially 
differed  on  some  points,  important  to  the  purity  and  unity  of  the  Church,  were 
agreed  in  their  doctrinal  sentiments,  and  in  the  cordial  adoption  of  the  West- 
minster Confession  and  Catechisms.  When,  therefore,  time  had  allayed  their 
excited  feeling,  and  calm  reflection  led  them  to  see  their  errors,  and  to  propose 
measures  for  a  re-union,  it  was  comparatively  easy  to  settle  the  preliminary 
terms,  as  no  difference  in  doctrine  intervened  to  defeat  the  arrangement. 

This  union  was  happily  effected  in  the  year  1758,  upon  the  basis  which  may 
be  found  on  record  at  their  first  meeting  as  a  united  body.  The  style  of  the 
body  from  that  period  until  the  organization  of  the  General  Assembly,  was 
"  The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,"  the  minutes  of  which  here 
follow. 


PART    FOURTH. 
MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA, 

FROM   A.    D.    1758    TO   1788. 

1758. 

FJiiladelpTiia,  3Iay  22t7,  1758. 

The  commissions  of  the  Synods  of  Philadelphia  and  New  York  met,  accord- 
ing to  an  agreement  of  both  Synods  the  year  before,  and  prepared  a  plan  of 
union  to  be  offered  to  the  consideration  of  each  Synod,  which  was  done  on 
Thursday  following,  May  25th. 

After  the  plan  had  been  considered  and  approved  in  both  Synods  severally, 
each  Synod  notified  this  to  the  other,  upon  which.  May  29,  P.  M.  they  met 
together,  and  chose  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent  moderator,  Mr.  McDowell  clerk.  The 
Synod  was  then  constituted  with  prayer. 

Ministers  present:  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  moderator,  David  Bostwick, 
Abraham  Kettletas,  Aaron  Richards,  Nathaniel  Whitaker,  Azariah  Horton, 
William  Tennent,  Samuel  Kennedy,  Thomas  Lewis,  Benjamin  Hait,  Charles 
McKnight,  David  Cowel,  Charles  Beatty,  Richard  Treat,  Henry  Martin,  Robert 
Cross,  Francis  Alison,  Benjamin  Chesnut,  Andrew  Hunter,  Nehemiah  Green- 
man,  William  Ramsey,  Daniel  Lawrence,  John  Harris,  Moses  Tuttle,  John 
Miller,  John  Rogers,  Hector  Alison,  Daniel  Thane,  Charles  Tennent,  William 
McKennan,  Samuel  Finly,  James  Finly,  Sampson  Smith,  John  Blair,  Adam 
Boyd,  Robert  Smith,  Joseph  Tate,  John  Roan,  George  Duffield,  John  Steel, 
Samuel  Davies,  Alexander  McDowell.* 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Ebenezer  Prime,  Samuel  Bewel,  James  Brown, 
Samuel  Sacket,  Eliphalet  Ball,  Silvanus  White,  Benjamin  Talmage,  Abner 
Reeves,  Timothy  Jones,  John  Pierson,  Simon  Horton,  John  Brainerd,  Timothy 
Allen,  John  Smith,  Jacob  Green,  Elihu  Spencer,  Enos  Ayres,  Chancey  Gra- 
ham, John  Moffet,  Jonathan  Elmore,  Hugh  Knox,  John  Darby,  John  Maltby, 
Alexander  Cummins,  James  McCrea,  Israel  Read,  Job  Prudden,  Conradus 
Worts,  Hugh  Henry,  Andrew  Bay,  John  Hogg,  John  Wright,  Andrew  Ster- 
ling, Hugh  McAdam,  Caleb  Smith,  Alexander  Craighead,  Robert  Henry,  John 
Brown,  John  Todd,  John  Martin,  Samuel  Black,  Richard  Sanchy,  John  Elder, 
John  Craig,  Alexander  Miller,  Samuel  Thomson,  Robert  McMordie,  George 
Gillespie,  Matthew  Wilson,  John  Guild,  John  Kinkead,  Alexander  Hutchinson. 

The  plan  of  union  agreed  upon  between  the  Synods  of  New  York  and  Phila- 
delphia, at  their  meeting  at  Philadelphia,  May  29th,  1758. 

The  Synods  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  taking  into  serious  consideration 
the  present  divided  state  of  the  Presbyterian  church  in  this  land,  and  being 
deeply  sensible  that  the  division  of  the  church  tends  to  weaken  its  interests^  y  V 

*  There  were  fourteen  Elders  present  at  this  meeting,  but  the  manuscript  is  so  muti- 
lated that  only  their  first  names  appear. 

(285) 


•286  MINUTES  OP  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1758. 

to  dishonour  religion,  and  consequently  its  glorious  Author ;  to  render  govern- 
ment and  discipline  ineffectual,  and  finally  to  dissolve  its  very  frame ;  and  being 
desirous  to  pursuesucTi  measures  as  niay  most  tend  to  the  glory  of  God  and  the 
establishment  and  edification  of  his  people,  do  judge  it  to  be  our  indispensable 
duty  to  study  the  things  that  make  for  peace,  and  to  endeavour  the  healing  of 
that  breach  which  has  f  jr  some  time  subsisted  amongst  us,  that  so  its  hurtful 
consequences  may  not  extend  to  posterity  ;  that  all  occasion  of  reproach  upon 
our  society  mayl)e  removed,  and  that  we  may  carry  on  the  great  designs  of  re- 
ligion to  better  advantage  than  we  can  do  in  a  divided  state ;  and  since  both 
Synods  continue  to  profess  the  same  principles  of  faith,  and  adhere  to  the  same 
form  of  worship,  government,  and  discipline,  there  is  the  greater  reason  to 
endeavour  the  compromising  those  differences,  which  were  agitated  many  years 
ago  with  too  great  warmth  and  animosity,  and  unite  in  one  body. 

For  which  end,  and  that  no  jealousies  or  grounds  of  alienation  may  remain, 
and  also  to  prevent  future  breaches  of  like  nature,  we  agree  to  unite  and  do 
unite  in  one  body,  under  the  name  of  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadel- 
phia, on  the  following  plan. 

I.  Both  Synods  having  always  approved  and  received  the  "Westminster  Con- 
fession of  Faith,  and  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms,  as  an  orthodox  and  excel- 
lent system  of  Christian  doctrine,  founded  on  the  word  of  God,  we  do  still 
receive  the  same  as  the  confession  of  our  faith,  and  also  adhere  to  the  plan  of 
worship,  government,  and  discipline,  contained  in  the  Westminster  Directory, 
strictly  enjoining  it  on  all  our  members  and  probationers  for  the  ministry,  that 
they  preach  and  teach  according  to  the  form  of  sound  words  in  said  Confession 
and  Catechisms,  and  avoid  and  oppose  all  errors  contrary  thereto. 

II.  That  when  any  matter  is  determined  by  a  major  vote,  every  member 
shall  either  actively  concur  with,  or  passively  submit  to  such  determination ; 
or,  if  his  conscience  permit  him  to  do  neither,  he  shall,  after  sufficient  liberty 
modestly  to  reason  and  remonstrate,  peaceably  withdraw  from  our  communion, 
without  attempting  to  make  any  schism.  Provided  always,  that  this  shall  be 
understood  to  extend  only  to  such  determinations  as  the  body  shall  judge  indis- 
pensable in  doctrine  or  Presbyterian  government. 

III.  That  any  member  or  members,  for  the  exoneration  of  his  or  their  con- 
science before  God,  have  a  right  to  protest  against  any  act  or  procedure  of  our 
highest  judicature,  because  there  is  no  further  appeal  to  another  for  redress  ; 
and  to  require  that  such  protestation  be  recorded  in  their  minutes.  And  as 
such  a  protest  is  a  solemn  appeal  from  the  bar  of  said  judicature,  no  member  is 
liable  to  prosecution  on  the  account  of  his  protesting.  Provided  always,  that 
it  shall  be  deemed  irregular  and  unlawful,  to  enter  a  protestation  against  any 
member  or  members,  or  to  protest  facts  or  accusations  instead  of  proving  them, 
unless  a  fair  trial  be  refused,  even  by  the  highest  judicature.  And  it  is  agreed, 
that  protestations  are  only  to  be  entered  against  the  public  acts,  judgments,  or 
determinations  of  the  judicature  with  which  the  protester's  conscience  is 
offended. 

IV.  As  the  protestation  entered  in  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  Ann.  Bom. 
1741,  has  been  apprehended  to  have  been  approved  and  received  by  an  act  of 
said  Synod,  and  on  that  account  was  judged  a  sufficient  obstacle  to  an  union  ; 
the  said  Synod  declare,  that  they  never  judicially  adopted  the  said  protestation, 
nor  do  account  it  a  Synodical  act,  but  that  it  is  to  be  considered  as  the  act  of 
those  only  who  subscribed  it ;  and  therefore  cannot  in  its  nature  be  a  valid 
objection  to  the  union  of  the  two  Synods,  especially  considering  that  a  very 
great  majority  of  both  Synods  have  become  members,  since  the  said  protesta- 
tion was  entered. 

V.  That  it  shall  be  esteemed  and  treated  as  a  censurable  evil,  to  accuse  any 
member   of   heterodoxy,  insufficiency,  or  immorality,  in  a  calumniating  man- 


1758.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  287 

ner,  or  otherwise  than  by  private  brotherly  admonition,  or  by  a  regular  pro- 
cess according  to  our  known  rules  of  judicial  trial  in  cases  of  scandal.  And  it 
shall  be  considered  in  the  same  view,  if  any  Presbytery  appoint  supplies  within 
the  bounds  of  another  Presbytery  without  tboir  concurrence;  or  if  any  member 
officiate  in  another's  congregation,  without  asking  and  obtaining  his  consent,  or 
the  session's  in  case  the  minister  be  absent;  yet  it  shall  be  esteemed  uiibrotherly 
for  any  one,  in  ordinary  circumstances,  to  refuse  his  consent  to  a  regular  mem- 
ber when  it  is  requested. 

VI.  That  no  Presbytery  shall  license  or  ordain  to  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
any  candidate,  until  he  give  them  competent  satisfaction  as  to  his  learning,  and 
experimental  acquaintance  with  religion,  and  skill  in  divinity  and  cases  of  con- 
science ;  and  declare  his  acceptance  of  the  Westminster  Confession  and  Cate- 
chisms as  the  confession  of  his  faith,  and  promise  subjection  to  the  Presbyterian 
plan  of  government  in  the  Westminster  Directory. 

VII.  The  Synods  declare  it  is  their  earnest  desire,  that  a  complete  union 
may  be  obtained  as  soon  as  possible,  and  agree  that  the  united  Synod  shall 
model  the  several  Presbyteries  in  such  manner  as  shall  appear  to  them  most 
expedient.  Provided  nevertheless,  that  Presbyteries,  where  an  alteration  does 
not  appear  to  be  for  edification,  continue  in  their  present  form.  As  to  divided 
congregations  it  is  agreed,  that  such  as  have  settled  ministers  on  both  sides  be 
allowed  to  continue  as  they  are ;  that  where  those  of  one  side  have  a  settled 
minister,  the  other  being  vacant,  may  join  with  the  settled  minister,  if  a  ma- 
jority choose  so  to  do ;  that  when  both  sides  are  vacant  they  shall  be  at  liberty 
to  unite  together. 

VIII.  As  the  late  religious  appearances  occasioned  much  speculation  and  de- 
bate, the  members  of  the  New  York  Synod,  in  order  to  prevent  any  misap- 
prehensions, declare  their  adherence  to  their  former  sentiments  in  favour  of 
them,  that  a  blessed  work  of  God's  Holy  Spirit  in  the  conversion  of  numbers 
was  then  carried  on;  and  for  the  satisfaction  of  all  concerned,  this  united 
Synod  agree  in  declaring,  that  as  all  mankind  are  naturally  dead  in  trespasses 
and  sins  an  entire  change  of  heart  and  life  is  necessary  to  make  them  meet  for 
the  service  and  enjoyment  of  God;  that  such  a  change  can  be  only  eflfected  by 
the  powerful  operations  of  the  Divine  Spirit;  that  when  sinners  are  made 
sensible  of  their  lost  condition  and  absolute  inability  to  recover  themselves, 
are  enlightened  in  the  knowledge  of  Christ  and  convinced  of  his  ability  and 
willingness  to  save,  and  upon  gospel  encouragements  do  choose  him  for  their 
Saviour,  and  renouncing  their  own  righteousness  in  point  of  merit,  depend 
upon  his  imputed  righteousness  for  their  justification  before  God,  and  on  his 
wisdom  and  strength  for  guidance  and  support;  when  upon  these  apprehen- 
sions and  exercises  their  souls  are  comforted,  notwithstanding  all  their  past 
guilt,  and  rejoice  in  God  through  Jesus  Christ;  when  they  hate  and  bewail 
their  sins  of  heart  and  life,  delight  in  the  laws  of  God  without  exception,  reve- 
rently and  diligently  attend  his  ordinances,  become  humble  and  self  denied, 
and  make  it  the  business  of  their  lives  to  please  and  glorify  God  and  to  do 
good  to  their  fellow  men ;  this  is  to  be  acknowledged  as  a  gracious  work  of 
God,  even  though  it  should  be  attended  with  unusual  bodily  commotions  or 
some  more  exceptionable  circumstances,  by  means  of  infii'mity,  temptations, 
or  remaining  corruptions;  and  wherever  religious  appearances  are  attended 
with  the  good  effects  above  mentioned,  we  desire  to  rejoice  in  and  thank  God 
for  them. 

But  on  the  other  hand,  when  persons  seeming  to  be  under  a  religious  con- 
cern, imagine  that  they  have  visions  of  the  human  nature  of  Jesus  Christ,  or 
hear  voices,  or  see  external  lights,  or  have  fainting  and  convulsion-like  fits,  and 
on  the  account  of  these  judge  themselves  to  be  truly  converted,  though  they 
have  not  the  Scriptural  characters  of  a  work  of  God  above  described,  we  believe 


288  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1758 

such  persons  are  under  a  dangerous  delusion.  And  we  testify  our  utter  disap- 
probation of  such  a  delusion,  wherever  it  attends  any  religious  appearances,  in 
any  church  or  time. 

Now  as  both  Synods  are  agreed  in  their  sentiments  concerning  the  nature  of 
a  work  of  grace,  and  declare  their  desire  and  purpose  to  promote  it,  different 
judgments  respecting  particular  matters  of  fact,  ought  not  to  prevent  their 
union ;  especially  as  many  of  the  present  members  have  entered  into  the  minis- 
try since  the  time  of  the  aforesaid  religious  appearances. 

Upon  the  whole,  as  the  design  of  our  union  is  the  advancement  of  the  Medi- 
ator's kingdom;  and  as  the  wise  and  faithful  discharge  of  the  ministerial  func- 
tion is  the  principal  appointed  mean  for  that  glorious  end,  we  judge,  that  this 
is  a  proper  occasion  to  manifest  our  sincere  intention,  unitedly  to  exert  our- 
selves to  fulfil  the  ministry  we  have  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  Accordingly, 
we  unanimously  declare  our  serious  and  fixed  resolution,  by  divine  aid,  to  take 
heed  to  ourselves  that  our  hearts  be  upright,  our  discourse  edifying,  and  our 
lives  exemplary  for  purity  and  godliness ;  to  take  heed  to  our  doctrine,  that  it 
be  not  only  orthodox  but  evangelical  and  spiritual,  tending  to  awaken  the 
secure  to  a  suitable  concern  for  their  salvation,  and  to  instruct  and  encourage 
sincere  Christians;  thus  commending  ourselves  to  every  man's  conscience  in 
the  sight  of  God;  to  cultivate  peace  and  harmony  among  ourselves,  and 
strengthen  each  other's  hands  in  promoting  the  knowledge  of  divine  truth,  and 
diffusing  the  savour  of  piety  among  our  people. 

Finally,  we  earnestly  recommend  it  to  all  under  our  care,  that  instead  of 
indulging  a  contentious  disposition,  they  would  love  each  other  with  a  pure 
heart  fervently,  as  brethren  who  profess  subjection  to  the  same  Lord,  adhere  to 
the  same  faith,  worship,  and  government,  and  entertain  the  same  hope  of  glory. 
And  we  desire  that  they  would  improve  the  present  union  for  their  mutual  edi- 
fication, combine  to  strengthen  the  common  interests  of  religion,  and  go  hand 
in  hand  in  the  path  of  life ;  which  we  pray  the  God  of  all  grace  would  please 
to  effect,  for  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 

The  Synod  agree,  that  all  former  differences  and  disputes  are  laid  aside  and 
buried ;  and  that  no  future  inquiry  or  vote  shall  be  proposed  in  this  Synod 
concerning  these  things ;  but  if  any  member  seek  a  Synodical  inquiry,  or  de- 
claration about  any  of  the  matters  of  our  past  differences,  it  shall  be  deemed  a 
censurable  breach  of  this  agreement,  and  be  refused,  and  he  be  rebuked  ac- 
cordingly. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  30<A,  nine  dclocJc,  A.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment, 
and  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  modelling  of  the  several  Presbyteries  was  taken  under  consideration. 

Agreed,  that  the  Presbyteries  of  Suffolk  and  New  York  continue  as  they 
are. 

Agreed,  that  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  continue  as  it  is,  only  that 
Messrs.  Cowel  and  Guild  are  added  to  it. 

And  those  three  Presbyteries  shall  meet  for  the  first  time  according  to  their 
several  appointments  made  by  themselves  already. 

Agreed,  that  Messrs.  Cross,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Francis  Alison,  Treat,  Chesnut, 
Martin,  Beatty,  Greenman,  Hunter,  Ramsey,  Lawrence,  and  Kinkead,  be  the 
Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  to  meet  for  the  first  time  on  Wednesday  next,  at 
four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  at  the  old  Presbyterian  church. 

Agreed,  that  Messrs,  John  Miller,  Tuttle,  Harris,  Henry,  and  Wilson,  be  a 
Leweston  Presbytery,  and  have  the  congregations  in  Kent  on  Delaware,  Sus- 
sex, Worcester,  Somerset,  Dorset,  Queen  Anne's,  and  Kent,  in  Maryland, 


1758.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  289 

under  their  care,  to  meet  first  at  Cool  Spring  on  the  last  Tuesday  of  July  nest ; 
and  that  the  Presbyteries  of  New  Castle  assist  them  in  supplying  their  vacan- 
cies till  they  be  further  provided  with  settled  pastors. 

Agreed,  that  the  first  and  second  Presbyteries  of  New  Castle  and  Donnegal 
continue  as  they  are  for  the  present,  only  they  shall  correspond  with  each  other 
at  their  meetings. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Ai   three  o'clock,    P.  M.    the    Synod  met,   and  j^ost   preces  sederunt   qui 
supra. 

At  Mr.  Thane's  request,  being  disannexed  from  the  Presbytery  of  New 
York,  he  is  left  at  liberty  to  join  either  of  the  New  Castle  Presbyteries  or 
Lewiston,  before  our  next. 

Agreed,  that  Messrs.  Craighead,  Black,  Craig,  Miller,  Davies,  Todd,  Henry, 
"Wright,  Brown,  and  Martin,  in  Virginia  and  southward,  be  the  Presbytery  of 
Hanover,  to  meet  for  the  first  time  at  Mr.  Wright's  congregation  in  Cumberland 
county,  on  the  second  Wednesday  of  July  next. 

Several  very  earnest  applications  were  made  to  the  Synod  by  "Welch  peo- 
ple in  difierent  parts,  representing  that  many  among  them  understand  not  the 
English  tongue,  and  unless  they  have  a  pastor  capable  of  speaking  in  their 
own  language  they  must  live  entirely  destitute  of  ordinances ;  that  a  certain 
Mr.  John  Griffith,  came  some  years  ago  from  Wales,  with  good  certificates  of 
his  Christian  knowledge  and  piety,  though  he  has  not  had  a  liberal  education, 
and  of  being  there  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel ;  that  he  has  preached  among 
them  to  their  great  satisfaction,  and  therefore  pray  the  Synod  to  ordain  him  to 
the  ministry,  that  he  may  both  preach  and  also  administer  the  sacraments 
among  them. 

Upon  considering  the  case,  the  Synod  find  that  several  members  have  seen 
his  certificates  from  Wales,  that  some  have  conversed  with  him  and  were 
much  satisfied  with  his  Christian  knowledge  and  acquaintance  with  experi- 
mental religion ;  that  those  of  the  Welch  here,  who  testify  to  the  Synod  con- 
cerning his  useful  preaching  and  pious  conduct,  are  known  to  be  men  of  judg- 
ment and  integrity ;  and  as  the  circumstances  of  that  people  are  singular,  and 
no  other  way  appears  in  which  they  can  enjoy  ordinances,  the  Synod  agree, 
that  the  said  Mr.  John  Griffith,  though  he  has  not  the  measure  of  school 
learning  usually  required,  and  which  they  judge  to  be  ordinarily  requisite,  be 
ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry;  and  appoint  Messrs.  Samuel  Davies, 
Dr.  Alison,  Treat,  Hunter,  and  Kettletas,  to  be  a  Presbytery  pro  re  nata,  to 
ordain  him  to-morrow  at  11  o'clock. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Alison  and  the  clerk  prepare  reasons  for  a  fast  to  be  ap- 
pointed by  the  Synod,  and  for  congregations  employing  days  in  joint  prayer 
during  the  present  calamities. 

Agreed,  that  appointments  made  by  the  several  Synods  and  Presbyteries 
before  union,  which  are  not  inconsistent  therewith,  be  fulfilled. 

Agreed,  that  the  commissions  appointed  before  by  the  two  Synods,  with 
the  present  moderator,  be  together  the  commission  of  this  Synod  for  the  ensuing 
year. 

Adjourned  to  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning,  and  concluded  with  prayer. 

3Iay  31s«,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment,  and  post  preces  sederunt 
qui  supra. 

Agreed,  that  the  several  funds  which  were  under  the  care  of  the  Synods  of 
Philadelphia  and  New  York,  shall  be  under  the  direction  of  this  Synod,  to  be 
37 


290  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1758. 

applied  to  their  respective  uses  and  designs  specified  in  the  books  relating  to 
these  funds  as  heretofore. 

A  case  of  conscience  was  proposed,  and  the  consideration  of  it  deferred  till 
our  next  meeting. 

Agreed,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Dr.  Alison,  and  Treat,  be  a 
committee  to  correspond  in  the  name  of  the  Synod,  with  the  churches  of  our 
persuasion  in  Britain  and  Ireland,  and  in  these  colonies  and  elsewhere,  by 
means  of  proper  persons  in  these  churches,  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McDowell  supply  at  Middleton  next  Sabbath. 

The  Synod  being  informed  by  Mr.  Cross  and  Dr.  Alison,  that  the  honourable 
trustees  in  London  for  the  fund,  raised  for  German  emigrants,  have  allowed 
an  annual  sum  to  assist  the  Synod  in  maintaining  a  school  for  educating  youths 
for  the  ministry  among  us,  wherein  some  Dutch  children  are  to  be  taught 
gratis,  if  they  apply  for  it :  Agreed,  that  this  affair  be  left  to  the  committee 
for  correspondence  for  the  ensuing  year. 

The  members  appointed  to  be  a  Presbytery,  pro  re  nata,  to  ordain  Mr.  John 
Griffith,  brought  in  the  following  report : 

"  The  members  appointed  to  be  a  Presbytery,  pro  re  nata,  met  according  to 
appointment,  and  chose  Mr.  Davis  moderator.  Dr.  Alison  clerk. 

"  Mr.  John  Griffith  appeared  before  us,  and  after  proper  questions  proposed 
to  him,  (as  preparatory,)  to  our  satisfaction,  his  receiving  the  Westminster 
Confession  and  Catechisms,  &c.  according  to  the  agreement  of  this  Synod,  and 
professing  subjection  to  them,  the  Presbytery  agreed  to  proceed  immediately 
to  his  ordination ;  and  accordingly,  the  Presbytery,  with  imposition  of  hands 
and  prayer,  set  apart  the  said  Mr.  John  Griffith  to  the  gospel  ministry. 

Concluded  with  prayer." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Griffith  belong  to  Philadelphia  Presbytery. 

fThe  committee  appointed,  brought  in  the  following  overture  for  a  fast,  &c. 
,  which  is  approved  and  agreed  unto. 

Considering  the  calamities  of  war,  and  dangers  that  threaten  us  from  savage 
and  antichristian  enemies,  the  ravages  and  barbarities  committed  on  our  borders, 
and  how  much  our  safety  and  welfare  depend  on  the  success  of  this  campaign ; 
and  being  sensible  that  God  has  been  greatly  provoked  by  our  ingratitude  for 
mercies  received,  the  decay  of  vital  religion,  the  prevailing  of  vice  and  immo- 
rality in  the  land,  and  the  contempt  of  gospel  light,  liberty,  and  privileges,  we 
judge  ourselves  loudly  called  upon  to  repentance  and  humiliation,  and  accord- 
ingly the  Synod  recommend  that  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  be  observed  by  all 
the  congregations  under  our  care,  to  deprecate  the  wrath  of  God,  to  pray  for  a 
blessing  on  his  majesty's  armaments  by  sea  and  land,  in  order  to  procure  a 
lasting  and  honourable  peace,  and  in  particular  for  the  success  of  all  our 
intended  expeditions  in  America ;  for  the  prosperity  of  his  Prussian  majesty's 
arms,  and  advancement  of  the  Protestant  interest ;  for  the  overthrow  of  anti- 
christian errors,  superstition,  and  tyranny  j  and  the  universal  spread  of  pure 
and  undefiled  religion.  And  'tis  ordered,  that  the  members  within  the  bounds 
of  this  province,  observe  it  on  the  sixteenth  of  June  next,  being  the  day  ap- 
pointed by  this  government  for  that  purpose ;  and  that  those  brethren  who  live 
in  the  bounds  of  other  governments,  observe  it  on  such  a  day  in  June  or  July 
next  as  the  several  Presbyteries  think  proper. 

And  as  prayer  has  been  made  without  ceasing,  by  the  Church  in  times  of 
imminent  danger,  and  God  has  heard  his  people  in  a  day  of  trouble,  and  de- 
livered them,  the  Synod  recommend  that  some  time  be  .spent  in  social  prayer, 
by  every  congregation  within  their  bounds  on  the  last  Thursday  of  every 
month,  during  these  times  of  trouble  and  rebuke.  And  that  with  these  pro- 
fessions of  humiliation,  ministers  and  people  earnestly  plead  with  God  for 
more  abundant  effusions  of  the  gracious  influences  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  that 


1759.]  NEW  YOKK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  291 

they  may  be  disposed  to  sobriety,  peace,  charity,  submission  to  the  Divine 
will,  and  be  prepared  for  every  good  work ;  that  their  practice  may  be  agree- 
able to  their  profession ;  and  their  light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they  behold- 
ing their  humble,  pious  conversation,  may  glorify  our  Father  who  is  in  heaven.  | 

Ordered,  That  the  clerk  purchase  a  new  book,  and  insert  the  minutes  of  this 
Synod,  and  that  the  Synod  pay  the  cost. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  on  the  third  Wednesday  of  May  next,  to 
meet  at  Philadelphia.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1759. 

Philadelphia,  May  \Qth,  1759,  at  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Vhi post  prcces  sederunt 

Ministers :  Messrs.  John  Wright,  John  Todd,  Samuel  Black,  John  Craig, 
Alexander  Miller,  John  Brown,  Hugh  Henry,  John  Harris,  Matthew  Wilson, 
John  Miller,  Daniel  Thane,  Adam  Boyd,  Hector  Alison,  Sampson  Smith, 
William  McCannan,  John  Rodgers,  John  Blair,  James  Finly,  John  Howo-e, 
Hugh  McCaddan,  George  Duffield,  Robert  Cross,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Francis 
Alison,  Charles  Beatty,  Richard  Treat,  Andrew  Hunter,  Daniel  Lawrence, 
Benjamin  Chesnutt,  William  Ramsey,  Harry  Munro,  Charles  McKnight,  Ben- 
jamin Halt,  Israel  Reed,  John  Guild,  Caleb  Smith,  Aaron  Richards,  Nathaniel 
Whitaker,  Abraham  Kettletas,  Benjamin  Woodroof,  Azariah  Horton,  Alexan- 
der Cummings,  John  Brainerd,  Abner  Brush,  Elihu  Spencer. 

Elders :  Messrs.  John  Anderson,  John  Hardman,  John  Flint,  John  Mus- 
tard,  Thomas  Scott,  David  Stewart,  John  Love,  Theophilus  Alexander,  John 
McKnight,  Thomas  Brown,  Richard  Walker,  Nathaniel  Dimon,  Jacob  Reader, 
Thomas  Coon,  Joseph  Lyon,  John  Woodroof. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  Samuel  Davies,  Alexander  Craighead,  Robert 
Henry,  Henry  Patillo,  William  Richardson,  John  Martin,  Jonathan  Pierson, 
Timothy  Jones,  Jacob  Green,  Jonathan  Elmore,  David  Bostwick,  Simon  Hor- 
ton, John  Smith,  Chauncy  Graham,  Enos  Ayres,  John  Moffet,  John  Darby, 
Timothy  Allen,  John  Maltby,  Hugh  Knox,  Nehemiah  Greenman,  Henry  Mar- 
tin, John  Griffiths,  William  Tennent,  David  Cowel,  James  McCrea,  Samuel 
Kennedy,  Thomas  Lewis,  Conradus  Worts,  Ebenezer  Prime,  Benjamin  Tal- 
mage,  Abner  Reeve,  Sylvanus  White,  James  Brown,  Samuel  Bewel,  Moses 
Baldwine,  Samuel  Sacket,  Eliphalet  Ball,  Moses  Tuttle,  Alexander  Hutchison, 
Charles  Tennent,  Samuel  Finly,  Samuel  Harker,  Andrew  Bay,  Andrew  Ster- 
ling, Robert  Smith,  John  Roan,  John  Elder,  Richard  Zanchy,  Samuel  Thom- 
son, Robert  McMurdie,  Joseph  Tate,  John  Steel,  George  Gillespie,  Alexander 
McDowel. 

The  Synod  was  opened  with  a  sermon  by  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent,  the  last 
year's  moderator,  on  Matthew  v.  9. 

,    Mr.  Ross,  a  minister  from  New  England,  being  present,  was  invited  to  sit  as 
a  correspondent. 

Mr.  Cross  was  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  John  Blair  clerk. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

17/7i  day.     Nine  o'cloeh,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Cross,  on  account  of  his  age  and  bodily  infirmity,  declined  the  modera- 
tor's chair :  Mr.  Treat  chosen  in  his  stead. 

Messrs.  Charles  Tennent  and  Samuel  Harker  are  now  come. 
William  McCrea,  3Ir.  Tennent's  elder. 


292  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1759. 

The  orders  of  last  Synod  respecting  Presbyteries,  were  complied  with,  except 
that  Messrs.  Black,  Craig,  and  Alexander  Miller,  have  not  met  with  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Hanover  as  members,  by  reason  of  a  mistake  concerning  the  mean- 
ing of  the  Synod's  minute. 

A  motion  was  made  by  Messrs.  Black,  Craig,  and  Alexander  Miller,  that 
they  and  Messrs.  Brown  and  Hogge  be  erected  into  a  distinct  Presbytery; 
their  reasons  for  it,  and  the  objections  of  the  other  members  of  Hanover  Pres- 
bytery against  it,  were  fully  heard. 

The  Synod  judge  that  the  number  of  ministers  belonging  to  the  Presbytery 
of  Hanover  is  too  small  to  be  divided  into  two  Presbyteries,  and  that  their  con- 
tinuing in  one,  will,  at  present,  be  more  for  edification ;  and  for  the  greater  ease 
of  the  whole,  the  Synod  order  that  the  Presbytery  have  two  stated  meetings  in 
the  year,  at  some  nearly  central  places,  alternately  above  and  below  the  moun- 
tains. But  the  Synod  being  ''sensible  of  the  difficulties  they  will  in  the  mean 
while  labour  under,  assure  them  that  as  soon  as  their  number  shall  be  so  in- 
creased as  six  or  seven  can  conveniently  belong  to  each  Presbytery,  that  then, 
upon  regular  application,  they  shall  be  erected  into  two  Presbyteries,  provided 
no  sufficiently  weighty  objection  lie  against  it. 

Whether  the  first  and  second  Presbyteries  of  New  Castle,  and  the  Presby- 
tery of  Donegall,  shall  be  new  modelled,  deferred  till  next  sederunt ;  and  or- 
dered, the  said  Presbyteries  shall  meet  half  an  hour  before,  in  order  to  converse 
about  the  matter,  that  they  may  give  light  to  the  Synod  on  that  head. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


Three  d'cloch,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  order  of  last  sederunt  to  the  New  Castle  and  Donegall  Presbyteries  was 
complied  with ;  and  upon  their  report  it  is  ordered,  that  Messrs.  Sampson  Smith, 
and  Robert  Smith,  John  Roan,  John  Hogge,  be  added  to  the  Presbytery  of 
Donegall,  and  that  the  first  and  second  Presbyteries  of  New  Castle  be  united  in 
one  Presbytery,  to  meet  for  the  first  time  at  West  Nottingham,  on  the  last 
Tuesday  instant. 

Provided  always,  that  this  change  of  the  state  of  said  Presbyteries  shall  not 
be  understood  to  infringe  the  liberties  of  the  several  congregations  in  their 
bounds  already  provided  for,  and  expressed  in  our  plan  of  union. 

The  order  respecting  a  day  of  public  fasting  and  prayer  was  complied  with. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Charles  Tennent,  John  Rodgers,  James  Finly,  Aza- 
riah  Horton,  John  Miller,  and  the  moderator,  be  a  committee  of  overtures,  and 
for  what  other  business  the  Synod  maj  commit  to  them,  to  meet  at  eight  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 

An  application  to  the  Synod  from  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  College  of 
New  Jersey,  for  the  liberation  of  Mr.  Davies  from  his  pastoral  charge,  that  he 
may  accept  the  Presidency  of  said  college  to  which  they  had  elected  him,  was 
brought  in  and  read. 

A  supplication  was  also  brought  in  from  Mr.  Davies's  congregation,  earnestly 
requesting  his  continuance  with  them. 

The  Synod  having  seriously  considered  the  congregation's  supplication,  and 
fully  heard  all  the  reasonings  for  and  against  Mr.  Davies's  liberation,  after 
solemn  prayer  to  God  for  direction,  do  upon  the  whole,  judge  that  the  argu- 
ments in  favour  of  said  liberation  do  preponderate,  and  agree  that  Mr.  Davies's 
pastoral  relation  to  his  congregation  be  dissolved  in  order  to  his  removal  to  the 
college,  and  do  accordingly  hereby  dissolve  it. 

Sundry  references  from  the  minutes  of  last  Synod. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1759.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  293 

ISth  day.     Nine  o'clock,  A.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

A  motion  was  made  that  the  Synod  should  address  both  the  Crovernor  and 
Assembly  in  order  to  obtain  the  suppression  of  a  play-house  now  erecting  in  the 
liberties  of  this  city. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tenncnt,  Dr.  Alison,  Kettletas,  Cummings, 
and  Rodgers,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  addresses  on  that  head,  to  be  brought 
in  as  soon  as  they  can. 

Moved,  That  provision  be  made  for  the  supply  of  Mr.  Davies's  congregation : 
this  afiair  deferred  till  next  sederunt. 

In  pursuance  of  an  order  of  the  late  Synod  of  New  York,  an  account  of 
money  in  the  treasury  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  belonging  to  this  Synod, 
was  brought  in,  and  is  as  follows : 

An  account  of  money  in  the  treasury  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  belonging 
to  the  Synod  of  New  York,  for  the  education  of  pious  students,  settled  to  the 
fii'st  day  of  October,  1758. 

Received,  October  1st,  1755,  into  the  college  treasixry,  as  per  Synod's 
records, Sterling,  £357     4     6 

Advance,  at  sixty  per  cent,  provincial  currency,  .         .         .     214    4     0 


Deduct  in  part  of  expenses, 

In  the  treasury,  principal,  provincial  currency, 
iterest  to  0 
three  years, 


Interest  to  October  1st,  1758,  at  six  pounds  per  cent.  } 


£571 
71 

8 
8 

6 
6 

£500 
90 

0 

0 

0 
0 

G2 

27 

4 
15 

11 
1 

£90 

0 

0 

£500 
337 

0 
15 

0 
0 

Paid  per  order,        ........ 

Per  order  upon  the  treasurer,  to  be  paid  by  October  1st, 
1758, 


Remains  in  the  treasury,  principal,        .         . 

The  Indian  stock,     ....... 

Total,  £837  15    0 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Hait,  Guild,  Lewis,  and  Reed,  be  a  committee  for 
disposing  the  interest  arising  from  said  money,  excepting  the  Indian  fund,  this 
year,  to  meet  at  Princeton  at  the  time  of  examination. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  McWhorter,  Kirkpatrick,  and  Latta,  take  a  journey 
to  Virginia  and  Carolina,  as  soon  as  they  can  this  summer,  or  ensuing  fall,  and 
spend  some  months  in  those  parts. 

The  Synod  further  considering  the  destitute  condition  of  Hanover,  and  the 
uncertainty  of  their  being  supplied,  if  suppliers  are  left  to  their  own  discretion 
respecting  the  time  of  their  going  to  Virginia,  do  order  that  Mr.  Kirkpatrick 
prepare  for  his  journey  so  as  to  be  at  Hanover  the  third  Sabbath  of  July,  at 
the  furthest,  and  supply  there  for  some  time  according  to  the  order  of  that 
Presbytery ;  that  Mr.  3IcWhorter  be  at  Hanover  the  first  of  September,  and 
that  Mr.  Latta  be  there  the  fii'st  of  November  at  the  furthest ;  and  that  the 
Presbyteries  of  Philadelphia  and  New  Brunswick  take  care  that  these  gentle- 
men fulfil  this  appointment,  and  neither  prescribe  nor  allow  them  employment 
in  our  bounds  so  as  to  disappoint  this  our  good  intention. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Lewis  and  these  gentlemen  supply  Hanover  and  other 
vacancies,  at  the  direction  of  the  Presbytery  of  Hanover. 


294  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1759. 

Mr.  Brainerd  applied  to  the  Synod  for  their  advice  whether  it  was  his  duty 
to  leave  his  present  charge  at  Newark  and  resume  his  mission  to  the  Indians. 

Arguments  on  both  sides  were  fully  heard. 

Though  the  Synod  are  tenderly  affected  with  the  case  of  Newark  congrega- 
tioU;  yet  in  consideration  of  the  great  importance  of  the  Indian  mission,  they  do 
unanimously  advise  Mr.  Brainerd  to  resume  it. 

The  Synod  do  further  agree  to  give  him  the  interest  of  the  Indian  fund  for 
this  year,  in  order  to  his  more  comfortable  subsistence. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKnight  visit  the  Indians  twice  this  summer,  one  of 
which  times  to  be  a  Sabbath ;  and  Messrs.  Beatty  and  Latta  each  once. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  Messrs.  Brainerd  and  Joseph  Lyon,  who  had  leave  to  go  home.) 

Mr.  John  Steel  is  now  come;  his  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner  sus- 
tained. 

Mr.  Brainerd  being  removed  from  Newark,  it  is  ordered,  that  Messrs. 
Woodroof,  Kettletas,  Darby,  and  Cummings,  supply  there,  each  one  Sabbath, 
if  need  be. 

A  reference  from  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  respecting  a  call  from  the 
first  Presbyterian  congregation  in  this  city,  offered  to  them  to  be  presented  to 
the  Bev.  Harry  Munro,  and  objections  against  it  by  some  members  of  said  con- 
gregation, was  brought  into  the  Synod. 

AH  papers  relative  to  that  affair  were  read,  and  all  parties  fully  heard. 

The  Synod  spent  some  time  in  reasoning  upon  this  affair,  but  not  having  time 
to  issue  it,  the  further  consideration  of  it  is  deferred  till  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Nine  dcloch,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  Messrs.  Finly  and  Theophilus  Alexander,  who  had  leave  to  go 
home.) 

The  late  first  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  reported  that  Mr.  John  Ewing  was 
ordained  since  the  opening  of  this  session  of  Synod,  accordingly  he  is  now  en- 
rolled as  a  member. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Brush  preach  at  college  to-morrow. 

The  addresses  to  the  Grovernor  and  Assembly  not  yet  brought  in. 

A  reference  from  the  Presbytery  of  Hanover  respecting  an  affair  from  Rock- 
fish,  was  brought  into  the  Synod,  but  the  evidences  respecting  the  affair  not 
being  here,  the  matter  is  referred  back  to  said  Presbytery. 

The  affair  respecting  the  first  Presbyterian  congregation  in  this  city  was 
resumed. 

In  the  course  of  reasonings  upon  it  a  case  of  conscience  was  put,  viz.  whether 
a  minister,  having  connexion  with  any  part  of  his  majesty's  regular  forces  as 
their  chaplain,  and  receiving  the  salary,  or  any  part  thereof,  as  such,  may  or 
ought  to  accept  of  a  stated  pastoral  relation  to  any  congregation  ?  which  ques- 
tion was  answered  in  the  negative. 

Upon  a  motion  made  by  some  members  of  the  congregation,  the  affair  is  de- 
ferred till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  on  Monday. 

A  complaint  against  the  late  first  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  by  Janet 
Smith,  was  brought  in,  but  as  the  matter  is  not  ready  for  trial,  the  Synod  ap- 
point the  present  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  and  Messrs.  Elder,  Roan,  John 
Miller,  and  Steel,  to  be  a  committee  of  the  Synod  to  take  such  notice  of  the 
grounds  of  her  complaint  as  they  shall  judge  necessary;  the  committee  to 


1759.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  295 

meet  at  Chestnut  Level,  on  the  third  Wednesday  of  June ;  the  Presbytery  of 
New  Castle  to  cite  necessary  evidences,  and  notify  the  absent  members  who  are 
appointed. 

At  Mr.  Kinkead's  request  Messrs.  Steel,  Caleb  Smith,  Horton,  and  John 
Miller,  ordered  to  be  a  committee  to  converse  with  him  this  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.  on  Monday     Concluded  with  prayer. 

21st  daf/,  at  ten  o^ clock,  A.  M.     Postpreces  sederunt  qui  supi'a. 

(Except  Mr.  Whitaker,  who  had  leave  to  go  in  order  to  preach  at  Trenton.) 

The  committee  appointed  to  converse  with  Mr.  Kinkead,  report,  that  they  had 
not  yet  finished  their  conference. 

Messrs.  John  Todd,  Hugh  Henry,  John  Miller,  Adam  Boyd,  Samuel  Finly, 
Joseph  Tate,  Robert  Smith,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Dr.  Alison,  William  Tennent, 
John  Guild,  Caleb  Smith,  Azariah  Horton,  James  Browu,  Elihu  Spencer,  and 
the  moderator,  to  be  the  commission  of  the  Synod  for  this  ensuing  year,  six  of 
which  number,  and  the  moderator,  to  be  a  quorum. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

TJiree  o'clock,  P.  M.     Postpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Beatty  applied  to  the  Synod  for  advice,  whether  it  was  his  duty  to 
accept  an  invitation  to  go  out  as  chaplain  with,  the  Pennsylvania  troops  this 
campaign. 

The  Synod  having  heard  Mr.  Beatty,  and  considered  the  representation  made 
of  the  state  of  his  congregation,  judge  it  his  duty  to  decline  it. 

The  affair  of  the  first  Presbyterian  congregation  in  this  city,  resumed. 

The  commissioners  of  the  congregation  were  further  heard  upon  a  suggestion 
they  had  something  new  to  offer. 

The  Synod  had  some  conference  with  Mr.  Monro.  This  affair  further  de- 
ferred. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.      Concluded  with  prayer. 

22f?  day,  alanine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Postpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  Blessrs.  Cummins,  Kettletas,  Charles  Tennent,  Sampson  Smith,  and 
Guild,  who  went  without  asking  leave.) 

The  case  of  conscience  brought  into  the  last  Synod,  viz  :  whether  a  man  who 
has  married  his  half  brother's  widow,  may  lawfully  live  with  her  as  his  wife, 
was  a  little  considered,  but  as  the  members  have  not  generally  closely  examined 
this  matter  in  its  general  nature,  it  is  deferred  till  next  Synod ;  and  it  is  or- 
dered, that  the  several  members  bring  or  send  their  sentiments  in  writing,  and 
inform  the  absent  members  to  do  the  like. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Dr.  Alison,  Beatty,  and  the 
moderator,  be  a  committee  to  manage  respecting  the  German  fund,  and  that 
Dr.  Alison  have  authority  to  call  the  committee  together  as  often  as  occasion 
may  require. 

Ordered,  That  the  above  persons,  together  with  Mr.  Davies,  be  a  committee 
of  correspondence  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  that  they  particularly  propose  to 
the  Presbyterian  churches  abroad,  to  settle  some  plan  of  correspondence  upon 
which  it  shall  be  carried  on. 

The  affair  of  the  fii'st  congregation  of  Philadelphia  resumed ;  and  after  much 
reasoning  upon  it,  the  Synod  conclude,  that  notwithstanding  it  appears  there 
was  some  confusion  attending  the  vote  of  the  congregation  respecting  Mr. 
Munro,  which  might  give  some  colour  of  complaint  to  the  minor  party,  yet^  as 
there  was  a  gi-eat  majority  for  Mr.  Mum'O,  who  still  continue  to  adhere  to  him. 


296  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1759. 

ttey  judge  the  above  said  vote  is  so  far  legal,  as  that  the  Presbytery  be  allowed 
to  present  the  call  to  Mr.  Munro,  to  which  judicature  the  further  prosecution 
of  this  affair,  (in  consistency  with  the  vote  of  Synod  already  passed,)  is 
committed ;  though  they  cannot  but  testify  their  high  disapprobation  of  the 
insulting,  injurious  manner  in  which  some  of  the  persons  prosecuting  said  call 
have  treated  this  judicature  by  an  unchristian  paper  delivered  in  to  them, 
which,  however  detestable,  they  desire  to  forgive  as  the  ministers  of  Christ. 
And  being  greatly  desirous  of  the  welfare  of  this  society,  the  Synod  do  earnestly 
recommend  it  to  the  minor  party  to  acquiesce,  and  exhort  and  enjoin  it  on  the 
majority,  that  they  carry  it  towards  their  brethren  of  the  minor  party  with  all 
that  Christian  temper,  moderation,  and  charity,  that  becomes  the  followers  of 
Jesus  Christ ;  and  that  both  parties,  in  all  future  time,  study  the  things  that 
make  for  peace. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  J*.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'cloclc,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

An  account  of  the  state  of  the  fund  under  the  direction  of  the  late  Synod  of 
Philadelphia  for  the  widows'  fund : 

£     s.     d. 
In  the  hands  of  William  Allen,  Esq.  .         .         .         .     75     0     0 

By  a  bond  of  Messrs.  Bartholemew  and  Davies,  .         .         50     0     0 

Henry  Vandike  and  Samuel  Thomas,  .         .        .         .     20     0     0 


£145     0     0 
To  cash  lent  to  Mr.  Coultas,  but  now  paid  into  Dr.  Alison's 

hands, 55     0     0 


Total,     £200  0  0 

In  the  Synod's  hands  for  the  widows  of  ministers  who  died  before  this  fund 
was  projected,  &c. 

£  s.  d. 

Brintnel's  bond, 300  0  0 

Joshua  and  Simon  Thomas's^ 30  0  0 

Jacob  Maag,       .         .         .        .        .         .        .        ,         .     25  0  0 

Moor  and  Cuningham, 6  0  0 


Total,    £361  0  0 
Insolvent  bonds. 

£  s.  d. 

Mr.  Houston's, 15  0  0 

Mr.  Gelston's, 4  0  0 

Mr.  Stevenson's, 12  0  0 

Mr.  Thomson's, 24  0  0 


Total,    £55    0    0 

A  charter  for  a  fund  for  the  relief  of  poor  Presbyterian  ministers  and  minis- 
ters' widows  and  children,  was  brought  in  and  read  and  thankfully  accepted. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Dr.  Alison,  Samuel  Finly, 
Beatty,  Blair,  and  the  modei-ator,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  a  plan  for  the  re- 
gulation and  management  of  said  fund,  to  meet  in  Philadelphia  on  the  second 
Wednesday  of  June,  four  to  be  a  quorum ;  and  it  is  ordered  that  they  send 
copies  to  the  respective  presbyteries,  and  that  they  move  to  the  corporation  to 


1760.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  297 

appoint  proper  persons  to  take  in  subscriptions,  that  the  matter  may  not  be 
dehi3-ed  a  whole  year  longer. 

The  addresses  to  the  Governor  and  Assembly  were  brought  in  and  ap- 
proved. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Rodgers,  Beatty,  and  the 
moderator,  present  thorn  to  the  Governor  and  Assembly  respectively. 

Application  was  made  to  the  Synod  by  Messrs.  Duffield  and  Elder,  for  ad- 
vice both  to  Mr.  Steel's  and  ]Mr.  Puffield's  congregations,  whether  they  shall 
erect  two  meeting-houses  in  Carlisle  or  one  only.  ^_^ 

The  Synod  are  grieved  that  there  should  be  a  spirit  of  animosity  still  sub-  ( 
sisting  amongst  the  people,  and  would  be  far  from  encouraging  any  steps  that  \ 
would  tend  to  perpetuate  a  divided  state ;  and,  therefore,  do  warmly  recom-  i 
mend  it  to  the  people  of  both  congregations  to  fall  upon  healing  measures,  and  1 
lay  a  plan  for  the  erection  of  one  house  only,  and  enjoin  it  upon  Messrs.  Steel  I 
and  Duffield  to  unite  their  counsel  and  use  their  influence  to  bring  about  a  I 
cordial  agreement.  -"^ 

"William  Elliot,  who  by  some  means  lost  his  eye  sight  while  in  the  military 
service,  applied  to  the  Synod  for  their  charity.  It  is  recommended  to  the 
members  to  propose  a  collection  for  him  in  their  congregations,  and  send  what 
shall  be  got  to  Dr.  Alison. 

Mr.  Kinkead  came  and  gave  in  a  paper  to  the  Synod,  as  he  says,  for  his  own 
exoneration,  in  order  to  his  continuing  a  member.  The  Synod,  upon  consider- 
ing his  case,  conclude  that  as  they  have  never  excluded  him,  they  will  consider 
and  deal  with  him  as  a  member.  This  minute  being  read  to  Mr.  Kinkead,  he 
refuses  membership  notwithstanding. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Smith,  Green,  Norton,  Cummins,  Kennedy,  and 
Beatty,  be  a  committee  to  converse  with  Mr.  Harker,  and  labour  to  convince 
him  of  his  mistakes,  to  meet  at  Mr.  Pearson's  at  Mendam,  the  second  Wednes- 
day of  August,  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  May  next,  to  meet  at  ten  o'clock,  A. 
M.  in  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  in  this  city.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1760. 

Philadelphia,  May  21s;,  1760. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment  at 
the  First  Presbyterian  church  in  Philadelphia.      Uhi post preces  sederunt 

Ministers  present:  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  John  Ewing,  Benjamin  Ches- 
nutt,  Henry  Martin,  Samuel  Davies,  Samuel  Kennedy,  John  Moffat,  Samuel 
Finly,  John  Rodgers,  Alexander  IMcDowel,  Robert  Smith,  John  JMiller,  James 
Finly,  Richard  Treat,  Andrew  Hunter,  William  Ramsay,  John  Griffiths, 
Charles  McKnight,  Alexander  McWhorter,  John  Brainerd,  Charles  Tennent, 
John  Blair,  Joseph  Tate,  Robert  McMordie,  Moses  Tuttle,  Francis  Alison, 
D.  D.  Daniel  Lawrence,  James  Latta,  William  Tennent,  Samuel  Harker,  Abner 
Brush,  Abraham  Kettletas,  Daniel  Thane,  John  Elder,  John  Rowan,  George 
Duffield,  William  Kirkpatrick. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Gunning  Bedford,  Hugh  Hamilton,  Samuel  Allen,  Thomas 
Tobin,  Robert  Spear,  Robert  Evans,  John  Wallace,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Robert 
Givens,  John  Sympson,  John  Hannah,  Thomas  Ewing,  Thomas  Shields,  Wil- 
liam McCrea,  Robert  Wallace,  Robert  McCoomb. 

Ministers  absent :  IMessrs.  Robert  Cross,  Adam  Boyd,  Andrew  Sterling, 
Charles  Beatty,  William  McKennan,  John  Pearson,  Nehemiah  Greenman, 
Andrew  Bay,  Timothy  Jones,  Caleb  Smith,  Chancey  Graham,  Jacob  Green, 
Benjamin  Hait,  Aaron  Richards,  Nathaniel  Whitaker,  John  Smith,  John 
Maltby,  Job  Pruden,  Benjamin  Talmage,  James  Brown,  Silas  Leonard,  John 
38 


298  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1760. 

Wright,  John  Craig,  Hugh  Henry,  Henry  Patillo,  John  Hogg,  Charles  Ten- 
nent,  Hector  Alison,  Matthew  Wilson,  David  Bostwick,  Enos  Airs,  Elihu 
Spencer,  Israel  Read,  David  Cowel,  Jonathan  Elmore,  John  Darby,  James 
McCrea,  Thomas  Lewis,  Abner  Reave,  Samuel  Bewel,  Eliphalet  Ball,  John 
Todd,  Alexander  Miller,  Alexander  Craighead,  William  Richardson,  Hugh 
McCadden,  Richard  Zancliy,  Samuel  Thompson,  John  Harris,  Azariah  Horton, 
Benjamin  Woodi-oiF,  Hugh  Knox,  John  Guild,  Alexander  Cummins,  Simon 
Horton,  Timothy  Allen,  Conradus  Worts,  Ebenezer  Prime,  Sylvanus  White, 
Moses  Baldwin,  Samuel  Sacket,  Samuel  Black,  John  Brown,  Robert  Henry, 
John  Martin,  Alexander  Hutchinson,  John  Steel,  Sampson  Smith. 

Mr.  Davies  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Ewing  clerk. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  a  sermon  from  Am.  vii.  5,  by  Mr.  Treat,  the  last 
year's  moderator. 

The  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  they  have  ordained  the  Rev. 
Mr.  James  Latta  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  licensed  Mr.  Joseph  Mont- 
gomery. The  New  York  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  Mr.  Azel 
Roe.  The  New  Castle  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  Mr.  John 
Strain.  And  the  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed 
Messrs.  John  Hannah,  John  Clark,  John  Carmicle,  and  William  Mills,  and 
that  they  have  ordained  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Alexander  McWhorter  and  William 
Kirkpatrick  since  our  last. 

Ordered,  That  the  moderator,  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Samuel  Finly, 
Richard  Treat,  be  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  some  rules  for  the  expe- 
diting and  regulating  the  transactions  of  the  Synod,  to  be  laid  before  the  Synod 
to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  ten  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  22(7,  ilie  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     TJhi  j)ost  preces  sede- 
runt qui  supra. 

The  reasons  for  the  absence  of  Messrs.  Boyd,  Pierson,  Caleb  Smith,  Timothy 
Jones,  Simon  Horton,  David  Bostwick,  Benjamin  Woodroff,  John  Darby,  Na- 
thaniel Whitaker,  Timothy  Allen,  Sampson  Smith,  Nehemiah  Greenman,  being 
made  known  to  the  Synod,  were  sustained. 

The  reasons  of  the  absence  of  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Davies,  MoiFat,  Griffith, 
William  Tennent,  Kennedy,  Tuttle,  Samuel  Finly,  Robert  Smith,  Roan,  Elder, 
McMordy,  Tate,  McDowel,  at  our  last,  are  sustained. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  George  Gillespie  has  been  removed  by  death  since  our  last. 

The  Synod  earnestly  recommend  to  all  the  Presbyteries,  that  they  notify 
all  absent  members  more  carefully  to  attend  Synodical  conventions,  and  not  to 
expect  to  be  excused  without  sufficient  reasons ;  and  that  those  Presbyteries 
who  are  all  absent,  be  notified  by  the  moderator  of  the  next  adjacent  Pres- 
bytery. 

The  regulations  proposed  to  be  drawn  up  by  the  committee  last  sederunt, 
were  brought  in  and  read,  and  are  ordered  to  lay  on  the  table  for  more  mature 
consideration  until  to-morrow. 

Ordered,  That  IMessrs.  Treat,  Rodgers,  Miller,  Kettletas,  Kennedy,  Elder, 
and  Blair,  be  a  committee  of  overtures  to  meet  to-morrow  at  six  o'clock,  A.  M. 
at  the  First  Presbyterian  meeting-house. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  iJiree  o'clock,  P.  M.  met  according  to  adjournment.     Ubi  post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  last  year  to  dispose  of  the  interest 
of  the  money  in  the  treasury  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  appointed  to  the 


1760.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  299 

education  of  poor  and  pious  youth,  give  an  account  of  their  disposal  of  said 
^money  to  the  Synod,  and  also  a  committee  to  be  appointed  the  ensuing  year 
at  their  next  meeting.  And  that  Messrs.  William  Tcnnent,  Treat,  Cowel, 
Guild,  MeKnight,  and  Ilait,  and  the  moderator,  be  a  committee  for  the  said 
purpose  the  following  year,  to  meet  the  last  Wednesday  in  July  at  Princeton, 
who  are  to  give  an  account  of  their  proceedings  to  the  Synod  at  their  next 
meeting. 

Mr.  IMcWhorter's  reasons  for  not  going  to  Virginia,  according  to  appoint- 
ment of  the  Synod  last  year,  were  sustained.  Messrs.  Kirkpatrick's  and  Latta's 
reasons  for  not  being  at  Hanover  in  Virginia,  at  the  appointed  time,  were  also 
sustained. 

A  supplication  for  supplies,  and  for  the  Kev.  Mr.  Duffield  in  particular,  from 
Hanover  congregation  in  Virginia,  was  brought  in  and  read,  and  the  Synod 
having  considered  the  affair,  voted,  that  the  Rev.  ]NIr.  Duffield  pay  said  people 
a  visit  about  the  beginning  of  September,  and  continue  there  five  weeks  at  least, 
and  as  much  longer  as  he  judges  expedient.  Ordered,  that  Mr.  Mills  be  at 
Hanover  on  the  second  Sabbath  of  October,  and  continue  to  supply  them  until 
the  first  of  April,  or  in  the  neighbouring  congregations  as  the  Presbytery  of 
Hanover  shall  think  fit. 

Mr.  Brainerd  has  received  the  greater  part  of  the  interest  of  the  Indian  fund, 
according  to  the  vote  of  the  Synod.  ■»-% 

It  is  known  to  many  in  the  bounds  of  this  Synod,  that  some  ministers,  moved  | 
with  an  holy  zeal  to  promote  the  kingdom  of  Christ  among  the  Indian  tribes, 
applied  to  the  society  in  Scotland  for  propagating  Christian  knowledge,  and  ob- 
tained a  grant  of  a  certain  sum  of  money  yearly,  to  support  two  missionaries  to 
promote  the  conversion  of  the  savage  nations ;  they  employed  Mr.  David  Brain- 
erd, whose  praise  is  in  the  churches  of  Christ,  and  whose  endeavours  were 
blessed  with  remarkable  success  in  this  great  work  of  bringing  the  Indians  to 
the  knowledge  of  Christ. 

It  pleased  God  soon  to  remove  him  from  his  useful  labour  on  earth  to  the 
joys  of  his  heavenly  kingdom ;  as  the  name  of  Brainerd  was  dear  to  these  poor 
tribes,  his  brother  was  chosen  to  succeed  him  in  the  mission,  in  which  station 
he  continued  for  seven  or  eight  years,  but  as  the  prospect  of  a  troublesome  war 
made  the  mission  dangerous  and  disagreeable,  the  commissioners  who  employed 
him  dismissed  him  from  his  care  of  the  Indians,  and  he  was  employed  to  preach 
the  gospel  at  Newark. 

At  an  Indian  treaty,  the  province  of  New  Jersey  bought  all  the  small  tracts 
of  land  that  the  Indians  claimed  in  different  parts  of  the  government,  and  that 
they  might  still  encourage  the  native  inhabitants  to  reside  among  them  in  their 
own  country,  they  bought  and  bestowed  on  the  remnant  of  these  people  about 
four  thousand  acres  of  land,  which  they  gladly  accepted ;  and  as  many  of  them 
were  converted  to  Christianity,  they  earnestly  requested  that  Mr.  Brainerd 
might  be  granted  to  them  again  as  a  gospel  minister. 

The  annuity  which  the  society  in  Scotland  had  allowed  to  the  missionary, 
was  stopped  upon  Mr.  Brainerd's  dismission,  though  there  was  and  is  hope  of 
procuring  it  again,  Mr.  Brainerd  was  requested  by  the  governor  and  commis- 
sioners of  Jersey  to  undertake  the  Indian  mission.  He  applied  to  the  Synod 
for  advice,  and  though  he  had  a  very  comfortable  settlement  at  Newark,  yet 
the  Synod,  through  an  earnest  desire  to  promote  the  kingdom  of  Christ  among 
these  poor  Indians,  advised  him  to  give  up  these  temporal  advantages,  and 
settle  as  a  missionary  among  those  poor  Indians,  with  which  advice  he  readily 
and  generously  complied.  But  as  there  is  no  provision  yet  made  to  support 
him,  and  to  answer  many  and  various  expenses  in  preaching  to,  and  settling 
schools  among  these  people,  the  Synod  think  themselves  obliged  to  use  all 
lawful  endeavours  to  support  said  mission,  and  have  now  at  their  Synodical   , 


300  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1760. 

meeting  agreed  to  contribute  themselves,  and  to  make  application  to  the  con- 
gregations in  the  bounds  of  this  Synod,  for  a  general  collection  to  promote 
this  pious  and  good  design ;  and  do  order  that  a  collection  for  this  purpose  be 
made  in  every  congregation  under  the  care  of  this  Synod,  and  that  the  respec- 
tive collections  be  sent  by  the  moderators  of  the  Presbyteries  before  the  begin- 
ning of  September,  to  Mr.  Jonathan  Sergeant  near  Princeton,  who  is  to  receive 
it  and  pay  it  to  the  correspondents  of  the  Indian  mission  to  be  by  them  used 
for  this  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  minute  be  taken  by  the  moderators  of  such 
Presbyteries  as  are  j^resent,  and  sent  to  such  as  are  absent. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

23c?  day^  at  nine  d^cloch,  A.  M.      The  Sf/nod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
U hi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  the  interest  arising  from  the  Indian  fund,  in  the  hands  of  the 
trustees  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  for  this  current  year,  be  allowed  to  Mr. 
Brainerd. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  President  Davies  write,  as  soon  as  he  can  conveniently, 
to  the  society  for  managing  the  Indian  mission  in  Virginia,  to  let  them  knovf 
the  difficult  state  of  Indian  affairs  in  New  Jersey,  and  to  request  their  interest 
and  concurrence  to  obtain  some  relief  for  our  Indian  mission  and  schools  from 
the  New  England  company  in  London.  And  that  the  board  of  correspondents 
in  New  Jersey,  be  requested  by  said  Mr.  President  Davies,  to  give  a  narrative 
of  the  state  of  that  mission,  and  to  request  the  assistance  of  the  New  England 
society  for  its  support;  unless  a  fund  or  pension  sufficient  to  support  that 
mission,  be  obtained  from  the  Scotch  society  before  the  last  Wednesday  of  next 
September. 

Mr.  McKnight  was  hindered  from  visiting  the  Indians,  as  the  last  Synod 
appointed,  by  sickness.  Mr.  Latta's  reasons  for  not  visiting  the  Indians  are 
sustained.  Mr.  Kettletas  supplied  Newark  as  appointed.  Mr.  Brush  preached 
in  college  as  appointed. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  at  Chesnut  Level,  to  hear  and  judge  of 
the  complaint  made  by  Jannet  Smith,  report,  that  they  met  and  determined 
that  affair  according  to  order. 

Agreed,  that  Messrs.  Grilbert  Tennent,  Dr.  Alison,  Treat,  Ewing,  John 
Miller,  Wilson,  Samuel  Finly,  Blair,  Boyd,  Teat,  Elder,  Robert  Smith,  Wil- 
liam Tennent,  Caleb  Smith,  John  Guild,  Azariah  Horton,  Brown,  Spencer, 
and  the  moderator,  with  the  elders,  Messrs.  John  Wallace,  Gunning  Bedford, 
Thomas  Ewing,  Hugh  Hamilton,  Robert  Evans,  John  Sympson,  be  a  commis- 
sion for  the  ensuing  year,  and  that  any  eight  and  the  moderator  be  a  quorum. 

The  case  of  conscience  concerning  a  man  having  married  his  half  brother's 
widow,  was  brought  under  consideration,  and  several  members  offered  their 
thoughts  on  it ;  but  the  further  consideration  was  deferred  till  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  met  according  to  adjournment.      TJhi  post  preces  sederunt 
qui  supra. 

Sir.  William  McCrca  obtained  leave  to  go  home. 

The  case  of  the  marriage  resumed.  After  some  further  converse  on  this  point, 
agreed,  that  Messrs.  Samuel  Finley,  James  Finley,  Blair,  Miller,  Kettletas,  and 
Gilbert  Tennent,  be  a  committee  to  bring  in  a  sum  of  what  they  can  find  in 
Scripture  and  the  English  law  on  that  point,  against  Monday  afternoon ;  and 
also  on  a  second  case  from  Donegall  Presbytery,  where  a  brother's  and   sister's 


1760.]  NEW  YORK  AND  rniLADELPIIIA.  301 

relicts  married  together;  and  on  a  third  case  of  a  man's  marrying  two  sisters, 
one  after  the  other's  death. 

Agreed,  that  Messrs.  Cross,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Dr.  Alison,  and  Treat,  be  a 
committee  to  manage  the  aifair  respecting  the  German  fund,  and  that  Dr.  Ali- 
son call  the  committee  together  as  often  as  he  sees  occasion,  and  that  some  part, 
as  they  can  afford,  be  allowed  Mr.  Duffield  for  his  school  in  the  year  past.  Mr 
Rodgers  had  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


24:th  day,  at  nine  o'clock,  met  according  to  adjournment.     Ubi  post  preccs 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  John  Sympson,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  and  Thomas  Ewing,  have  leave, 
for  weighty  reasons,  to  go  home. 

The  committee  for  correspondence  deferred.  The  affair  of  the  fund  deferred. 
The  committee  for  the  widows'  fund  deferred. 

Mr.  Barker's  affair  was  taken  into  consideration.  The  committee  appointed 
last  year  to  converse  with  him  brought  in  the  following  report :  That  they  met 
at  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Pierson's,  tibi  post  preces  sederunt,  ministers,  Messrs. 
John  Pierson,  Caleb  Smith,  Jacob  Green,  Timothy  Jones,  Azariah  Horton, 
Samuel  Kennedy,  and  Jonathan  Elmore,  correspondent. 

JMinisters  absent :  Messrs.  Alexander  Cummins,  Charles  Beatty. 

Mr.  Pierson  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Kennedy  clerk. 

Mr.  Samuel  Barker's  paper,  containing  his  principles,  together  with  some 
arguments  to  support  them,  was  read  and  maturely  deliberated  upon ;  and  the 
committee  being  in  doubt  what  Mr.  Barker's  real  sentiments  were,  as  they  ap- 
peared not  to  be  clearly  expressed  in  said  paper,  proceeded  to  query  with  him 
largely  on  the  several  heads,  and  were  well  pleased  to  find,  on  inquiry,  that 
Mr.  Barker's  sentiments,  in  some  points  which  on  first  view  of  his  paper  ap- 
peared erroneous,  were  in  substance  (though  far  from  being  happily  and  cau- 
tiously expressed)  agreeable  to  the  opinion  of  the  generality  of  our  orthodox 
divines,  particularly  as  to  all  men's  being  in  the  covenant,  and  the  regenerate's 
not  being  probationers  for  heaven ;  as  Mr.  Barker  means,  by  the  former,  no 
more  than  this,  viz.  that  the  covenant  respects  the  whole  human  race,  in  the 
proposals  thereof;  and  by  the  latter,  only  designs,  that  every  regenerate  person 
has  a  sure  and  unfailing  title  to  heaven,  by  virtue  of  their  being  interested  in 
the  merits  of  Christ.  But  the  committee  were  sorry  to  find,  that  in  two 
branches  of  doctrine  Mr.  Barker  appears  really  to  have  fallen  into  an  error, 
particularly  in  holding,  that  according  to  the  tenor  of  the  covenant  of  grace, 
God  has  bound  himself,  by  promise,  to  bestow  saving  blessings  upon  the  faith 
and  endeavours  of  unregenerate  men ;  and  that  God  has  predestinated  persons  to 
salvation,  upon  a  foresight  of  their  faith  and  good  works,  or  compliance  with  the 
terms  of  the  covenant.  On  both  which  heads,  the  committee  laboured  to  con- 
vince iNIr.  Barker  of  his  mistake,  but  without  being  so  happy  as  to  succeed  in 
their  endeavours,  at  least  from  what  then  appeared.  Finally,  they  recommended 
to  Mr.  Bai'ker  greater  caution  in  his  phraseology,  and  that  where  he  could  with 
a  safe  conscience,  he  would  aim  at  the  common  forms  of  sound  words,  without 
affecting  to  deviate  from  the  usual  modes  of  expression  among  orthodox  divines. 
Concluded  with  prayer. 

As  the  Synod  apprehend  they  had  some  success,  but  find  him  mistaken  in  the 
two  above  propositions,  still  it  is  thought  expedient  to  try  yet  whether  further 
converse  may  convince  him ;  the  Synod  agree  that  he  meet  with  Messrs. 
Samuel  and  James  Finely,  Blair,  Robert  and  Sampson  Smith,  at  Nottingham, 


302  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1760. 

the  second  Tuesday  of  November  next.  And  in  his  return  meet  with  IMessrs. 
Gilbert  Tennent,  Treat,  Ewing,  and  Dr.  Alison,  in  this  city,  to  converse  on 
these  points. 

Mr.  Harker  got  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  on  Monday,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

26th  day,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjouriiment.      Uhi  post  p-eccs  sede- 
runt qui  supra. 

(Except  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Treat,  Dr.  Alison,  Lawrence,  Chesnut, 
Martin,  William  Tennent,  Roan,  Duffield.) 

The  committee  of  correspondents  deferred  till  afternoon. 

The  affair  of  the  Synod's  Fund  deferred  till  afternoon. 

The  committee  for  the  Widows'  Fund  deferred. 

The  overtures  of  regulations,  that  were  accidentally  passed  over  in  their 
proper  place,  are  further  deferred. 

A  supplication  from  Lancaster  and  Leacoek  being  considered  by  the  Synod, 
they  appoint  Mr.  Montgomery  to  supply  Lancaster  the  first  Sabbath  of  June, 
and  at  Leacoek  the  third. 

That  Mr.  Carmichael  supply  two  Sabbaths  in  New  Castle  Presbytery ;  the 
next  two  in  Lewistown  Presbytery ;  the  next  four  in  New  Castle  Presbytery  j 
and  the  next  six  in  Donegall  Presbytery ;  and  the  remainder  of  his  time,  till 
the  fourth  Wednesday  of  September,  in  New  Castle  Presbytery. 

Agreed  with  Mr.  Latta's  own  consent,  that  he  be  removed  from  Philadelphia 
and  joined  to  Donegall  Presbytery. 

A  very  pressing  application  being  made  by  the  English  Presbyterian  gentle- 
men of  Albany  for  supplies,  the  Synod  appointed  Mr.  Hector  Alison  to  supply 
there  till  the  second  Sabbath  of  July,  if  it  suits  his  conveniency. 

The  Synod  appoint  Mr.  Kettletas  to  visit  them  against  the  fourth  Sabbath  of 
July  next,  and  supply  them  four  Sabbaths ;  and  that  Mr.  William  Tennent 
supply  them  afterwards,  as  he  can  conveniently ;  and  that  Mr.  Woodroff  supply 
Mr.  Kettletas's  congregation  the  last  Sabbath  of  July,  IMr.  Richards  the 
first  Sabbath  of  August,  Mr.  M'Whorter  the  second,  and  Mr.  Smith  the  third 
Sabbath. 

The  supplication  from  Windham,  in  New  Hampshire,  deferred  till  afternoon. 

r*  'Tis  allowed  that  Messrs.  Alexander  McDowel  and  Hector  Alison  go  as 

chaplains  to  the  Pennsylvania  forces,  and  that  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  go  with  the 

New  Jersey  forces,  the  ensuing  campaign.     The  Synod  recommend  that  Mr. 

Kirkpatrick  pay  a  visit  to  the  people  of  Windham  on  his  return,  and  that  Dr. 

lAlison  and  Mr.  Ewing  write  a  recommendatory  letter  to  the  people. 

The  case  of  conscience  about  the  marriage  deferred. 

Mr.  Robert  Evans  obtained  leave  to  go  nome. 

Adjourned  till  half  after  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  half  after  three  dcloch,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Uhi 
post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  of  correspondence,  appointed  last  Synod,  report  that  they 
have  not  settled  any  plan  for  it,  and  the  appointment  of  another  committee  is 
deferred  till  next  year. 

Ordered,  that  the  money  in  Dr.  Alison's  hands  belonging  to  the  Widows' 
Fund  be  delivered  to  the  treasurer  of  the  corporation  for  said  fund. 

Ordered,  that  Messrs.  Samuel  Finley,  Tate,  Kettletas,  McDowel,  and  Wal- 
lace, be  a  committee  to  settle  the  affair  of  the  Synod's  Fund  with  Dr.  Alison, 
and  bring  in  the  report  to  the  Synod  to-morrow  morning. 


1760.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  303 

Names  of  persons  who  contributed  this  year  to  the  Synod's  Fund. 
Mr.  James  Finly  brought  in  14s.     IMr.  Joseph  Tate  brought  in  £2  2s.  6(7. 
The  reading  the  minutes  of  our  hxst  sederunt,  from  the  afi'air  of  the  new  regu- 
lations forward,  is  deferred  until  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  to-morrow.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

27 (h  day,  A.  M.     L'hi post prcces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  for  settling  the  Synod's  Fund,  report  that  they  have  settled 
the  accounts  with  Dr.  Alison,  which  was  approved  as  appears  by  his  books. 

The  aifair  of  regulations  resumed  and  committed  to  Messrs.  McDowel, 
Brainerd,  Tate,  and  i31air,  to  draw  up  a  minute  concerning  this  affiiir  to  be 
offered  to  the  consideration  of  the  Synod  to-morrow. 

The  case  of  conscience  resumed,  and  the  committee  appointed  to  examine 
what  the  English  and  Levitical  laws  have  determined  in  this  affair,  brought  in 
their  report. 

Voted,  that  the  consideration  of  the  above  affair  be  deferred  until  next  Synod, 
and  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  members  to  examine  the  affair  more 
thoroughly  before  that  time,  and  give  their  sentiments  on  it. 

The  second  and  third  cases  of  conscience  deferred  till  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clocic,  P.  M.  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Ubipost 
preces  sederunt  qui  siqyra. 

Mr.  Kirkpatrick  has  got  leave  to  go  home. 

The  committee  for  the  Widows'  Fund  further  deferred. 

As  to  the  second  case  of  conscience  the  Synod  judge,  that  such  a  marriage, 
however  inexpedient  it  be,  yet  as  we  cannot  find  it  prohibited  by  the  Levitical 
law,  it  is  not  to  be  condemned  as  incestuous. 

The  third  case  of  conscience  was  considered;  and  though  the  majority  of  the 
Synod  think  that  the  marriage  is  incestuous,  and  contrary  to  the  laws  of  God 
and  the  land,  and  agree  that  it  is  sinful  and  of  dangerous  tendency,  yet  inas- 
much as  some  learned  men  are  not  so  clear  in  this  point,  it  is  agreed  to  resume 
the  consideration  hereof  next  year. 

An  overture  was  brought  in,  that  as  a  Professor  of  Divinity,  to  instruct 
youths  for  the  sacred  ministry,  is  much  wanted,  and  highly  necessary,  the 
Synod  would  try  to  fall  upon  some  measures  to  obtain  one.  And  the  Synod 
sensible  of  the  need  and  importance  of  this,  earnestly  recommend  the  considera- 
tion of  it  to  every  Presbytery,  that  they  may  consult  together  how  this  may  be 
accomplished,  and  endeavour  to  make  the  people  under  their  care  sensible  of 
the  importance  of  it ;  also,  that  they  may  be  prepared  and  disposed  to  contri- 
bute to  so  good  a  design.  And  ordered,  that  a  copy  of  this  be  transmitted  by 
the  clerk  to  the  moderators  of  New  Castle  and  New  Brunswick  Presbyteries, 
that  they  may  transmit  it  to  the  other  Presbyteries. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

2%th  day,  at  nine  d clock,  A.  M.  met  according  to  adjournment.     V hi  post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  for  the  Widows'  Fund  brought  in  their  report,  which  may  be 
seen  in  the  Corporation  Book. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Alison  apply  to  the  Corporation  for  a  copy  of  their  plan 
to  be  transmitted  to  each  Presbytery. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Lawrence  supply  Mr.  Beatty's  pulpit  the  first  and  eecond 


304  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1760. 

Sabluaths  of  June ;  Mr.  Treat  the  third ;  Mr.  Eamsey  the  fourth  and  fifth ; 
Mr.  Clark  the  first  and  third  of  July ;  Mr.  Treat  the  second ;  Mr.  McKnight 
the  fourth  and  the  first  of  August ;  Mr.  Treat  the  second ;  Mr.  Brainerd  the 
third  and  fourth ;  Dr.  Alison  the  fifth ;  Mr.  Treat  the  first  of  September ;  Dr. 
Alison  the  second ;  Mr.  Blair  the  third ;  Mr.  Samuel  Finly  the  fourth ;  Mr. 
Treat  the  first  of  October ;  Mr.  Hunter  the  second  j  Mr.  Chesnut  the  third ; 
Mr.  James  Finly  the  fourth;  Mr.  Treat  the  first  of  November;  Mr.  Mont- 
gomery the  second ;  Mr.  McWhorter  the  thkd ;  and  Mr.  Rodgers  the  fourth 
and  fifth. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  minute  upon  the  affair  of  regulations 
brought  in  the  following,  which  was  approved : 

The  Synod  judge,  that,  agreeably  to  the  usage  of  other  judicatures  of  our 
denomination,  it  is  expedient,  especially  for  such  younger  members,  as  shall  be 
introduced  into  this  body  fromvyear  to  year,  to  be  acquainted  with  the  order  in 
which  they  are  to  conduct  themselves  and  observe  the  following  practice : 

Every  year,  after  the  Synod  is  met  and  a  new  moderator  chosen,  the  former 
moderator,  before  he  leave  the  chair,  shall  remind  his  successor,  that  agreeably 
to  the  character  he  is  now  chosen  to  sustain,  he  is  not  to  leave  his  chair,  nor 
speak  in  any  affair  debated,  unless  allowed  by  the  Synod,  but  is  only  to  be  a 
public  person  to  whom  all  shall  speak,  and  the  common  mouth  of  the  Synod ; 
and  is  to  see  that  becoming  order  be  maintained  by  all  the  members,  according 
to  the  following  common  rules,  which  they  are  all  agreed  to  observe : 

That  no  member  speak  to  any  affair  until  he  respectfully  ask  and  obtain 
leave  of  the  moderator ;  that  all  speeches  be  addressed  to  the  moderator ;  and 
when  a  member  has  done  speaking  he  shall  sit  down,  or  otherwise  signify  that 
he  has  done. 

No  member  shall  multiply  speeches  on  the  same  point,  unless  some  new 
matter  is  started,  or  he  has  been  misunderstood,  or  has  forgot  something  he 
intended  to  say ;  and  when  any  seem  likely  to  waste  time  by  speaking  often, 
the  moderator  may  confine  each  to  speak  once  only  in  the  order  of  the  roll. 

That  no  member  interrupt  another  while  he  is  speaking,  or  offer  any  different 
matter  after  a  motion  is  made,  till  it  be  judged  of;  nor  shall  he  speak  to  any 
matter  after  the  Synod  have  judged  it  ripe  for  a  vote,  unless  he  obtain  leave  of 
the  Synod  by  the  moderator. 

That  in  all  debates  the  members  shall  treat  each  other  with  becoming  respect 
and  decency. 

That  none  shall  withdraw,  or  be  absent,  in  the  time  of  a  session  without  the 
leave  of  the  Synod  obtained  by  the  moderator. 

That  while  the  Synod  is  transacting  business  there  shall  be  no  unseasonable 
private  whispering,  or  conversation  on  other  affairs,  but  all  shall  attend  with 
gravity  and  decency. 

If  any  member  act  indecently  and  disorderly,  contrary  to  these  rules,  the 
moderator  shall  reprove,  or  otherwise  censure  him  as  the  Synod  shall  judge 
proper,  and  if  any  member  shall  think  himself  denied  of  any  just  right,  or  un- 
justly blamed  by  the  moderator,  he  shall  not  speak  disrespectfully  to  him,  but 
modestly  require  the  Synod's  judgment  in  the  case. 

After  the  former  moderator  has  recommended  these  things  to  the  care  of  his 
successor,  he  shall  address  the  members  of  the  Synod  expressing  his  earnest 
desire  and  hope,  that  they  will  give  all  due  respect  and  encouragement  to  their 
moderator,  in  his  duty,  observe  these  rules  themselves,  and  in  all  things  main- 
tain the  dignity,  gravity,  and  decency,  the  mutual  love  and  confidence  that 
become  their  character.  And  the  Synod  recommend  the  observation  of  such 
rules  to  all  the  Presbyteries. 

The  Synod  seriously  considering  the  dangerous  situation  of  our  public 
affairs,  and  the  melancholy  state  of  religion,  agree  that  the  nineteenth  day  of 


1760.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  305 

next  June  be  sot  apart  as  a  day  of  public  fasting  and  prayer  in  all  the  congre- 
gations under  the  care  of  this  Synod,  where  the  government  under  which  they 
live  have  not  this  year  already  appointed  a  public  fast ;  that  all  may  humble 
themselves  before  Almighty  God,  to  deprecate  his  wrath,  and  to  pray  for  the 
Divine  blessing  on  his  majesty's  counsels  and  arms,  and  the  revival  of  true 
piety  and  religion  among  us. 

Five  queries  were  brought  in,  which  are  as  follows : 

First  (juery.  How  many  ministers  are  necessary  to  request  the  moderator 
of  the  commission  of  the  Synod,  or  of  any  of  our  Presbyteries,  to  oblige  the 
moderator  to  call  any  of  these  judicatures  to  do  occasional  business? 

Second  query.  Whether,  by  our  constitution,  a  new  moderator  ought  not 
to  be  chosen  as  oft  as  one  of  our  judicatures  meet,  excepting  the  commission 
of  the  Synod,  which  is  a  representative  of  the  body? 

Third  query.  "Whether  our  students,  bred  in  our  colleges,  have  not  a  right 
to  apply  to  any  of  our  Presbyteries  for  improvement  for  the  sacred  work  of 
the  ministry  ?  and  whether  they  ought  not  to  be  received  upon  sufficient  re- 
commendations ? 

Fourth  query.  Whether  any  minister,  or  probationer,  ordained  or  licensed 
in  Scotland,  England,  Ireland,  Connecticut,  or  in  any  of  the  Reformed  Churches, 
ought  not  to  be  admitted  as  a  gospel  minister,  or  probationer,  if  he  produce 
sufficient  certificates  that  he  was  orderly  ordained  or  licensed,  and  has  behaved 
according  to  his  character,  provided  he  adopts  our  Confession,  and  promises 
subjection  in  the  Lord  ? 

Fifth  qiiery.  Whether  it  is  regular  for  our  students  of  divinity,  who  intend 
to  return  and  officiate  in  the  bounds  of  the  Synod,  to  go  into  New  England,  or 
elsewhere,  in  order  to  be  licensed  ? 

The  further  consideration  of  these  queries  is  referred  till  afternoon. 

Mr.  Robert  Smith  got  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjoui-ned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  dcloch,  P.  M.  met  according  to  aJjournment.      Uhi post  preces  sede- 
runt qui  supra. 

The  consideration  of  the  five  queries  resumed. 

In  answer  to  the  fii-st  query,  the  Synod  judge,  that  meetings  of  judicatures, 
pro  re  nata,  can  only  be  necessary  on  account  of  important  occurrences  un- 
known at  their  last  meeting,  and  which  cannot  be  safely  deferred  till  their 
stated  meeting,  such  as  scandal  raised  on  a  minister's  character,  tending  to 
destroy  his  usefulness,  and  bring  reproach  on  religion;  or  feuds  in  a  con- 
gregation threatening  its  dissolution;  or  some  dangerous  error,  or  heresy 
broached;  but  not  for  matters  judicially  deferred  by  the  judicature,  except 
some  unforeseen  circumstance  occurs,  which  makes  it  appear  that  some  prin- 
cipal things  on  which  the  judgment  depends  may  then  be  had,  and  cannot  be 
obtained  if  it  is  deferred  till  their  stated  meeting ;  nor,  for  any  matters  that 
ordinarily  come  in  at  their  stated  meetings.  And  when  such  occasional  meet- 
ings appear  necessary  to  the  moderator  himself,  it  is  proper  to  call  the  judica- 
ture together,  or  upon  the  application  of  any  two  members  judging  it  neces- 
sary, provided  always,  that  seasonable  notice  be  given  to  all  the  members  of 
the  occasion,  time,  and  place  of  meeting,  and  tiat  it  be  appointed  at  such  a 
season  as  may  render  the  attendance  of  the  members  practicable.  But 
the  advice  of  four  or  five  is  judged  necessary  to  call  the  commission  of  the 
Synod. 

Voted,  That  Mr,  Hugh  Williamson,  a  probationer  in  the  ministry,  who  was 
licensed  in  Connecticut,  should  be  received  under  the  care  of  the  Synod. 

The  consideration  of  the  remaining  queries  deferred  till  next  year. 
39 


306  MINUTES  OF  THE   SYNOD  OF  [1761. 

An  address  from  tlie  clergy  of  the  Church  of  England  belonging  to  this 
city  was  brought  in  and  read ;  wherein  they  complain  that  some  members  of 
this  Synod  have  intermeddled  in  their  church  affairs  to  their  disliking,  and 
query,  whether  the  paper  which  they  say  was  signed  by  the  moderator  and  some 
other  members,  was  signed  as  a  synodical  act. 

The  Synod  assure  these  Keverend  Gentlemen  that  they  never  signed  it  as 
a  synodical  body,  nor  heard  the  paper  read  in  Synod,  nor  was  it  as  much  as 
made  known  to  many  of  the  members  of  this  body.  As  we  have  not  seen  the 
paper  we  cannot  judge  how  far  they  have  concerned  themselves  in  the  affairs 
of  the  Church  of  England.  We  desire  to  intermeddle  with  no  affairs  that  do 
not  belong  to  us,  but  as  a  body  can  neither  prevent  the  private  correspondence 
of  our  members,  nor  oblige  them  to  produce  their  letters ;  but  we  presume,  if 
application  should  be  made  to  the  persons  who  have  written,  a  sight  of  the 
paper  may  be  obtained.  And''  we  heartily  desire  that  the  same  good  under- 
standing which  has  hitherto  happily  subsisted  between  us  and  the  Reverend 
G-entlemen  of  the  Church  of  England,  may  still  continue. 

Ordered,  That  the  clerk  give  a  copy  of  this  minute  if  desired. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  in  May  next,  to  meet  in  Philadelphia, 
at  the  second  Presbyterian  meeting-house,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

1761. 

PMladelphia,  May  20t7i,  1761. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met,  according  to  adjournment, 
at  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church.      Uhi post  p7-eces  sederunt 

Of  Philadelphia  Presbytery:  Messrs.  Robert  Cross,  Dr.  Alison,  Andrew 
Hunter,  Daniel  Lawrence,  John  Simonton,  Gilbert  Tennent,  Benjamin  Ches- 
nut,  William  Ramsey,  James  Latta,  Richard  Treat,  Henry  Martin,  John 
Ewiag,  John  Beard. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Adam  Boyd,  William  McKennan, 
Daniel  Thane,  Andrew  Sterling,  Samuel  Finly,  James  Finly,  Alexander 
McDowell,  John  Strain,  John  Blair,  John  Rodgers,  Hector  Alison,  John 
Carmichael. 

Of  Donegall  Presbytery :  IMessrs.  John  Steel,  George  Duffield,  Robert  Smith, 
Sampson  Smith,  John  Roan,  Joseph  Tate,  Robert  McMurdie, 

Of  Lewestown  Presbytery :  Messrs.  John  Miller,  Matthew  Wilson,  Hugh 
Henry,  John  Harris. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Samuel  Harker, 
Benjamin  Hait,  James  Caldwell,  James  McCrea,  Israel  Read,  William  Kirk- 
patrick,  John  Clark,  Charles  McKnight,  Elihu  Spencer,  James  Hunt. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Azariah  Horton,  Caleb  Smith,  Simon 
Horton,  Timothy  Jones,  Benjamin  Woodroff,  Jonathan  Elmore,  David  Bost- 
wick. 

Of  Hanover  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Richard  Zanchy,  John  Todd,  Ministers. 
Elders :  John  Williams,  Thomas  Francis,  James  Wilden,  David  Flemming, 
Francis  Gardner,  Daniel  William,  Samuel  Stevens,  Daniel  Dickinson,  Hugh 
Mcllroy,  Joshua  Thomas,  Anthony  Tate,  James  Evans,  William  Wallace, 
Moses  Irwin,  Jared  Graham,  John  King,  Jacob  Ford,  Andrew  Gregg,  David 
Caldwell,  Thomas  Ogden,  Walter  Stewart,  James  Boyd,  Josiah  Scott,  William 
Walker,  Gilbert  Hendrickson,  Benjamin  13onnel,  David  Davies. 

Absent  members  of  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Charles  Beatty  and 
Nehemiah  Greenman. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Alexander  Hutchinson,  Charles  Tennent, 
and  Andrew  Bay. 


1761.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  307 

Of  Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Samuel  Thompson,  John  Elder,  and  John 
Hogg. 

Of  Lewestown  Presbytery  :  jMr.  Moses  Tuttle. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  jMessrs.  Samuel  Kennedy,  Job  Pruddeu, 
John  Hannah,  Conradus  AVorts,  John  Guild. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery :  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  John  Maltby,  John 
MoiFat,  John  Derby,  Timothy  Allen,  John  Brainerd,  Hugh  Knox,  Chauncy 
Graham,  Aaron  Kichards,  Nathaniel  Whitakcr,  Jacob  Green,  Euos  Ayres, 
Silas  Leonard,  Abraham  Kettletas,  Abner  Brush. 

Of  SuflFolk  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Ebenezer  Prime,  Sylvanus  White,  Samuel 
Buel,  James  Browu,  Benjamin  Talmadge,  Moses  Balden,  Abner  lleeves, 
Samuel  Sacket,  Eliphalct  Ball,  Ezra  Beeves,  Thomas  Lewis 

Of  Hanover  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  Alexander  Craighead,  Robert  Henry,  John 
Wright,  John  Craig,  John  Brown,  Henry  Patilio,  Alexander  Miller,  Samuel 
Black,  Hugh  McCadden. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  a  sermon  on  2  Tim.  ii.  2,  by  Mr.  Treat. 

Mr.  Elihu  Spencer  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  John  llodgers  clerk. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

21st  May,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Mr.  Silas  Leonard,  to  know  his  reasons 
for  not  attending  our  Synod,  and  to  inform  him,  that  if  he  does  not  either  at- 
tend, or  give  us  sufficient  reasons  for  his  absence,  his  name  shall  be  left  out  of 
our  book. 

The  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  they  haye  ordained  to  the  sacred 
work  of  the  ministry,  since  our  last  meeting,  Mr.  John  Simonton  and  Mr.  John 
Beard. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  also  ordained  to  the  same 
sacred  work,  Mr.  John  Strain  and  Mr.  John  Carmichael. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  James 
Hunt,  Mr.  James  Caldwell,  Mr.  John  Hannah,  and  Mr.  John  Clark,  and  that 
they  have  licensed  Mr.  Amos  Thompson,  Mr.  Samuel  Parkhurst  and  Mr. 
Joseph  Treat. 

Hanover  Presbytery  report  that  they  have  licensed  Mr.  James  Waddel. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  further  report  that  it  has  pleased  God  to 
remove  by  death,  since  our  last,  the  Bev.  Mr.  President  Davies  and  the  Rev. 
Mr.  David  Cowell. 

New  Y^'ork  Presbytery  informs  us,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Alexander  Gumming  is 
removed  to  Boston.  And  the  Presbytery  of  Hanover  report,  that  Mr.  William 
Richardson  is  joined  to  the  Presbytery  of  South  Carolina. 

Ordered;  That  Messrs.  Blair,  Ramsay,  Sampson  Smith,  Henry,  Simon  Hor- 
ton,  William  Tennent,  and  Richard  Zanchy,  be  a  committee  of  overtures  to 
meet  at  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning,  at  the  second  Presbyterian  church, 
and  as  often  as  there  may  be  occasion. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Treat,  Guild,  Ewing,  McKnight, 
Caleb  Smith,  Bostwick,  and  Hait,  be  a  committee  to  dispose  of  the  money  in 
the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  the  college  of  New  Jersey,  for  the  education  of 
poor  and  pious  youth  for  this  year,  and  that  they  meet  at  Princeton  on  the  last 
Wednesday  of  July  for  this  purpose ;  and  that  they  prepare  a  book  in  which 
the  accounts  of  said  disposal  be  regularly  inserted,  and  that  this  or  an  attested 
copy  thereof,  be  laid  before  the  Synod  at  our  next  meeting. 

The  reasons  for  Mr.  Duffield's  not  going  to  Hanover,  are  sustained;  as  also 
Mr.  Mills's. 


308  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1761. 

Upon  inquiry  wlio  had  collected  for  the  Indian  mission,  as  ordered  last  year, 
it  is  found  the  order  was  not  fulfilled  by  Messrs.  Chesnut,  Martin,  Gilbert  Ten- 
nent,  Steel,  Sampson  Smith,  Duifield,  Roan,  McMurdie,  Harris,  McCrea, 
Barker,  Simon  Horton,  Zanchy,  and  Todd.  Ordered,  that  these  gentlemen 
collect  for  this  purpose  as  soon  as  possible.  And  that  the  several  Presbyteries 
take  due  care  that  collections  for  this  end  be  made  by  their  absent  members 
who  have  not  complied ;  that  vacant  congregations  be  warmly  applied  to  by 
their  respective  Presbyteries  on  this  head ;  and  that  their  several  sums  be  sent 
to  Mr.  Sergeant  or  Mr.  Ewing  as  soon  as  convenient,  and,  if  possible,  before 
the  next  commencement  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o^ clock,  P.  31.      Uhi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  Indian  mission,  and  the  inquiry  whether  the  interest  of  the 
Indian  fund,  in  the  hands  of  the  trustees  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey  was  paid 
to  Mr.  Brainerd,  deferred. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Treat,  Dr.  Alison,  Ewing,  John 
Miller,  Wilson,  Samuel  Finly,  Blair,  Boyd,  Tate,  Elder,  Robert  Smith, 
William  Tennent,  Caleb  Smith,  Guild,  Azariah  Horton,  Brown,  Rodgers,  and 
the  moderator,  with  the  elders,  Messrs.  David  Caldwell,  John  Williams, 
Joshua  Thomas,  James  Evans,  and  David  Flemming,  be  the  commission  of 
the  Synod  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  that  eight  of  them,  and  the  moderator,  be 
a  quorum. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Cross  and  Gilbert  Tennent,  with  Dr.  Alison,  be  a 
committee  to  confer  with  the  trustees  of  the  German  fund,  about  the  annuity 
allowed  out  of  said  fund. 

The  ministers  belonging  to  the  corporation  for  the  relief  of  poor  and  dis- 
tressed Presbyterian  ministers,  their  widows  and  children,  have  leave  to  meet 
to-morrow  at  five  o'clock,  with  the  other  members  of  that  body. 

Mr.  Harker's  case  came  to  be  considered-  He  declared  to  the  Synod,  that 
he  had  prepared  his  sentiments  for  the  press,  yet  if  the  Synod  would  take  the 
trouble  to  read  his  performance,  and  convince  him  that  he  is  wrong,  he  would 
amend  what  is  so,  otherwise  he  would  think  himself  obliged  to  print  without 
delay.  The  Synod  have  not  sufficient  time  to  read  and  dispute  every  point  in 
his  performance,  which  they  may  judge  erroneous  or  suspicious.  Several 
members  of  this  body  have  heard  him  discourse  on  these  subjects,  and  have 
read  some  parts  of  his  performance,  who  think  he  labours  under  several  mis- 
takes; but  as  the  whole  Synod  cannot  form  a  judgment  upon  his  sentiments 
from  the  report  of  a  few  who  may  understand  them,  they  only  at  present  de- 
clare to  the  world,  that  as  far  as  they  have  been  acquainted  with  his  opinions, 
they  do  not  approve  of  some  of  them. 

The  Synod  further  agree,  that  if  Mr.  Harker,  notwithstanding  this  disap- 
probation, shall  proceed  to  print,  every  member  may  bring  in  their  remarks 
upon  his  book  to  the  next  Synod  in  order  to  their  further  notice,  and  that  Dr. 
Alison,  Messrs.  Treat,  Ewing,  Samuel  Finly,  Steel,  and  McDowell,  or  any 
three  of  them  be  in  particular  a  committee  for  this  purpose. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


22d  day,  nine  o^ clock,  A.  M.      Ubipost  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  Indian  mission  ftirther  deferred.     The  supplies  appointed 
to  Albany,  fulfilled. 

Messrs.    Robert   Cross,   Gilbert    Tennent,   Dr.    Alison,   McDowell,   Treat, 


1761.]  NEW  YORK  AXD  PHILADELPHIA.  309 

Samuel  Finlj,  and  Piodgcrs,  are  appointed  a  committee  of  correspondence  for 
the  ensuing  year. 

Dr.  Alison  represented,  that  there  was  some  money  in  his  hands  belonging 
to  the  fund  of  the  late  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  which  he  thought  himself 
unqualified  to  lay  out  for  the  use  of  this  body  in  a  legal  manner,  and  that 
other  sums  due  to  the  Sj-nod  were  in  danger  of  being  lost,  as  they  were 
not  a  body  corporate  invested  with  a  power  to  sue  and  be  sued;  and  he 
requested  that  this  Synod  would  be  pleased  to  put  this  fund  on  a  surer  footing 
if  possible. 

The  Synod  agree,  that  all  money  belonging  to  that  fund  be  put  into  the 
hands  of  the  corporation,  for  the  relief  of  poor  and  distressed  Presbyterian 
ministers,  their  widows  and  children,  to  be  managed  by  them  in  trust,  for  the 
Synod,  after  the  same  manner  that  certain  sums  belonging  to  this  body,  appro- 
priated to  the  education  of  poor  and  pious  youths,  are  put  into  the  hands  of 
the  trustees  of  the  college  of  New  Jersey,  to  be  managed  in  trust  for  us ;  and 
that  said  sums  be  disposed  of  according  to  an  agreement  made  between  the 
members  of  the  late  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  until  the  widows,  who  were  under 
that  Synod's  care  at  the  union  of  the  two  Synods  die,  or  be  otherwise  provided 
for. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Alison,  with  Messrs.  William  Tennent  and  Samuel 
Finly,  wait  on  the  above  corporation,  and  request  them  to  accept  this  trust ; 
and  that  these  gentlemen,  with  3Iessrs.  Treat  and  Ewing,  or  any  three  of  them, 
act  and  do  every  thing  relative  to  this  affair. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  McDowell,  Steel,  Blair,  Ewing,  and  Piodgers, 
be  a  committee  to  settle  the  affairs  of  the  Synod's  fund  with  Dr.  Alison, 
and  make  such  distributions  of  its  interest  as  they  may  think  necessary 
for  the  past  year;  and  that  they  bring  in  their  report  to  the  Synod  on 
Monday  morning. 

The  first  and  third  eases  of  conscience  came  to  be  considered.  Dr.  Alison, 
Messrs.  McDowell,  Samuel  Finly,  Blair,  Bostwick,  Caleb  Smith,  Duffield, 
Wilson,  and  Steel,  are  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  a  minute  on  this  sub- 
ject, and  bring  it  in  as  soon  as  possible. 

The  affair  of  a  professor  of  divinity  came  to  be  considered.  And  the  Synod 
agree  to  promote  this  good  purpose ;  but  as  several  useful  designs  are  at  pre- 
sent under  consideration,  which  may  prevent  our  raising  a  sufl&cient  fund  for 
this  end  at  this  time,  it  is  deferred  till  a  more  convenient  season. 

But  the  Synod  being  deeply  sensible,  that  the  churcJi  suffers  greatly 
for  want  of  an  opportunity  to  instruct  students  in  the  knowledge  of  divin- 
ity, it  is  hereby  agreed,  that  every  student  after  he  has  been  admitted  to 
his  first  degree  in  the  college,  shall  read  carefully  and  closely  on  this  sub- 
ject, at  least  one  year,  under  the  care  of  some  minister  of  an  approved 
character  for  his  skill  in  theology;  and  under  his  direction  shall  discuss 
difficult  points  in  divinity,  study  the  sacred  Scriptures,  form  sermons,  lec- 
tures, and  such  other  useful  exercises  as  he  may  be  directed  to  in  the  course  of 
his  studies. 

And  it  is  enjoined  likewise,  that  every  preacher,  for  the  first  year  after  his 
licensure,  shall  show  all  his  sermons  to  some  minister  in  our  Presbyteries, 
on  whose  friendship  and  candour  he  depends,  written  fairly,  to  have  them 
corrected  and  amended.  And  as  they  are  but  young  preachers,  we  are  per- 
suaded that  no  better  method  can  be  taken  in  present  circumstances  to  im- 
prove them  in  Christian  knowledge  and  render  them  eminently  useful  in 
their  stations.  It  is  also  enjoined  that  they  preach  as  often  as  they  can 
before  stated  ministers,  that  they  may  correct  their  gesture,  pronunciation, 
delivery,  and  the  like.     And  it  is  further  enjoined  that  all  our  ministers 


310  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1761. 

and  probationers  forbear  reading  their  sermons  from  the  pulpit  if  they  can 
conveniently. 

The  supplies  for  Mr.  Beatty's  congregation  deferred  till  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.      Vhi  j)ost  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  reasons  of  Mr.  Brainerd's  absence  being  made  known  to  the  Synod, 
they  are  sustained. 

The  consideration  of  the  Indian  mission  further  deferred. 

The  Synod  seriously  considering  the  situation  of  our  public  affairs,  and  the 
melancholy  state  of  religion,  agree  that  the  second  Thursday  of  June  be  set 
apart  as  a  day  of  public  fasting  and  prayer,  in  all  the  congregations  under 
the  care  of  this  Synod,  where  the  government  under  which  they  live  has 
not,  or  shall  not  before  that  time,  appoint  another  day  for  this  purpose; 
that  all  may  humble  themselves  before  Almighty  Crod,  to  deprecate  his 
just  displeasure,  and  pray  for  the  blessing  of  heaven  on  his  majesty's  per- 
son, counsels,  and  arms;  and  for  the  revival  of  true  piety,  and  decaying  reli- 
gion among  us. 

In  answer  to  the  second  question  in  our  last  year's  minutes,  respecting  the 
choice  of  a  new  moderator,  it  is  agreed,  that  no  moderator  has  a  right  to  pre- 
side in  any  of  our  Presbyteries  but  by  virtue  of  the  election  of  the  members 
then  met ;  but  the  presbyters  may  elect  the  same  person  for  their  moderator 
from  time  to  time,  if  they  think  proper. 

The  answer  to  the  third,  fourth,  and  fifth  queries  deferred. 

An  overture  was  brought  in,  to  the  following  purpose,  viz.  As  holiness  is  a 
qualification  requisite  in  a  gospel  minister,  query,  whether  it  be  the  duty  of  a 
Presbytery,  and  possible  for  them,  to  make  candidates  give  a  narration  of  their 
personal  exercises,  and  upon  this  form  a  judgment  of  their  real  spiritual  state 
towards  God,  as  the  ground  of  admitting  or  rejecting  them  ?  This  deferred  to 
further  consideration. 

Adjourned  till  six  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

23cZ  day,  six  o^ clock,  A.  M.      Ubi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  the  Indian  mission  came  to  be  considered.  It  is  agreed  that 
Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Bostwick,  Caleb  Smith,  McKnight,  Azariah  Hor- 
ton,  Simon  Horton,  McDowell,  Kirkpatrick,  and  the  moderator,  be  a  committee 
to  consider  this  matter,  and  bring  in  their  report  on  Tuesday  morning. 

The  answers  to  the  third,  fourth,  and  fifth  queries  further  deferred. 

The  overture  respecting  the  examination  of  candidates,  deferred  till  next 
sederunt. 

A  supplication  was  brought  in  for  supplies  from  Hico,  Hawfields,  Enno, 
Coddle  Creek,  Ilocky  lliver,  Davidson's  Creek,  and  Lower  Settlement,  near 
the  Atkin  River,  all  in  North  Carolina,  and  particularly  for  unsettled  ministers 
or  candidates. 

A  supplication  from  the  Presbyterian  congregation  in  Kent,  in  Maryland, 
was  brought  in  and  read,  requesting  to  be  dismissed  from  Lewestown  Presby- 
tery. The  Synod  judge  it  is  not  expedient  to  grant  this  request;  but  order 
that  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  assist  their  brethren  of  Lewestown  in  sup- 
plying that  congregation  as  much  as  possible. 

Supplications  were  brought  in  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Lewestown,  Done- 
gall,  and  Hanover,  for  candidates,  or  unsettled  ministers,  to  be  sent  to  them. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  on  Monday  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1761.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  311 


'     25th  da7/j  ten  o'clocJc,  A.  M.      The  Si/nod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
L  hi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Francis  Gardner  had  leave  to  go  home. 

The  answer  to  the  third,  fourth,  and  fifth  queries  deferred. 

Mr.  Caldwell  is  appointed  to  supply  the  southern  vacancies,  particularly 
those  in  Carolina,  who  now  supplicate  us ;  and  to  go  thither  as  soon  as  possible : 
and  the  clerk  is  ordered  to  give  him  a  recommendation. 

Mr.  Hunt  is  appointed  to  supply  the  vacancies  in  Virginia^  particularly  the 
Northern  Neck. 

A  letter  from  the  convention  of  the  Episcopal  Clergy,  now  in  this  city,  to 
the  Synod,  was  brought  in  and  read,  complaining  of  a  number  of  our  body 
for  interfering  in  the  settlement  of  Mr.  McClenaghan  in  the  city  of  Philadel- 
phia, together  with  a  letter  wrote  to  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury  on  this 
subject. 

The  consideration  of  this  afiiiir  deferred  till  next  sederunt. 

It  was  overtured  that  an  address  to  his  majesty  should  be  presented  by  this 
Synod.  Dr.  Alison,  Messrs.  Bostwick,  Caleb  Smith,  and  Rodgers,  are  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  draw  up  said  address,  and  bring  it  in  to-morrow 
morning. 

The  queries  relating  to  marriage  were  taken  under  consideration,  and  after 
some  conversation  on  them,  further  deferred  till  nest  sederunt. 

The  remainder  of  our  last  sederunt' s  minutes  deferred  till  our  next. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o^clockj  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  gui  supra. 

The  complaint  of  the  Episcopal  Clergy  further  deferred. 

The  afibir  of  the  Indian  mission  resumed. 

The  Synod  taking  this  matter  into  serious  consideration,  judge  that  though 
the  mission  among  the  Oneida  Indians,  overtured  by  Mr.  Kirkpatrick,  is  a 
matter  of  great  importance,  and  which  we  would  gladly  favour,  were  it  in  our 
power,  yet,  inasmuch  as  after  all  the  inquiry  we  can  make,  no  person  can  be 
found  to  undertake  said  mission,  nor  can  we  in  present  circumstances  raise  a 
sufficient  supply  for  its  support,  it  is  agreed  that  we  will  to  the  utmost  of  our 
power,  support  Mr.  Brainerd ;  and  for  this  purpose  agree  that  another  collec- 
tion shall  be  raised  in  all  our  congregations,  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  of 
which  shall  be  allowed  to  Mr.  Brainerd  for  the  ensuing  year ;  and  that  those 
who  have  not  yet  collected  shall  be  included  in  this  order,  besides  their  fulfilling 
the  order  of  the  last  year's  Synod  on  this  subject.  And  Mr.  Simon  Horton  is 
appointed  to  notify  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk  of  this  determination. 

Mr.  Rodgers  to  supply  at  Neshaminy  the  fourth  Sabbath  instant ;  Mr.  Clark 
the  first  of  June ;  Dr.  Alison  the  second  of  June ;  Mr.  Williamson  the  third ; 
Mr.  Treat  the  fourth ;  Mr.  Sampson  Smith  the  first  of  July ;  Dr.  Alison  the 
second ;  Mr.  "Williamson  the  third ;  Mr.  Treat  the  fourth ;  Mr.  Latta  the  first 
of  August;  Mr.  Blair  the  second;  Mr.  Ewing  the  third;  Mr.  Treat  the 
fourth ;  Mr.  Carmichael  the  fifth ;  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  the  fii'st  of  September ; 
Mr.  McDowell  the  second ;  Mr.  Treat  the  third ;  Mr.  McKnight  the  fourth ; 
Mr.  Thane  the  first  of  October ;  Mr.  Martin  the  second ;  Mr.  Treat  the  third ; 
Mr.  Chesnut  the  fourth ;  and  Mr.  Latta  the  first  of  November. 

An  appeal  from  a  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  entered  by 
Mr.  Kettletas,  was  read.  The  minutes  of  the  Presbytery  were  also  read,  and 
their  reasons  in  support  of  their  judgment. 

It  is  agreed  that  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Hunter,  Treat,  Dr.  Alison, 


312  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1761. 

Samuel  Finly,  McKnight,  Read,  Ewing,  Hait,  Hector  Alison,  McDowell, 
Sampson  Smith,  Ramsey,  and  Rodgers,  be  a  committee  to  determine  this 
matter,  to  meet  at  Princeton  on  the  last  Tuesday  of  September,  at  ten  o'clock 
in  the  morning ;  seven  to  be  a  quorum,  and  that  the  clerk  notify  Mr.  Kettletas 
of  this  appointment. 

The  cases  of  conscience  respecting  marriage  were  resumed,  and  after  the 
most  mature  deliberation,  the  Synod  judge  as  follows  :  That  as  the  Levitical 
law,  enforced  also  by  the  civil  laws  of  the  land,  is  the  only  rule  by  which  we 
are  to  judge  of  marriages,  whoever  marry  within  the  degrees  of  consanguinity 
or  affinity  forbidden  therein,  act  unlawfully,  and  have  no  right  to  the  distin- 
guishing privileges  of  the  churches ;  and  as  the  marriages  in  question  appear 
to  be  within  the  prohibited  degrees,  they  are  to  be  accounted  unlawful,  and  the 
persons  suspended  from  special  communion  while  they  continue  in  this  rela- 
tion. ^ 

Adjourned  till  six  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2Qth  da^f  six  o'clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  complaint  of  the  Episcopal  clergy  came  to  be  considered,  and  Messrs. 
McDowell,  Caleb  Smith,  Samuel  Finly,  "Wilson,  Hector  Alison,  being  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  draw  up  a  minute  on  this  subject,  brought  it  in,  and  is 
as  follows : 

The  Synod  would  be  sorry  that  any  occasion  of  difference-  should  arise  be- 
tween us  and  that  church,  and  are  of  opinion  that  the  brethren  mentioned  acted 
without  due  consideration  and  improperly  in  that  aflFair,  and  particularly  for 
the  induction  of  Mr.  McClanaghan  to  this  city;  for  induction  in  a  legal  sense  is 
what  we  disapprove  as  contrary  to  our  principles.  But  the  members  com- 
plained of  declare  as  follows,  viz :  That  by  induction  they  did  not  mean  a 
forcible  obtrusion  of  a  minister  upon  the  people  against  their  will,  which  their 
principles  as  Presbyterians  would  never  allow  them  to  propose ;  but  only  the 
Archbishop's  influence  in  settling  the  gentleman  in  question,  with  the  consent 
of  the  majority  of  said  congregation,  which  they  understood  was  the  true  state 
of  the  case.  And  the  Synod  further  think,  these  brethren  should  not  lie  under 
the  imputation  of  what  is  quoted  from  Mr.  McClanaghan's  letter,  merely  upon 
his  doubtful  insinuation,  nor  be  put  to  the  unusual  task  of  clearing  themselves 
when  there  is  no  evidence  against  them,  and  we  hope  this  will  satisfy  the 
gentlemen  who  complain.* 

Mr.  Brainerd  is  now  come. 

A  motion  was  made  from  Hanover  in  Virginia,  earnestly  requesting  that 
Mr.  Joseph  Treat  should  be  appointed  to  visit  that  important  congregation  as 
soon  as  possible,  with  a  view  to  his  settlement  among  them ;  the  Synod  ap- 
prove the  motion,  and  recommend  it  to  Mr.  Treat  that  he  comply  therewith, 
and  also  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  to  appoint  him  there  without 
delay. 

The  address  to  his  majesty  not  yet  brought  in. 

An  overture  was  made  by  Dr.  Alison,  that  an  address  should  be  presented 
to  his  honour  the  governor  of  this  province,  in  favour  of  the  captives  dispersed 
among  the  savages  to  the  westward. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer, 

•  See  Miller's  Life  of  Rodgers,  page  134,  et  seq. 


1762.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  313 


Three  dclocJc,  P.  31.    Postpreces  sedemnt  qui  sxipra. 

The  overture  respecting  the  examination  of  candidates  about  their  religious 
experiences,  deferred  till  our  next  Synod. 

The  answer  to  the  third,  fourth,  and  fifth  queries  in  our  last  year's  minutes, 
and  so  often  repeated,  also  deferred  till  our  next  Synod. 

The  appeal  from  Donegall  Presbytery  also  deferred. 

An  overture  was  brought  in  by  a  number  of  the  members  of  Philadelphia 
Presbytery,  that  they  might  be  set  off  as  a  distinct  Presbytery ;  this  also  de- 
ferred. 

Ordered,  That  the  address  to  his  majesty  be  finished  by  the  committee,  and 
that  Mr.  Cross  sign  it  as  moderator. 

Mr.  Ewing  is  appointed  clerk  to  sign  the  minute  in  answer  to  the  Episcopal 
clergy's  letter. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  May  next,  to  meet  at  the  first  Pres- 
byterian church  in  this  city,  at  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 


1762. 

PUladelpUa,  May  tie  l^th,  1762. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment,  at 
the  first  Presbyterian  church.      UM  post  preces  sederunt 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Francis  Ali- 
son, Richard  Treat,  John  Ewing,  Andrew  Hunter,  "William  Ramsey,  Daniel 
Lawi'ence,  John  Simonton,  John  Brainerd,  James  Latta,  John  Clark,  Benjamin 
Chesnutt,  Henry  Martin,  John  Grifiiths. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Alexander  McDowell,  John  Blair, 
Charles  Tennent,  James  Finly,  William  McKennan,  John  Carmichael,  John 
Eodgers,  and  John  Strain. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Azariah  Horton,  Alexander  McWhorter, 
and  James  Caldwell. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Samuel  Finley, 
James  McCrea,  Charles  McKnight,  Elihu  Spencer,  Benjamin  Halt,  John 
Hanna. 

Of  Donegall  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Robert  Smith,  George  Duffield,  and  John 
Beard. 

Of  Lewestown  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Matthew  Wilson,  Moses  Tuttle,  John 
Miller,  Hugh  Henry. 

Of  Hanover  Presbytery  :  Mr.  Hugh  McCaden. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Gunning  Bedford,  Francis  Brewster,  Joseph  Ogden,  Daniel 
Stilwell,  Joseph  Williams,  John  Grier,  Thomas  Armstrong,  William  Barnet, 
James  Robison,  John  Adams,  John  Little,  David  Ramsey,  John  Matthews, 
John  Hanna,  Samuel  Allen,  Joseph  Collins,  Theophilus  Alexander,  William 
Gallacher,  Anthony  Tate. 

Absent :  Of  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Robert  Cross,  Charles  Beatty, 
and  Nehemiah  Greenman. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery :  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Timothy  Jones,  Jacob 
Green,  Caleb  Smith,  Aaron  Richards,  Jonathan  Elmore,  Simon  Horton,  David 
Bostwick,  Benjamin  Woodroff,  John  Smith,  Chancey  Graham,  Enos  Ayres, 
John  Moffat,  Abner  Brush,  John  Maltby,  Hugh  Knox,  John  Derbey. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :    Messrs.   Samuel  Kennedy,   Israel  Reed, 
Samuel  Harker,  Job  Pruden,  John  Guild. 
40 


314  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1762 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Alexander  Hutchinson,  Adam  Boyd, 
Andrew  Sterling,  Andrew  Bay,  Hector  Alison,  Daniel  Thane. 

Of  Donegall  Presbytery  :  Messrs.  John  Steel,  John  Elder,  Samuel  Thomson, 
John  Roan,  Joseph  Tate,  Sampson  Smith,  Robert  McMordie,  John  Hogg. 

Of  Lewestown  Presbytery  :  Mr.  John  Harris. 

Of  Hanover  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Alexander  Craighead,  John  Todd,  John 
Wright,  Richard  Zanchy,  Robert  Henry,  John  Craig,  John  Brown,  Henry 
Petillo,  Alexander  Millar,  Samuel  Black,  James  Hunt. 

Absent,  the  whole  Presbytery  of  Suffolk. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  Mr.  Elihu  Spencer,  the  last  year's  moderator, 
with  a  sermon  from  Acts  xx.  28. 

Mr.  Brainerd  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Duffield  clerk. 

The  reason  of  their  absence  from  last  Synod  given  by  Messrs.  Charles  Ten- 
nent,  Tuttle,  Hanna,  and  McCaden,  were  sustained. 

As  Mr.  Silas  Leonard  has  not  sent  an  answer  to  our  letter,  the  clerk  is  or- 
dered to  write  to  him  as  soon  as  it  can  be  done  conveniently. 

The  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  since  our  last  they  have  licensed 
Mr.  Samuel  Magaw  to  preach  the  gospel ;  and  the  Presbytery  of  New  Bruns- 
wick report,  that  they  have  ordained  since  our  last  Messrs.  Samuel  Packhurst, 
Joseph  Treat,  and  William  Mills,  and  have  licensed  Messrs.  William  Tennent, 
jun'r.  and  Enoch  Grreen.  New  York  Presbytery,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr. 
Azael  Roe.  Lewes  Presbytery,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  Joseph  Montgo- 
mery, who,  with  Mr.  Samuel  Packhurst,  took  their  places  as  members. 

On  hearing  these  reports  a  question  was  proposed,  whether  it  be  proper  to 
ordain  to  the  ministry,  sine  titulo,  except  for  some  particular  mission.  The  con- 
sideration of  which  is  deferred  till  our  next  sederunt. 

Appointed  as  a  committee  of  overtures,  Messrs.  Treat,  Caldwell,  MeCrea, 
McDowell,  Robert  Smith,  Wilson,  and  Hunt,  to  meet  to-morrow  evening  at  the 
first  Presbyterian  meeting-house  in  this  city  after  six  o'clock  this  day,  and  as 
often  afterwards  as  may  be  necessary. 

The  committee  appointed  last  year  to  dispose  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of 
the  treasurer  of  New  Jersey  college,  for  the  education  of  poor  pious  young  men 
for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  not  having  prepared  matters  to  lay  before  the 
Synod,  are  continued  a  committee  for  that  end  the  ensuing  year,  and  are  strictly 
enjoined  to  bring  in  at  our  next  meeting,  an  exact  account  of  the  disposal  of 
that  money  since  the  year  1758,  and  of  the  present  state  of  that  fund,  for 
which  end  they  are  appointed  to  meet  at  the  time  of  the  examination  of  candi- 
dates for  degrees  at  the  New  Jersey  college  this  ensuing  summer. 

Mr.  James  Hunt  is  now  come. 

Appointed  as  a  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  ensuing  year,  Messrs.  Gil- 
bert Tennent,  Treat,  Dr.  Alison,  Ewing,  John  Millar,  Wilson,  President  Fin- 
ley,  Blair,  Boyd,  Tate,  Elder,  Robert  Smith,  William  Tennent,  Caleb  Smith, 
Guild,  Azariah  Horton,  Rodgers,  Spencer,  and  the  moderator,  with  the  follow- 
ing Elders,  Messrs.  Gunning  Bedford,  Francis  Brewster,  William  Barnet,  and 
James  Robison,  and  that  eight  ministers,  with  the  moderator,  be  a  quorum ; 
and  that  in  case  of  the  moderator's  death  or  absence,  the  first  in  the  order  of 
the  minute,  who  shall  be  present,  be  the  moderator. 

Adjourned  till  nine  of  the  clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  the  20th,  at  nine,  A.  31.     Uhi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  Tate,  Roan,  and  Sampson  Smith,  and  their  elders,  Messrs.  Patrick 
Campble,  George  Clingan,  William  Steel,  are  now  come,  and  their  reasons  for 
absence  yesterday,  sustained. 


1762.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  315 

Messrs.  George  Bryan,  David  Fulton,  and  Hugh  Hamilton,  elders,  are  now 
come. 

The  clerk  is  appointed  to  -write  to  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk,  to  know  why 
they  were  absent  these  three  years  past,  and  to  let  them  know  that  the  Synod 
expect  that  they  will  at  least  send  commissioners  to  attend  their  meeting. 

The  Synod  order  their  I'resbyteries  more  punctually  to  bring  in  their  Pres- 
bytery books  to  be  examined. 

Mr.  Samuel  Harker  and  Mr.  Kennedy  are  come,  and  their  reasons  for  their 
absence  are  sustained.  Samuel  Douglass,  an  elder,  is  come  with  Mr.  Ken- 
nedy. 

Doctor  Alison  informs  the  Synod,  that  he  has  in  his  hands  some  money 
allowed  out  of  the  German  fund  for  supporting  a  school,  of  which  he  will  give 
an  account  before  our  Synod  breaks  up,  or  at  our  next  Synodical  meeting ; 
and  further  informs  us,  that  the  fund  for  the  German  emigrants  is  now  ex- 
hausted, and  it  is  supposed  that  any  further  supplies  from  that  fund  can  hardly 
be  expected. 

As  Mr.  Harker  has,  without  the  approbation  of  the  Synod,  printed  a  book 
containing  his  principles,  Messrs.  Spencer,  Rodgers,  Blair,  Lawrence,  Mc- 
Dowell, Wilson,  and  Bobert  Smith,  are  appointed  as  a  committee  to  examine 
said  book,  and  to  bring  in  a  report  before  the  Synod  breaks  up. 

The  appointment  of  a  committee  to  correspond  with  the  foreign  churches, 
deferred. 

The  corporation  for  the  relief  of  poor  and  distressed  Presbyterian  ministers, 
and  their  widows  and  children,  have  agreed  to  accept  the  trust  of  whatever 
sums  of  money  may  be  paid  to  them  for  the  uses  agreed  to  at  uniting  the 
Synods,  as  was  requested  in  our  name  by  Messrs.  Dr.  Francis  Alison,  William 
Tennent,  and  Samuel  Finley. 

The  committee  appointed  last  year  to  manage  the  affair  of  putting  that 
money  into  the  hands  of  the  corporation,  is  continued. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  McDowell,  Steel,  Blair,  Ewing,  and  Bodgers,  be  a 
committee  to  settle  the  affairs  of  the  Synod's  fund  with  Dr.  Alison,  and  make 
distributions  of  the  interest  according  to  the  agreement  at  the  union,  and  bring 
in  a  report  next  Monday  morning. 

Inquiry  being  made  who  had  made  collections  for  the  Indian  mission,  it  is 
ordered  that  all  who  have  made  collections,  do  this  day,  between  the  hours  of 
two  and  three,  pay  them  to  Mr.  Ewing,  and  that  he  bring  in  an  account  of  what 
is  done. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  the  20^^,  at  three  of  the  clocJi,  P.  31.  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  sup>ra. 

Mr.  Steel  is  now  come  with  his  elder,  Jonathan  Holmes,  his  reasons  for  his 
absence  are  sustained. 

The  Synod  seriously  considering  that  our  nation  is  involved  in  an  additional 
war  with  Spain,  and  the  melancholy  state  of  religion  in  our  churches,  do  agree 
that  the  third  Thursday  of  June  be  observed  as  a  day  of  public  fasting  and 
prayer  in  all  the  congregations  under  the  care  of  our  Synod,  where  the  gov- 
ernment under  which  they  live  has  not,  or  shall  not  before  that  time  appoint 
another  day  for  that  purpose,  that  all  may  humble  themselves  before  Almighty 
God,  to  deprecate  his  just  displeasure,  and  pray  for  the  blessing  of  heaven  on 
his  Majesty's  person,  counsels,  and  arms,  and  for  the  revival  of  true  piety 
among  us. 

The  supplies  for  Mr.  Beatty's  congregation  were  in  general  well  fulfilled. 

Mr.  Sampson  Smith  is  appointed  to  supply  Neshaminy  the  fourth  Sabbath 


316  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1762. 

of  May,  Mr.  Steel  the  fifth ;  Mr.  Carmichael  the  first  Sabbath  of  June,  Mr. 
Treat  the  second,  Dr.  Alison  the  third,  Mr.  Halt  the  fourth ;  Mr.  Martin  the 
fiii-st  Sabbath  of  July,  Mr.  Treat  the  second,  Mr.  Latta  the  third,  Mr.  Ches- 
nutt  the  fourth ;  Mr.  Clark  the  first  Sabbath  of  August,  Mr.  Treat  the  second, 
Mr.  Montgomery  the  third,  Dr.  Alison,  the  fourth,  Mr.  Simonton  the  fifth ; 
Mr.  Treat  the  first  of  September,  Mr.  Enoch  Green  the  second,  Mr.  McDowell 
the  third,  and  Mr.  Roberts  the  fourth. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  Mr.  Kettletas's  afiair  met  according  to 
appointment,  and  report  as  follows  : 

^'Princeton,  September  the  29<A,  1761. 

"The  committee  of  the  Synod  met  according  to  appointment.  V hi  post 
preces  sederunt  '^ 

"Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Richard  Treat,  Dr.  Francis  Alison,  Samuel 
Finley,  John  Rogers,  Andrew  Hunter,  and  Israel  Read. 

"  Dr.  Alison  was  chosen  Moderator,  Mr.  Treat  clerk. 

"  The  committee  took  Mr.  Kettletas's  afiair  under  consideration,  and  finding 
that  Mr.  Kettletas  was  not  present,  who  sent  sufficient  reasons  to  excuse  his 
absence,  and  earnestly  requesting  that  we  would  endeavour  to  remove  the  dif- 
ference subsisting  between  him  and  the  Presbytery  of  New  York :  It  was 
unanimously  resolved,  that  the  committee  could  not  proceed  in  a  judicial  way 
to  determine  the  cause  while  one  of  the  parties  was  absent,  therefore  it  was 
thought  proper  to  confer  with  the  Presbytery,  and  to  remove  all  grounds  of 
complaint  between  him  and  them  if  possible.  It  plainly  appeared  from  what 
had  been  acknowledged,  both  by  Mr.  Kettletas  and  the  Presbytery,  that  the 
Presbytery  in  dealing  with  him,  intended  only  to  bear  testimony  in  a  mode- 
rate manner  against  any  thing  which  deserved  censure  or  admonition,  even  in 
a  brother,  for  whom  they  had  a  very  high  esteem,  and  that  in  so  doing  they 
did  not  intend  to  suspend  him,  or  remove  him  from  their  fellowship  as  a  bro- 
ther, but  only  to  admonish  him  in  a  friendly  manner,  and  in  this  the  com- 
mittee do  approve  their  conduct;  and  inasmuch  as  Mr.  Kettletas  desires  our 
assistance  to  remove  all  misunderstandings,  and  that  he  may  live  in  peace  and 
friendship  with  the  Presbytery,  as  well  as  with  his  other  brethren,  we  have 
requested  the  Presbytery  to  grant  this  desire,  and  they  have  condescended  to 
what  we  request ;  and  from  henceforth  do  receive  him  into  good  standing  with 
them  without  any  further  censure.     Concluded  with  prayer." 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  of  the  clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

21  day,  at  nine  of  the  clocTc,  A.  3f.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Ewing  reports,  that  he  has  received  for  the  Indian  mission  since  our  last, 
the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  sixteen  pounds,  two  shillings  and  nine  pence,  an 
account  of  which  he  has  in  his  book. 

Inasmuch  as  some  members  of  the  Synod  have  made  no  collection  for  the 
Indian  mission,  and  some  have  collected  but  once  for  that  purpose,  so  that  the 
sums  collected  do  not  amount  to  the  sum  promised  by  the  Synod  to  Mr.  Brai- 
nerd,  they  do  strictly  enjoin  every  Presbytery  under  their  care,  to  excite  those 
members  who  have  yet  made  no  collections,  to  propose  to  their  congregations 
either  to  make  two  or  at  least  one  very  liberal  collection  for  this  mission  be- 
fore our  next  meeting,  and  that  care  be  taken  to  excite  vacant  congregations 
to  do  the  same,  and  that  each  Presbytery  report  when  we  meet  what  has 
been  done ;  and  it  is  agreed,  that  what  remains  after  paying  the  missionary, 
shall  be  appropriated  to  the  use  of  a  school  among  the  Indians ;  and  that  what 


1762.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  317 

money  may  be  collected,  be  paid  to  Mr.  Ewing,  or  to  Mr.  Jonathan  Sergeant 
at  Priuceton,  and  that  every  Presbytery  take  a  copy  of  this  minute,  and  that 
to  such  as  are  absent  the  elork  send  a  copy. 

Messrs.  Eichard  Treat,  Dr.  Francis  Alison,  Rogers,  President  Finley,  and 
Bryan,  are  appointed  to  prepare  an  address  to  his  honour,  the  governor,  and 
one  to  the  Assembly  of  this  province,  re(|ucsting  them  to  attempt  the  recovery 
of  such  captives  as  yet  remain  among  the  Indians,  and  bring  in  the  said  addi-ess 
on  Monday  morning. 

The  overture  respecting  the  examining  candidates  about  their  religious  expe- 
riences, deferred ;  to  be  entered  on  the  first  thing  in  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  of  (he  dock,  P.  31.  met  according  to  appointment.      Uhipost  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

With  Mr.  Kirkpatrick.) 

Ordered,  To  proceed  to  the  consideration  of  the  query  respecting  the  ex- 
amination of  candidates,  which  was  introduced  last  year,  by  being  so  pro- 
posed, viz : 

Query :  Whether  it  be  the  duty  of  a  Presbytery,  and  possible  for  them,  to 
make  candidates  give  a  narrative  of  their  personal  exercises,  and  upon  this  to 
form  a  judgment  of  their  real  spiritual  state  towards  God,  as  the  ground  of  ad- 
mitting or  rejecting  them. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  half  an  hour  after  eight  of  the  clock. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

22d  day^  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      V hi  post  preces  sederunt 
qui  supra. 

A  number  of  the  members  of  the  Synod  who  apprehended  themselves  par- 
ticularly concerned  in  the  solution  of  the  question  under  consideration,  informed 
the  Synod  that  they  considered  the  question  as  a  case  of  conscience,  and 
as  there  is  some  difficulty  to  understand  the  query  in  its  present  form  in  our 
minutes,  or  how  it  should  be  stated  in  order  to  proceed ;  and  some  members 
being  allowed  last  sederunt  to  withdraw  and  attempt  to  fix  what  might  be  al- 
lowed the  true  and  proper  meaning  of  the  query ;  those  members  have  brought 
in  two  papers,  which  appear  to  contain  the  general  sentiments  of  the  Synod 
respecting  the  query  or  the  precise  thing  to  be  considered,  it  was  decreed  that 
these  two  papers  should  be  recorded  in  our  minutes. 

But  as  the  person  or  persons  proposing  a  query  have  a  right  to  propose  it 
in  his  or  their  own  terms,  this  motion  was  over-ruled,  and  the  persons  who 
proposed  it  gave  it  in  their  own  words,  which  are  these  following : 

Query :  Whether  a  candidate's  declaration  of  his  own  exercises  and  expe- 
riences in  religion,  given  in  the  way  of  a  narration  of  these,  or  in  answer  to 
questions  put  to  him  concerning  them,  should  be  required  by  a  judicature  as 
one  appointed,  warrantable  and  useful  mean  of  forming  a  judgment  of  his  ex- 
perimental acquaintance  with  religion^  according  to  which  judgment  they  are 
to  admit  or  reject  him. 

Ordered,  That  every  member  be  called  in  order  to  speak  what  he  thinks 
proper  to  the  question ;  after  which,  if  occasion  requires,  it  may  be  debated, 
and  then  determined. 

Adjom-ned  till  Monday  next,  at  10  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


318  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1762. 

24<7i  day,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Uhi  post  preces  sede- 
runt  qui  supra. 

On  calling  the  roll,  it  appears  that  Messrs.  Montgomery,  Kirkpatrick,  Car- 
michael,  Brewster,  Ogden,  and  Gallachar,  are  absent,  having  left  town  without 
leave. 

The  Synod  see  cause  to  resolve  themselves  into  a  committee  of  the  whole 
house,  to  speak  in  the  order  of  the  roll,  as  agreed  before,  so  as  no  member 
speak  a  second  time  till  the  roll  be  gone  through,  and  that  Mr.  Brainerd  be 
chairman.  Messrs.  Steel,  Wilson,  and  Beard,  dissent  from  the  above  resolves, 
and  desire  their  dissent  and  reasons  for  it  to  be  entered ;  which  is  granted,  their 
reasons  are  (not  brought  in.) 

The  committee  having  heard  several  gentlemen  speak,  adjourned  till  three 
o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three   o'clock^    P.  31.    met   according   to   adjournment.       TJhi  post  preces 
sederunt. 

Several  gentlemen  more  spoke  their  sentiments. 

Adjourned  till  to-morroW;  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Ibth,  nine  dcloclc,  A.  M.     V hi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  proceeded  to  hear  several  other  gentlemen  speak  on  the 
question  in  debate. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  d'clocTc,  P.  31.     Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Several  members  more  offered  their  sentiments. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2Qth,  9  ante  meridiem.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Martin  and  Mr.  Anthony  Tate,  his  elder,  have  been  absent  the  two  pre- 
ceding days,  and  yet  are. 

The  remaining  members  offered  their  sentiments. 
Adjourned  till  three,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three,  P.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Kirkpatrick  is  now  returned ;  his  absence  the  two  past  days  excused. 

The  committee  of  the  whole  Synod  having  diligently  attended  to  the  affair 
under  consideration,  and  every  one  having  had  free  liberty  to  speak  what  ap- 
peared to  him  proper,  the  Synod  resume  their  former  character,  and  resolve  to 
proceed  in  the  affair  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  nine,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

11  th,  nine,  A.  31.      Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  apprehending  they  have,  from  much  conversation  on  the  subject 
in  their  late  character  of  a  committee,  obtained  sufficient  light  to  proceed  in 
answering  the  question  under  consideration,  order,  that  the  sentiments  of  the 
Synod  be  taken  by  calling  the  roll  in  order,  to  which  the  affair  was  stated  in 
the  very  words  of  the  question,  viz  :  "  Whether  a  candidate's  declaration  of  his 


1762.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  319 

own  personal  exercises  and  experiences  in  religion,  given  in  the  way  of  a  narra- 
tive of  these,  or  answer  to  questions  put  to  him  concerning  them,  should  be 
required  by  a  judicature,  as  one  appoiuted,  warrantable  and  useful  mean  of 
forming  a  judgment  of  his  experimental  acquaintance  with  religion,  according 
to  which  judgment  they  arc  to  admit  or  reject  him." 

And  the  state  of  the  question  being  put,  affirm  or  deny,  it  was  carried  in  the 
affirmative,  there  being  thirteen  negative  and  one  non  liquet. 

In  consequence  of  some  conversation,  ^j^-o  and  con,  respecting  the  sixth  ar- 
ticle of  the  plan  of  union,  two  papers  were  brought  in,  which  are  as  follows, 
viz :  '^ 

1.  Proposed,  Whether  the  question  now  answered  in  the  affirmative  be,  in  ' 
the  sentiments  of  the  Synod,  an  agreement  in  compliance  with  the  most  plain 
sense  and  meaning  of  a  piirt  of  the  sixth  article  of  the  plan  of  union,  where 
it  is  said,  '^  No  Presbytery  shall  license  or  ordain  any  candidate  to  the  min- 
istry until  he  give  them  a  competent  satisfaction  as  to  his  experimental  ac- 
quaintance with  religion."  And,  also,  agreeable  to  the  order  or  direction 
in  the  Westminster  Directory,  wherein  a  Presbytery  is  directed  to  inquire 
touching  the  grace  of  God  in  him,  (viz.  a  person  oifering  himself  as  a 
candidate.) 

The  2d  proposed.  Whether  said  answer  in  the  affirmative  was  not  a  direct  \ 
and  open  violation  of  the  sixth  article  of  the  union,  by  which  both  Synods  were 
allowed  to  follow  their  own  judgment  for  obtaining  competent  satisfaction  as 
to  a  candidate's  learning  and  experimental  acquaintance  with  religion.  For  it 
was  well  known  to  the  Synod  of  New  York,  that  the  Presbyteries  belonging  to 
the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  did  not  examine  a  candidate's  experiences  in  order 
to  have  competent  satisfaction  of  his  experimental  acquaintance  with  religion, 
nor  do  they  think  this  method  Scriptural  or  warrantable ;  and  in  all  the  pro- 
posals between  the  two  Synods  prior  to  their  union  this  method  was  not  once 
mentioned ;  and  the  Synod  of  New  York  proposed  then,  and  in  the  seventh 
article  of  the  union  they  agreed,  that  the  Presbyteries  might  continue  to  act 
separately,  as  they  had  done,  by  which  agreement  they  confirmed  the  method 
used  by  the  Synod  in  Philadelphia  for  licensing  candidates. 

The  sentiments  of  several  members  of  the  Synod,  how  they  understood  the 
sixth  article  of  the  plan  of  union,  was  required  on  this  occasion,  and,  on  call- 
ing the  roU,  it  appears  that  the  members  of  the  late  Synod  of  New  York 
that  were  at  making  the  union,  do  in  general  agree  in  understanding  the 
article  so  as  to  enjoin  such  a  declaration  of  experiences;  and  the  members 
of  the  late  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  that  were  at  making  that  union,  do  in 
general  agree  in  understanding  that  article  so  as  not  to  enjoin  such  a  decla- 
ration ;  and  each  declare,  that  they  so  understood  it  at  the  time  of  making  the 
union.  ^J 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Some  elders  are  gone  home  without  leave,  which  the  Synod  cannot  but 
highly  disapprove,  and  hope  that  that  part  of  this  judicature  will  not  be  guilty 
of  doing  so  for  the  future. 

When  the  Synod  seemed  to  be  greatly  perplexed  and  unable  to  accommo- 
date this  difference  about  examining  the  experiences  of  candidates,  an  overture 
was  brought  in  by  two  members  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  in  the  name 
and  by  the  appointment  of  that  Presbytery,  who,  fearing  a  breach  in  the  Synod 
on  this  question,  chose  to  be  absent,  but  sent  the  following  proposals  to  main- 
tain peace  and  harmony.* 

*  [Note  by  the  Clerk.]— The  Clerk  of  the  Synod  did  not  deliver  this  excellent  paper 


320  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1762. 

A  considerable  difference  of  sentiment  still  remaining  among  the  members 
respecting  the  inquiry  into  candidates'  experimental  acquaintance  with  reli- 
gion, the  Synod  appoint  Messrs.  Treat,  President  Finley,  and  Blair,  with 
Messrs.  Dr.  Alison,  Ewing,  McDowell,  and  Azariah  Horton,  as  a  committee  to 
attempt  an  amicable  accommodation  of  the  affair,  and  bring  in  an  overture,  or 
overtures,  as  soon  as  they  can  conveniently. 

Adjourned  until  nine  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2St7i,  nine  of  the  cloch,  A.  M.     Met  according  to  appointment.     Uhi  post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  appoint  Messrs.  Enoch  Green,  and  William  Tennent,  junior, 
to  go  as  soon  as  they  conveniently  can,  so  as  they  defer  it  no  longer  than 
next  October,  to  supply  six  months  under  the  direction  of  Hanover  Presby- 
tery, and  that  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  proceed  to  their  ordination 
as  soon  as  they  can,  provided  they  be  approved  on  trials,  and  that  on  their 
return  they  supply  four  Sabbaths  under  the  direction  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Lewes. 

The  consideration  of  a  request  of  a  number  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadel- 
phia to  be  set  off  in  a  distinct  Presbytery,  deferred. 

The  address  to  his  Majesty  on  his  accession  to  the  throne  was  prepared  by 
the  committee. 

An  appeal  from  a  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  by  a  certain 
Elizabeth  McClelland,  was  laid  before  the  Synod. 

An  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  respecting  a 
certain  person  offered  as  an  evidence,  was  brought  in  by  a  member  of  that 
Presbytery. 

In  consequence  of  the  above  appeal  brought  in  by  Elizabeth  McClelland, 
the  Synod  appointed  Messrs.  Rogers,  Kirkpatrick,  Millar,  Wilson,  Hunter, 
Blair,  McKennan,  Simonton,  Montgomery,  Carmichael,  and  Latta,  as  a 
committee  to  examine  into  the  grounds  of  her  complaint,  as  contained  in  her 
appeal,  to  meet  at  Chesnut  Level,  the  first  Wednesday  of  September,  at  ten 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  and  that  they  shall  have  full  liberty  to  consider  the  case  fully, 
and  determine  as  they  shall  obtain  light ;  and  that  seven  be  a  quorum.  And 
it  is  ordered,  that  all  evidences  formerly  adduced  in  that  affair  be  cited  to 
attend,  and  that  a  copy  of  this  minute,  given  or  read  to  them,  be  a  sufficient 
citation. 

Ordered,  That  the  clerk  give  a  copy  of  this  minute,  and  of  the  appeal,  to 
each  party. 

to  Dr.  Francis  Alison,  the  transcriber,  which  he  thinks  proper  to  observe,  and  leave 
room  to  insert  it  if  it  can  be  had  from  the  minutes  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  but 
he  gives  the  substance  of  it  from  notes  on  that  occasion,  and  from  his  own  memory. 
They  overture  to  this  purpose : 

1.  That  where  different  Presbyteries  follow  different  methods  of  examining  the  quali- 
fications of  candidates  for  the  ministry,  they  shall  continue  to  do  so  without  censuring 
or  blaming  one  another. 

2.  Where  the  members  of  the  same  Presbytery  differ  in  their  sentiments  respecting 
the  examination  of  a  candidate's  experiences,  it  shall  be  determined  how  they  shall  act 
by  the  vote  of  the  majority;  or, 

3.  They  shall  desire  the  candidate  to  declare  in  ihesi,  what  he  thinks  to  be  the  ex- 
periences of  a  real  convert ;  and  then  they  may  ask  him  whether  he  believes  that  he  has 
experienced  this  saving  change  ;  or, 

4.  If  peace  cannot  be  thus  preserved,  it  is  proposed  that  ministers  be  joined  together 
in  Presbyteries,  so  that  they  may  peaceably  act  according  to  the  best  of  their  judgment, 
and  according  to  the  dictates  of  a  good  conscience  in  the  discharge  of  this  important 
part  of  their  ministerial  duty. 


1762.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  321 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday  not  having  agreed  in  any  one  overture, 
has  brought  in  several,  which  were  read,  and  are  left  under  consideration  till 
next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Met  at  three  o'clock,  P.  31.  according  to  appointment.      Ubi  post  pi'cces  sede- 
runt qui  supra. 

The  consideration  of  ordaining  ministers,  sine  tifido,  further  deferred. 

The  appointment  of  a  committee  to  correspond  with  foreign  churches,  further 
deferred. 

The  address  to  the  Governor,  and  that  to  the  Assembly,  not  yet  brought  in. 

An  answer  to  the  third,  fourth,  and  fifth  queries  further  deferred. 

The  consideration  of  a  request  made  by  some  of  the  Philadelphia  Presbytery, 
further  deferred. 

The  consideration  of  an  appeal  brought  in  from  a  judgment  of  the  Donegal 
Presbytery,  by  a  certain  member  of  that  Presbytery,  deferred. 

The  overtures  for  an  accommodation  were  resumed.  As  the  affair  is  of  great 
importance,  the  entering  into  a  consideration  of  the  matter  was  preceded  by 
solemn  prayer  to  God  for  his  gracious  presence  and  direction. 

Whereas  some  members  complain  of  two  determinations  of  this  Synod  :  The 
first  was  a  resolution  of  a  query  concerning  the  examination  of  a  candidate's 
experience,  in  order  to  his  admission  or  rejection  :  The  other  was,  the  obvious 
sense  of  the  sixth  article  of  the  plan  of  union,  apprehending  that  by  said  deter- 
minations the  Synod  laid  an  obligation  on  them  to  act  according  to  the  senti- 
ments expressed  by  said  determinations  : 

Now  to  give  relief  and  full  satisfaction  to  such  brethren,  the  Synod  declares 
they  had  no  designs  by  these  determinations,  to  lay  the  least  obligation  or 
restraint  on  said  members  with  respect  to  their  conduct,  but  only  to  express 
their  own  sense  of  the  meaning  of  that  article,  and  their  sentiments  of  the 
query ;  and  hereupon  the  members  declared  themselves  satisfied,  and  withdrew 
their  protest. 

The  afiair  respecting  the  inquiry  into  the  religious  exercises  or  experiences 
of  persons  ofi"ering  themselves  as  candidates  for  the  ministry,  was  maturely 
considered ;  and,  as  a  number  of  the  members  of  the  Synod  do  declare  they 
cannot  esteem  an  inquiry  into  a  person's  religious  experiences,  a  proper,  war- 
rantable, or  useful  mean  of  obtaining  a  competent  satisfaction  of  a  candidate's 
experimental  acquaintance  with  religion,  and  therefore  cannot  in  conscience 
make  use  of  it:  The  Synod  earnestly  desiring  that  all  due  liberty  of  con- 
science be  preserved  inviolate,  and  that  peace  and  harmony  be  maintained  and 
promoted,  do  agree  that,  when  any  person  shall  ofi'er  himself  as  a  candidate 
for  the  ministry  to  any  of  our  Presbyteries,  every  member  of  the  Presbytery 
may  use  that  way  which  he  in  conscience  looks  upon  proper,  to  obtain  a  com- 
petent satisfaction  of  the  person's  experimental  acquaintance  with  religion, 
and  that  then  the  Presbytery,  as  a  Presbytery,  shall  determine  whether  they 
will  take  him  on  further  trials.  This  agreement  did  not  satisfy  a  number  of 
the  Synod. 

In  compliance  with  a  request  from  some  members  of  Philadelphia  Presby- 
tery, the  Synod  appoint  that  the  members  of  that  Presbytery  be  erected  into 
two  Presbyteries  for  one  year  at  least ;  and  that  the  new  Presbytery  be  called 
by  the  name  of  the  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia;  and  that  Messrs. 
Robert  Cross,  Francis  Alison,  John  Ewing,  John  Simonton,  and  James  Latta, 
be  members  thereof;  and  that  their  first  meeting  be  at  the  first  Presbyterian 
Church  in  this  city,  the  second  Tuesday  in  August. 
41 


822  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1763. 

The  remaining  business  on  our  minutes  is  deferred  till  our  next  meeting, 
which  is  to  be  at  Philadelphia,  the  third  Wednesday  of  May  next,  at  ten  of 
the  clock,  A.  M.,  at  the  second  Presbyterian  Church,  till  which  time  and  place 
the  Synod  is  now  adjourned.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1763. 

May  the  ISiJi,  1763. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met,  according  to  adjournment, 
at  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church  in  Philadelphia.      Uhi  post  jireces  sedcnint 

Of  the  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Treat, 
Hunter,  Ramsey,  Lawrence,  Brainerd,  Chesnut,  Griffith,  Clark,  Beatty. 

Of  the  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia:  Messrs.  Alison,  Ewing. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New^  York :  Messrs.  Bostwick,  McWhorter,  Brush, 
Caldwell,  Roe. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  senior,  Samuel 
Finley,  McKnight,  Halt,  Harker,  Reed,  Green,  and  William  Tennent,  junior. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  McDowell,  Boyd,  Blair,  McKennan, 
Rodgers,  James  Finley,  Strain,  Hunt,  Carmichael. 

Of  Donegal  Presbytery:  Messrs.  Robert  Smith,  Tate,  Sampson  Smith, 
Duffield,  Roan. 

Of  Lewistown  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Charles  Tennent,  Wilson,  Millar, 
Montgomery. 

Of  Hanover  Presbytery :  Mr.  Todd. 

Of  Suffolk  Presbytery  :  Mr.  Mills. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Gunning  Bedford,  Robert  Parsons,  Andrew  Crawford, 
William  Hazlett,  Abel  Griffiths,  Richard  Walker,  Nathaniel  McKinley,  Aaron 
Mottison,  John  Wallace,  Robert  Ogden,  Alexander  Chalmers,  John  Smith, 
William  Irwin,  Valentine  Dushane,  Jonathan  Kersley,  Thomas  Bourne,  Alex- 
ander Rogers,  James  Whitehill,  Samuel  Cunningham,  Patrick  Campbell,  John 
Long,  Philip  Tanner. 

Mr.  Rodgers  chosen  moderator ;  who,  after  having  received  from  the  former 
moderator  the  charge  usually  given  respecting  the  execution  of  the  moderator's 
office,  took  his  place ;  and  Mr.  Roan  was  chosen  clerk,  and  Mr.  Kirkpatrick 
his  assistant. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  the  last  year's  moderator,  Mr.  Brainerd,  with  a 
sermon  from  John  ix.  4. 

The  reasons  of  the  absence  of  Messrs.  Boyd,  Beatty,  and  Todd,  sustained. 

The  affair  respecting  writing  to  Mr.  Leonard,  deferred  till  next  sederunt. 

The  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  they  have  licensed  since 
our  last,  Mr.  Patrick  Alison  to  preach  the  gospel. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  report,  that  they  have  ordained  to  the 
sacred  work  of  the  ministry  since  our  last,  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  junior, 
and  Enoch  Green,  who,  being  present,  take  their  place  as  members  of  Synod ; 
and  that  they  have  licensed  Messrs.  Jacob  Kerr,  Nathan  Kerr,  and  James 
Lyon,  to  preach  the  gospel. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  York  report,  that  Mr.  Caleb  Smith  is  removed  by 
death  since  our  last. 

Lewistown  Presbytery  report,  that  Mr.  Hugh  Henry  is  removed  by  death  since 
our  last,  and  that  they  have  licensed  Mr.  Alexander  Huston  to  preach  the  gospel. 

Donegall  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  Messrs.  William  Ed- 
meston,  and  John  Slemons,  to  preach  the  gospel  since  our  last. 

Hanover  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  Mr.  David  Rice  to 
preach  the  gospel  since  our  last,  and  that  they  have  suspended  Mr.  John 
Wright,  and  ordained  Mr.  James  Waddel. 


1763.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  323 

Suffolk  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  Mr.  Goldsmith  to  preach 
since  our  last. 

Appointed  as  a  committee  of  bills  and  overtures,  Messrs.  Hunter,  Ewing, 
Caldwell,  Samuel  Finley,  William  Tennent,  senior,  Blair,  McKcuuan,  Tate, 
Duffield,  Millar,  Todd,  and  Mills,  ministers;  and  Messrs.  Gunning  Bedford, 
Richard  Walker,  James  Whitehill,  Valentine  Dushane,  and  John  Wallace, 
elders,  to  meet  to-morrow  evening,  at  seven  of  the  clock,  at  the  second  Pres- 
byterian meeting-house  in  this  city,  and  as  often  afterwards  as  may  be  re- 
quisite. 

The  Presbyteries  of  New  Brunswick,  Donegall,  Hanover,  and  Suffolk, 
have  not  brought  their  Presbytery  books.  'Tis  ordered,  that  they  be  careful 
to  bring  them  to  next  Synod ;  and  that  every  Presbytery  bring  their  books 
yearly. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Roan  and  Kirkpatrick  examine  the  first  Philadel- 
phia Presbytery  book ;  that  Messrs.  Brainerd  and  Millar  examine  New  York 
Presbytery  book.  The  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  have  not  prepared 
their  book  to  be  revised.  Messrs.  Ilait  and  Lawrence  are  to  examine  Lewes- 
town  Presbytery  book. 

Ordered,  That  all  these  books  be  delivered  to  the  examiners  to-morrow 
morning. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  the  account  of  the  disposal  of  the 
money  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  New  Jersey  College,  appropriated  to 
the  education  of  poor  and  pious  youth,  report  that  there  is  five  hundred 
pounds  proclamation  Jersey  money  appropriated  for  this  purpose ;  the  interest 
of  which  is  to  be  reckoned  at  six  per  cent.,  or  thirty  pounds  per  annum,  clear 
of  all  expenses :  and  that  the  various  committees  appointed  from  the  year 
1758,  have  made  such  distributions  of  that  money  that  there  appears  to  have 
been  last  October,  twenty-seven  pounds  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

19th  dai/,  A.  31.  at  nine  of  the  dock.     Post  preccs  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  James  Finley,  Israel  Read,  Abner  Brush,  Azael  Row,  Alexander 
McWhorter,  David  Bostwick,  and  Mr.  McKnight,  are  now  come,  and  the 
reasons  of  their  yesterday's  absence  are  sustained. 

Messrs.  Philip  Tanner,  and  Nathaniel  McKinley,  are  also  come. 

Mr.  Abner  Brush  is  appointed  to  inform  Mr.  Silas  Leonard  that  he  is  de- 
sired to  attend  our  next  Synodical  meeting,  or  give  his  reasons  for  non-attend- 
ance, otherwise  his  name  shall  be  left  out  of  the  Synod's  roll;  and  that  Mr. 
Brush  deliver  to  him  a  copy  of  this  minilte,  and  bring  us  his  answer  at  our 
next  meeting. 

3Ir.  Beard  is  now  come,  and  the  reasons  of  his  delay  are  sustained. 

jMessrs.  Samuel  Finley,  William  Tennent,  senior,  Guild,  Halt,  Brainerd, 
Kirkpatrick,  Ewing,  appointed  to  be  a  committee  to  dispose  of  the  interest  in 
the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  New  Jersey  College,  for  the  education  of  poor 
and  pious  youths,  which  was  due  last  October ;  and  also  of  what  shall  become 
due  at  the  end  of  the  current  year ;  who  are  to  meet  at  Princetown  the  next  ex- 
amination of  candidates  for  degrees. 

Mr.  Harker  is  come,  and  his  reasons  for  yesterday's  absence  are  sustained. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Kersley,  one  of  the  elders,  is  also  come. 

The  Synod  appoint  as  their  commission  for  the  ensuing  year,  Messrs.  Gil- 
bert Tennent,  Treat,  Dr.  Alison,  Ewing,  John  Millar,  Wilson,  Samuel  Finley, 
Boyd,  Blair,  Tait,  Elder,  Robert  Smith,  William  Tennent,  senior,  Guild, 
Azariah  Horton,  Brown,  Spencer,  Brainerd,  Bostwick,  Hunter,  Beatty, 
McDowell,  with  the  moderator;  and  the  following  elders,  Messrs.  Jonathan 


324  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1763. 

Wallace,  Gunning  Bedford,  Richard  Walker,  Thomas  Bourne,  John  Smith, 
James  Whitehill,  and  Nathaniel  McKinley,  of  which  twelve,  and  the  mode- 
rator, shall  be  a  quorum,  of  which  ten  shall  be  ministers ;  and  in  case  of  the 
moderator's  death,  or  absence,  the  first  in  the  order  of  the  minute  remaining, 
shall  call  the  commission,  if  there  be  occasion,  and  preside  therein. 

Mr.  Duffield  wrote  to  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk,  and  the  reasons  for  their 
absence  for  some  years  past,  were  sustained. 

It  is  recommended  to  them  to  attend  as  often  as  possible,  or  to  send  com- 
missioners. 

Dr.  Alison,  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Cross,  Treat,  and  Ewing,  were  appointed 
to  collect,  and  to  put  into  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  the  corporation  for  the 
relief  of  poor  and  distressed  Presbyterian  ministers,  &c.  the  money  belonging 
to  the  late  Synod  of  Philadelphia. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Mclfcwell,  Treat,  Samuel  Finley,  Blair,  and  Ewing, 
be  a  committee  to  settle  the  affairs  of  the  Synod's  fund  with  Dr.  Alison,  and 
make  a  distribution  of  the  interest  according  to  the  agreement  of  the  union, 
and  bring  in  a  report  at  our  next  meeting. 

The  Synod  appoint,  that  in  case  the  governments  under  which  the  members 
respectively  reside,  do  not  appoint  a  day  of  thanksgiving  for  the  blessings  of  a 
peace,  after  it  has  been  proclaimed,  the  several  members  do  observe  a  day  for 
that  purpose  in  due  time. 

The  members  who  have  made  collections  for  the  Indian  Mission  are  ordered 
to  pay  in  the  same  to  Mr.  Ewing  before  to-morrow  morning. 

Ordered,  That  there  be  a  collection  made  in  all  the  congregations  under  the 
care  of  this  Synod,  both  in  those  who  have  and  who  have  not  ministers  settled 
among  them,  for  the  Indian  mission  and  the  Indian  school;  and  that  every 
Presbytery  take  care  that  the  collections  in  their  vacancies  be  made  in  due  time ; 
and  that  thirty  pounds  be  given  to  a  school-master  for  the  ensuing  year ;  and 
that  Messrs.  John  Meas,  John  Wallace,  George  Bryan,  John  Bayard,  Isaac 
Snowdon,  be  requested  to  assist  Mr.  Brainerd  to  build  a  school-house  and  to 
dispose  of  the  money  collected  for  the  use  of  said  school,  and  lay  the  accounts 
before  the  next  Synod ;  and  that  Mr.  George  Bryan  be  appointed  treasurer  of 
the  committee. 

The  Synod  having  considered  the  importance  of  the  mission  among  the 
Oneida  Indians,  and  the  small  sum  of  money  allowed  by  the  society  in  Britain 
to  Mr.  Occam,  their  missionary,  together  with  the  number  of  his  family,  have 
thought  proper  to  take  that  mission  under  their  consideration  and  care  for  the 
ensuing  year,  and  order,  that  he  be  allowed  sixty-five  pounds  for  this  year.  It 
is  also  requested  of  the  commissioners  in  New  York,  that  they  write  im- 
mediately to  the  society  in  Scotlsftid,  praying  them  to  grant  a  larger  sum  for 
the  support  of  said  mission ;  and  that  the  money  collected  in  New  York  and 
some  other  neighbouring  congregations  be  paid  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Bost- 
wick,  to  enable  him  to  pay  Mr.  Occam  the  sum  promised  him  by  the  Synod, 
and  that  he  lay  a  fair  state  of  these  accounts  before  the  Synod  at  their 
next  meeting. 

Ordered,  also.  That  Mr.  Ewing  procure  a  state  of  the  accounts  of  Mr.  Ser- 
geant, relating  to  the  Indian  mission  under  the  care  of  iMr.  Brainerd,  and  lay 
them,' with  an  account  of  the  money  received  by  himself,  before  the  Synod  at 
their  next  meeting. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

19th  day^  at  three  d clock,  P.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Strain  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons  for  delaying  so  long  are  sustained. 
Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1763.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  325 

20th  day,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Postpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Green  fulfilled  bis  appointments  to  Virginia.  Mr.  William  Tennent, 
jun.  not  fulfilling  his,  is  excused. 

The  Synod  find  that  many  of  their  candidates  do  not  attend  their  meetings^  \ 
and  for  this  reason  many  of  their  appointments  are  not  fulfilled ;  they  judge  ^ 
that  candidates  should  constantly  attend  their  respective  Presbyteries,  and  as 
often  as  they  can  conveniently  they  should  attend  our  Synods.     They  there- 
fore recommend  it  to  all  our  Presbyteries  to  propose  one  or  more  of  their  can- 
didates as  persons  that  they  think  proper  to  be  sent  to  preach  to  our  frontier 
settlements,  and  that  they  let  these  candidates  know  that  they  intend  to  propose 
them  as  such  to  the  Synod,  that  so  our  Synodical  appointments  may  be  more 
punctually  fulfilled.     And  that  no  candidate,  without  very  weighty  reasons, 
presume  to  break  our  appointments ;  and  it  is  recommended  to  the  Presbyte- 
ries to  impress  their  minds  with  a  sense  of  the  importance  of  obeying  Synodical  ( 
orders  and  appointments.  "~~ 

Mr.  Barker's  affair,  which  was  brought  before  the  Synod  some  years  ago, 
deferred. 

The  appeal  from  Donegall  Presbytery  respecting  elders,  deferred. 

Adjom-ned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

20?^  day,  three  of  the  cloch,  P.  M.     Postpreces  sedemnt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  McKnight  and  Botswick  are  added  to  the  members  appointed  last 
year  to  examine  Mr.  Harker's  book,  who  are  to  meet  at  three  of  the  clock  to- 
morrow afternoon,  to  bring  in  then-  report  next  Monday  morning. 

The  committee  met  at  Chestnut  Level,  according  to  appointment,  and  their 
minutes  were  read,  as  also  the  minutes  of  Donegall  Presbytery  respecting  the 
affair  which  the  committee  were  to  consider. 

Adjourned  tUl  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  of  the  clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

21st  day,  at  nine  of  the  clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  two  first  articles  in  the  committee's  report,  who  met  at  Chestnut  Level, 
with  the  Presbytery's  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  the  committee,  came 
under  consideration,  but  deferred  till  Monday  next  for  want  of  time  to  issue 
them. 

Adjourned  tUl  Monday  morning,  at  ten  of  the  clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

23fZ  day,  at  ten,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Messrs.  Boyd  and  William  Tennent,  Jun.  excepted,  who  had  leave  to  go 
home.) 

Mr.  John  Simonton  is  now  come,  and  the  reasons  for  his  coming  so  late  were 
sustained. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Alison,  Messrs.  Bostwick,  S.  Finley,  with  the  moderator, 
be  a  committee  to  form  and  bring  in  an  address  to  his  majesty  on  the  birth  of 
the  prince  and  the  establishment  of  a  peace. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  Mr.  Harker's  book,  have  not  brought 
in  their  report.     Ordered,  That  they  bring  it  in  to-morrow  morning. 

The  affair  considered  by  the  committee  who  met  last  year  at  Chestnut  Level, 
deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


326  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1763. 

2Bd  day  J  three  of  the  cloch,  P.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

I  A  request  from  the  corporation  for  the  relief  of  poor  and  distressed  Presby- 
terian ministers,  &c.  was  brought  in  and  read,  which  is  as  follows : 

'^  Nov.  16,  1762.  At  a  meeting  of  the  corporation  in  this  city  it  was  agreed, 
that  this  board  appoint  some  of  their  members  to  wait  on  the  Synod  at  their 
next  meeting,  and  in  their  name  request  that  some  missionaries  be  sent  to 
preach  to  the  distressed  frontier  inhabitants,  and  to  report  their  distresses,  and 
to  let  us  know  where  new  congregations  are  a  forming,  and  what  is  necessary 
to  be  done  to  promote  the  spread  of  the  gospel  among  them,  and  that  they  in- 
form us  what  opportunities  there  may  be  of  preaching  the  gospel  to  the  Indian 
nations  in  their  neighbourhood. 

"And  it  is  agreed  that  the^^necessary  expenses  of  these  missionaries  be  paid 
by  this  board,  and  that  Messrs.  John  Meas,  Dr.  Redman,  William  Humphreys, 
G-eorge  Bryans,  Treat,  Ewing,  and  the  secretary,  wait  on  the  Synod,  and 
earnestly  press  them  to  grant  this  request." 

In  consequence  of  the  above  request  the  Synod  appoint  Messrs.  Beatty  and 
Brainerd  to  go  on  the  aforesaid  mission,  as  soon  as  they  can  conveniently,  so 
as  to  be  able  to  return  so  as  to  make  a  report  to  the  corporation  at  their  next 
r-  general  meeting  in  October.  And  that  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  sen.,  Mc- 
Knight  and  Hunter,  supply  Mr.  Brainerd's  pulpit  and  take  care  of  his  con- 
cerns among  the  Indians,  and  that  Mr.  Treat  supply  Mr.  Beatty's  pulpit  once 
every  three  Sabbaths.  Mr.  Chestnut  is  to  supply  at  Barnegate  and  Mane- 
hockin  the  first  Sabbath  of  September. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

24<7t  day,  at  nine  o\loch.     Post  pi'reces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

_  (Except  Mr.  Beatty,  whose  absence  is  known,  and  the  reasons  sustained.) 

As  the  Synod  have  the  mission  to  the  frontiers  much  at  heart,  therefore  lest 
it  miscarry  it  is  ordered,  that  if  either  Mr.  Beatty  or  Mr.  Brainerd  fail  of  going, 
;  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  shall  go  in  the  place  of  the  person  who  fails. 

The  affair  depending  between  some  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  and  the 
committee  of  the  Synod  that  met  at  Chesnut  Level,  came  under  consideration ; 
and  after  much  time  spent  in  debating  the  first  report  of  the  committee  respect- 
ing the  evidence  given  by  Margaret  McCleland,  it  was  put  to  the  vote,  whether 
the  Synod  do  approve  the  judgment  of  the  committee  or  not,  and  it  was  carried 
approve  by  a  great  majority. 

The  article  relating  to  Agnes  McKnight,  who  was  not  allowed  by  the  com- 
mittee to  give  her  evidence  was  considered,  and  voted  approve  the  conduct  of 
the  committee  or  not ;  and  there  were  ten  non  liquets ;  but  the  committee's 
judgment  was  disapproved  by  a  great  majority. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clocTc,  P.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Ewing  begged  leave  to  protest  against  the  last  judgment  of  the  Synod, 
for  the  following  reasons  : 

1.  Because,  whether  Margaret  McCleland  first  informed  the  mother  or  not, 
it  is  certain  she  joined  the  other  young  woman,  Agnes  McKnight,  in  the  report; 
and  they  only  are  the  raisers  and  propagators  of  that  shocking  defamation. 
But,  by  the  late  judgment,  a  person  deserving  to  sufi"er  as  a  vile  dcfamer  and 
a  slanderer,  may  save  herself  by  swearing  that  the  person  defamed  is  guilty. 
It  appears  also  by  this  decision  that  any  such  a  reporter  may  prove  his  own 
report  upon  oath,  and  so  a  person  most  deeply  interested  may  by  this  single 


1763.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  327 

oath,  without  any  other  evidence,  prove  a  criminal  case,  which  is  destructive  of 
all  civil  or  religious  societies,  as  it  puts  it  in  the  power  of  any  one  malicious 
or  iutcrested  person  to  deprive  others  of  life,  character,  or  property,  by  only 
saying  that  they  are  guilty,  and  then  swearing  it. 

2.  Because  it  is  contrary  to  the  express  word  of  God,  in  many  places,  con- 
cerning the  number  and  qualifications  of  witnesses;  such  as  Dcut.  xix.  15, 
"  one  witness  shall  not  rise  up  (or  be  established)  against  a  man  for  any  iniquity, 
or  for  any  sin,  in  any  sin  that  he  sinneth  :  at  the  mouth  of  two  witnesses  or 
at  the  mouth  of  throe  witnesses  shall  every  matter  be  established."  See  also 
1  Tim.  V.  19,  "against  an  elder  receive  not  an  accusation  but  before  two  or 
three  witnesses."  So  Num.  iii.  17;  Matt,  xviii.  1(5;  Jou.  viii.  17;  2  Cor. 
xiii.  1.  Now  Margaret  McCleland  is  adduced  to  prove  some  rudeness  or  im- 
modesty offered  to  herself  by  an  elder,  or  minister,  as  appears  from  the  minutes 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Douegall,  taken  in  conjunction  with  the  minutes  of  the 
committee,  who  say  that  she  looks  on  herself  to  have  been  unduly  treated  on 
the  night  of  the  diversion. 

3.  Because  the  admission  of  such  single  or  interested  evidences  is  contrary 
to  the  judgment  of  our  best  divines,  as  Willard  on  the  Ninth  Com.  Ames  de 
Couscientia,  and  many  more.  It  is  against  the  law  of  nature  and  the  sacred 
rights  of  mankind  in  the  judgment  of  all  our  moralists,  as  Hutcheson,  Puffen- 
dorf,  Carmichael,  Grotius,  &c.  and  contrary  to  the  laws  and  customs  of  all  civil- 
ized nations.  See,  on  this  topic,  Justinian's  Code;  the  Law  of  Evidences, 
page  121,  126;  Hawkins'  Pleas,  page  256;  Viner's  Abridgment,  page  247. 
So  the  admission  of  such  evidences  is  contrary  to  the  reason  and  common  sense 
of  mankind,  and  dishonourable  to  this  body. 

4.  Because  civil  courts  require  witnesses  to  swear  that  they  are  disinterested 
in  the  issue  of  the  cause.  See  Cook.  Littleton.  And  our  Church  rules  also 
require  that  witnesses  swear  themselves  free  of  bribery,  malice,  and  party  coun- 
sel, before  they  are  admitted  to  bear  testimony,  which  Margaret  McCleland 
cannot  safely  do,  and  therefore  should  not  be  admitted.  And  it  is  a  manifest 
inconsistency,  both  in  the  Synod  and  in  the  committee,  to  determine  to  admit 
her  evidence  before  such  an  oath  is  tendered  to  her. 

5.  Because  the  gospel  requires,  that,  in  case  of  private  offence,  the  offender 
be  dealt  with  privately,  then  before  witnesses,  and  lastly  before  the  Church, 
if  the  former  fails.  Now  if  a  person,  in  opposition  to  our  Saviour's  direction, 
spreads  horrid  defamations  and  scandal,  without  either  speaking  to  the  person 
offending,  or  relating  it  to  a  proper  judicature  at  first,  such  a  person  cannot  be 
accounted  afterwards  simply  an  informer,  but  a  gross  defamer,  be  the  matter 
true  or  false,  and  therefore  unworthy  to  bear  testimony  either  in  their  own 
case  or  any  other,  until  he  or  she  reforms ;  and  this  appears  to  be  the  present 
case. 

Therefore,  I  cannot  but  protest  against  such  procedure  wherever  it  happens 
for  the  exoneration  of  mine  own  conscience,  and  declare  that  I  think  it  would 
be  criminal  in  me  to  pay  any  regard  or  submission  to  any  sentence  that  may 
hereafter  be  passed  by  any  of  our  judicatures  upon  such  evidence  as  has  been 
herein  specified.  John  Ewino. 

Upon  hearing  what  Mr.  Ewing  has  now  given  in  as  the  reasons  of  his  pro- 
test against  the  preceding  votes,  the  Synod  think  fit  to  declare,  that  they  appre- 
hend they  had  a  view  of  the  matter  different  from  his,  inasmuch  as  they  did 
not  at  all  design  to  judge  of  the  merits  of  the  case,  or  how  far  one  or  more 
evidences  should  conclude  in  any  affair  depending  before  the  judicature ;  but 
only  determined  in  the  particular  instances  mentioned,  that  for  aught  any  thing 
advanced  by  the  Presbytery  or  the  committee,  those  persons  should  have  been 
admitted  to  give  in  their  testimony. 


328  MINUTES  OP  THE   SYNOD  OF  [1763. 

The  committee  for  bringing  in  the  report  on  Mr.  Barker's  book,  report  that 
they  are  not  yet  prepared. 

The  affair  depending  between  some  of  the  members  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Donegall  and  the  committee  of  the  Synod  was  further  considered,  and  both  par- 
ties were  heard  and  their  minutes  were  read  with  great  attention,  and  the  de- 
termination thereof  is  deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  nine  of  the  clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

25th  day,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  consider  the  affair  of  the  committee,  and  the  appeal 
of  some  members  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall  from  their  judgment,  and  after 
mature  consideration  thereof  they  agreed  nemine  contradicente,  in  the  follow- 
ing judgment:  ^ 

1.  That  the  committee  had  a  proper  right  and  authority  to  hear  and  try  the 
case  between  Elizabeth  McCleland  and  Mr.  Sampson  Smith,  so  far  as  the  Pres- 
bytery had  closed  their  judgment  thereupon. 

2.  The  Synod  judge  that  the  committee  justly  disapproved  the  conduct  of 
the  Presbytery  in  the  manner  of  taking  evidences  by  question  and  answer,  re- 
specting the  affair  of  Tuesday  night ;  judging  that  every  proper  method  should 
be  taken  to  bring  out  the  whole  truth  in  the  matter  depending,  which  some- 
times can  best  be  done  by  way  of  narrative,  and  by  requiring  the  witnesses  to 
tell  the  whole  truth  in  relation  thereto,  as  well  as  nothing  but  the  truth. 

3.  That  the  Synod  do  approve  the  judgment  of  the  committee  with  respect 
to  Jean  Richey's  being  admitted  as  an  evidence. 

4.  That  as  to  the  judgment  of  the  committee  with  respect  to  William  Richey 
and  Mrs.  Thoms,  the  Synod  do  not  determine  any  thing  positively  concerning 
them,  but  refer  the  decision  thereof  to  the  committee  to  be  appointed  to  sit  on 
the  whole  affair. 

5.  Therefore  the  Synod  do  re-appoint  the  same  members  to  be  a  committee, 
who  met  last  year  in  Chestnut  Level,  with  full  power  and  authority  to  begin 
and  examine  the  whole  affair  between  Mr.  Smith  and  Elizabeth  McCleland, 
de  novo,  and  issue  and  determine  the  same  as  they  think  proper ;  provided, 
always,  that  they  reject  not  such  evidences  upon  such  grounds  as  the  Synod 
have  judged  insufficient,  and  provided  also  they  do  not  enter  on  the  considera- 
tion of  any  particular  instances  of  charge  not  yet  specified.  But  this  proviso 
is  by  no  means  to  restrict  the  committee  from  receiving  and  admitting  any  new 
evidence  offered  for  the  support  of  the  particular  instances  of  the  charge  al- 
ready brought,  or  in  point  of  defence.  And  the  Synod  do  appoint  said  com- 
mittee to  meet  at  Little  Britain  meeting-house,  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.  the  last 
Wednesday  of  July  next,  for  this  purpose,  that  six  be  a  quorum,  and  that  the 
clerk  give  the  parties  notice  of  the  matter  to  be  issued,  with  the  time  and  place 
of  meeting,  and  summonses  for  the  evidences. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Harker's  affair  came  under  consideration,  and  the  Synod  heard  the  com- 
mittee's report  respecting  his  principles  collected  from  his  book,  and  the  par- 
ticular passages  which  they  apprehended  were  expressive  of  these  principles, 
were  read. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1763.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  329 

2Qth  day,  nine  o'cIocJc,  A.  M.     Post preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

A  supplication  was  brought  iu  from  Hanover  in  Virginia,  for  supplies,  to 
which  Mr.  Totkl  adtled  a  more  general  rof|Uost,  for  young  men  to  sui)ply  in  the 
bounds  of  Hanover  Presbytery.     ^Ir.  ^Miller  also  applied  for  supplies  in  the 
bounds  of  Lewes  Presbytery ;  and  iMr.  Duffield  made  the  same  reijuest  for  thel 
west  side  of  Susquehanna  iu  the  bounds  of  Donegall  Presbytery.  J( 

In  consequence  of  these  apjtlications,  the  Synod  appointed  Mr.  Green  to  go 
as  soon  as  he  can  into  the  bounds  of  Lewes  Presbytery  and  supply  there  two 
months,  and  in  his  return  he  is  to  supply  in  the  bounds  of  New  Castle  a 
month  or  six  weeks,  as  it  may  suit  his  circumstances.  Messrs.  William  Ten- 
nent,  jun'r.  and  Jacob  Ker,  are  appointed  as  soon  as  they  can,  to  go  and  sup- 
ply iu  the  bounds  and  under  the  direction  of  Hanover  Presbytery  six  mouths 
at  least. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

TJiree  o'clocJc,  P.  M.     Postpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  proceetled  to  consider  Mr.  Harker's  principles  collected  from  his 
book  by  the  committee,  which  are  in  substance  as  follows : 

1.  That  the  covenant  of  grace  is  in  such  a  sense  conditional,  that  fiillen 
mankind  in  their  uuregenerate  state,  by  the  general  assistance  given  to  all 
under  the  gospel,  have  a  sufficient  ability  to  fulfil  the  conditions  thereof,  and 
BO,  by  their  own  endeavours  to  ensure  to  themselves  regenerating  grace  and 
all  saving  blessings. 

2.  That  God  has  bound  himself  by  promise  to  give  them  regenerating  grace 
upon  their  fulfilling  what  he,  (Mr.  Harker,)  calls  the  direct  conditions  of  ob- 
taining it,  and  upon  the  whole,  makes  a  certain  and  an  infallible  connection 
between  their  endeavours  and  the  aforesaid  blessings. 

3.  That  God's  prescience  of  future  events,  is  previous  to  and  not  dependent 
on  his  decrees,  that  his  decrees  have  no  influence  on  his  own  conduct,  and  that 
the  foresight  of  faith  was  the  ground  of  the  decree  of  election. 

It  is  further  observed,  that  he  often  uses  inaccurate,  unintelligible,  and  dan- 
gerous modes  of  expression,  that  tend  to  lead  people  into  false  notions  in 
several  important  matters,  as  that  Adam  was  the  federal  father  of  his  posterity 
in  the  second  covenant  as  well  as  in  the  first ;  that  the  regenerate  are  not  in  a 
state  of  probation  for  heaven,  and  several  such  like. 

The  Synod  judge  that  these  principles  are  of  a  hurtful  and  a  dangerous  ten- 
dency, giving  a  false  view  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  perverting  it  into  a  new 
modelled  covenant  of  works,  and  misrepresent  the  doctrine  of  the  divine  de- 
crees as  held  by  the  best  Reformed  churches,  and  in  fine,  are  contrary  to  the 
word  of  God  and  our  approved  standards  of  doctrine.  The  Synod  called  in 
]\Ir.  Harker  and  questioned  him  in  many  particulars,  and  the  further  considera- 
tion of  his  affair  is  deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

11  th  day,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  Messrs.  Carmichael  and  Green,  who  went  away  without  leave.) 
Mr.  Harker's  affair  was  resumed,  and  the  Synod,  upon  mature  deliberation, 
came  to  the  following  judgment,  viz  : 

The  Synod  considering  that  Mr.  Harker  has  for  several  years  been  dealt 
with  in  the  tenderest  manner,  and  much  pains  taken  by  his  brethren  in  pri- 
vate, and  in  the  Presbytery  to  which  he  belongs,  and  by  committees  which 
the  Synod  appointed  to  confer  with  him,  in  order  to  reclaim  him  from  his  erro- 
42 


330  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1763. 

neous  notions;  but  that  instead  of  succeeding  in  these  attempts,  he  appeared 
to  be  rather  confirmed  and  resolute  in  propagating  his  opinions  among  the 
people,  by  a  variety  of  methods  to  the  great  scandal  of  the  church,  seducing 
and  perplexing  the  unwary  and  unstable :  and  as  he  has  departed  from  the 
truth,  and  opposed  this  church  in  some  important  articles,  and  misrepresented 
the  Church  of  Scotland,  his  doctrine  and  practice  have  a  schismatical  ten- 
dency. On  the  whole,  though  the  exclusion  of  a  member  be  grievous,  yet 
we  judge  that  the  said  Mr.  Samuel  Harker  cannot  consistently  be  continued 
a  member  of  this  body,  and  accordingly  declare  him  disqualified  for  preaching 
or  exercising  his  ministry  in  any  congregation  or  vacancy  under  our  care; 
and  do  hereby  order,  that  all  be  duly  warned  not  to  receive  his  doctrines,  nor 
admit  his  ministrations,  until  it  shall  please  God  to  convince  him  of  his  mis- 
takes, and  to  bring  him  to  the  acknowledgment  of  the  truth,  and  recover  him 
from  the  error  of  his  ways.       k 

Upon  hearing  the  foregoing  minute  read,  Mr.  Harker  requested  a  copy, 
which  the  Synod  ordered  to  be  given  him  properly  attested. 

After  some  time  Mr.  Harker  came  in,  and  desired  to  be  informed  by  the 
Synod,  what  they  designed  by  their  determination  respecting  him  as  to  its 
nature  and  extent.  The  Synod  were  much  divided  in  their  opinions,  but  the 
majority  of  the  Synod  returned  the  following  answer :  That  as  by  our  deter- 
mination in  the  forenoon,  he  is  declared  disqualified  for  exercising  any  part  of 
the  ministerial  office  in  any  of  the  congregations  or  vacancies  under  our  care, 
so  by  a  parity  of  reason  we  judge  him  disqualified  to  exercise  it  any  where 
while  he  retains  his  present  sentiments. 

The  Synod  order  Mr.  Nathan  [Ker,  and  Mr.  Lyon  to  go  to  Virginia  as 
soon  as  they  can,  and  supply  three  months  at  least  under  the  care  of  Hanover 
Presbytery. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

28f7i  day^  at  nine  d clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  several  Presbytery  books  brought 
in  their  reports,  which  are  as  follow  : 

The  Presbytery  books  of  the  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  and  Lewes 
are  approved.  New  York  Presbytery  book  was  approved,  save  some  inac- 
curacies and  improprieties.  And  also  New  Castle  Presbytery  book,  except- 
ing one  particular  judgment  respecting  Pencader  congregation,  which  judg- 
ment the  Synod  have  not  sufficient  light  to  approve  or  disapprove. 

The  members  of  Synod  being  few,  and  fatigued  with  close  application  to 
business,  agree  that  the  aflfair  respecting  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery 
be  deferred  till  next  Synod,  when  the  members  are  expected  to  be  more  gene- 
rally present,  and  in  a  condition  more  deliberately  to  determine  whether  said 
Presbytery  shall  be  continued  or  dissolved. 

The  afi'air  of  ordaining  ministers,  sine  titulo,  is  referred  to  each  Presbytery, 
that  their  members  may  be  prepared  to  discuss  it  next  Synod. 

An  answer  to  the  third,  fourth,  and  fifth  queries,  deferred  till  our  next  Synod, 
and  it  is  recommended  to  our  Presbyteries  to  take  copies  of  them,  in  order  to 
have  them  discussed. 

Mr.  Duffield's  appeal,  in  respect  to  a  certain  evidence  in  the  affiiir  at  Chest- 
nut Level,  has  been  effectually  determined  in  considering  the  aifair  of  the  com- 
mittee and  Donegall  Presbytery. 

The  appeal  brought  in  by  Messrs.  Robert  Smith,  and  Duffield,  from  a  judg- 
ment of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  respecting  the  ordination  of  elders,  de- 
ferred till  next  Synod. 

A  request  was  brought  in  from  a  Presbytery  in  New  York  government,  to 


1763.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  3.31 

the  east  of  North  River,  desiring  to  be  incorporated  with  this  Synod,  and  that 
some  members  of  the  Presbyteries  of  New  York  and  Suffolk,  which  are  con- 
tiguous, may  be  allowed  to  be  joined  with  them  in  a  Presbyteriul  capacity. 

After  several  members  of  this  body  had  given  full  satisfaction  concerning 
their  characters,  their  good  standing  in  the  Churches,  and  that  it  was  not  from 
any  unbrotherly  or  unfriendly  views,  nor  from  any  disaffection  to  the  neigh- 
bouring churches  that  they  desired  to  unite  with  us,  it  is  agreed  to  grant  their 
request,  provided  that  they  agree  to  adopt  our  Westminster  Confession  of 
Faith  and  Catechisms,  and  engage  to  observe  the  Directory  as  a  plan  of  wor- 
ship, discipline,  and  government,  according  to  the  agreement  of  this  Synod. 
'Tis  allowed  that  Mr.  John  Smith,  and  Mr.  Chauncy  Graham,  join  with 
them;  and  from  Suffolk  Presbytery,  Messrs.  Samuel  Sacket,  and  Eliphalet 
Ball,  and  that  they  be  called  by  the  name  of  Dutchess  County  Presbytery ; 
and  that  Mr.  David  Bostwick  send  them  a  copy  of  this  minute,  to  let  them 
know  our  determination. 

A  supplication  and  an  appeal  fi'om  the  second  Presbyterian  congregation  in 
Philadelphia,  from  a  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  of  Doncgall,  respecting  the 
removal  of  Mr.  Dufficld,  was  brought  in.  This  affair  is  deferred  till  three 
o'clock,  P.  M.  on  Monday  nest. 

Adjourned  till  Monday  next,  at  ten,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

30th  daf/,  at  ten  of  the  clocJc.     Postpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  Messrs.  Tait  and  Brush,  whose  absence  is  excused.) 

A  query  was  brought  in,  in  these  words :  "  As  sundry  members  and  congre- 
gations within  the  bounds  of  our  Synod,  judge  it  most  for  their  edification  to 
sing  Dr.  Watts's  imitation  of  David's  Psalms,  does  the  Synod  so  far  approve 
said  imitation  of  David's  Psalms  as  to  allow  such  ministers,  and  their  congre- 
gations, the  liberty  of  using  them  V 

As  a  great  number  of  this  body  have  never  particularly  considered  Dr. 
Watts's  imitation,  they  are  not  prepared  to  give  a  full  answer  to  the  question. 
Y''et  as  it  is  well  a'lnroved  by  many  of  this  body,  the  Synod  have  no  objection 
to  the  use  of  the  '.iid  imitation  by  such  ministers  and  congregations  as  incline 
to  use  it,  until  the  matter  of  psalmody  be  further  considered.  And  it  is  recom- 
mended to  the  members  of  this  body  to  be  prepared  to  give  their  sentiments 
respecting  this  subject  at  our  next  meeting. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o^doch,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  supplication  and  appeal  from  the  second  Presbyterian  congregation  in 
this  city  was  read ;  but  as  there  appeared  no  commissioners  from  Carlisle  and 
the  Big  Spring  to  give  the  Synod  light  in  this  matter,  the  Synod  cannot  deter- 
mine it  at  present.  But  as  it  appears  that  the  congregations  of  Carlisle  and  the 
Big  Spring  never  had  the  opportunity  of  being  heard  before  the  Presbytery  of 
Donegall,  and  that  they,  for  this  reason,  have  not  had  proper  means  of  obtain- 
ing light  sufficient  to  examine  and  determine  this  cause,  the  Synod  remit  the 
affair  to  said  Presbytery,  and  appoint  them  to  meet  at  Carlisle,  the  last  Wed- 
nesday of  June,  to  hear  and  determine  the  matter ;  and  if  the  case  must  return 
to  the  Synod  either  by  appeal  or  reference,  the  moderator  of  the  Presbytery 
immediately  inform  the  moderator  of  the  Synod  by  a  letter,  that  the  commis- 
sion of  the  Synod  may  be  called. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  minute  be  sent  by  the  clerk  to  the  session  of 
Carlisle  and  Big  Spring. 

A  certain  Andi'ew  Mahaffey  brought  an  appeal  from  a  judgment  of  the  Pres- 


332  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1763. 

bytery  of  Donegall,  confirming  a  judgment  of  the  session  of  Chestnut  Level. 
The  minutes  of  said  session  were  read,  and  said  Mahaffey  fully  heard.  Upon 
the  whole,  the  Synod  judge  :  1.  That  inasmuch  as  Andrew  Mahaffey  submitted 
to  the  judgment  of  the  session  with  respect  to  himself,  that  he  ought  not  to 
have  been  deprived  of  any  church  privileges  because  he  disapproved  of,  and  ap- 
pealed from,  the  judgment  in  other  instances.  2.  That  the  Synod  agree  with 
the  session  that  there  is  not  sufficient  evidence  to  convict  Andrew  Boyd  of  the 
crime  he  was  charged  with,  yet  it  appears  to  this  Synod  by  the  depositions  laid 
before  them,  that  the  said  Andrew  Boyd  used  a  very  indecent  and  immodest 
freedom  with  the  wife  of  said  Andrew  Mahaffey,  for  which  he  ought  to  have 
been  censured  by  the  session,  and  they  are  enjoined  hereby  to  rebuke  and  ad- 
monish him  for  the  same.  3.  That  though  the  Synod  are  not  clear  that  the 
charge  of  perjury  is  to  be  fixed  on  said  Andrew  Mahaffey' s  wife,  yet  they  are 
clear  that  she  is  guilty  of  ftilsiphoods  and  contradictions  in  what  she  has  sworn 
and  afterwards  declared  in  that  affair,  and  therefore  she  ought  to  be  debarred 
from  the  distinguishing  privileges  of  the  church  vmtil  the  matter  can  be  further 
cleared,  or  she  give  proper  evidence  of  repentance. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

31  day  J  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederwit  qui  sujyra. 

A  supplication  was  brought  into  the  Synod  from  the  first  congregation  of 
West  Nottingham,  to  be  disannexed  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  and 
to  be  united  to  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall.  In  reasoning  on  this  subject  many 
of  the  Synod  were  of  the  mind,  having  considered  the  situation  of  the  congre- 
gation, that  it  would  not  be  expedient  to  set  off  said  congregation  as  requested, 
without  setting  off  some  other  congregations  and  ministers  in  like  manner; 
therefore  it  was  proposed  that  the  other  congregation  of  West  Nottingham,  the 
congregation  of  Little  Britain,  with  Mr.  Hunt  their  minister  elect,  and  Mi*. 
Strain,  and  his  congregations,  should  be  also  set  off,  and  it  being  put  to  the 
vote,  it  was  carried  that  all  these  congregations  should  be  set  off  from  the  Pres- 
bytery of  New  Castle  and  annexed  to  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  ^ith  prayer. 


Three  a' clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 


An  appeal  was  brought  in  from  a  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall 
respecting  the  licensure  of  Mr.  William  Edmiston,  in  consequence  whereof  the 
Synod  heard  the  reasonings  of  both  parties,  and  after  a  deliberate  consideration 
of  what  was  offered,  it  was  judged  that  the  conduct  of  the  Presbytery  was  not 
to  be  approved  in  licensing  that  young  gentleman,  until  the  objections  offered 
against  their  proceedings  to  his  licensure  had  been  fully  considered.  The 
Synod,  with  the  consent  of  Donegall  Presbytery,  agree  to  refer  the  trial  of 
Mr.  Edmiston's  affair  to  the  committee,  to  meet  at  Little  Britain,  to  be  by 
them  issued,  and  that  Messrs.  Gruild  and  Bay  be  joined  to  the  said  commit- 
tee, to  try  all  affairs  to  come  before  them,  and  that  all  parties  be  cited  by 
the  clerk. 

The  society  incorporated  for  the  widows'  fund,  gave  a  commission  to  Messrs. 
Treat,  Finley,  and  Dr.  Alison,  to  apply  to  the  Synod,  desiring  that  they  ap- 
point a  committee  to  sit  with  them  the  first  Tuesday  of  November,  that  they 
may  jointly  consider  on  the  return  of  the  missionaries  from  the  frontiers  what 
may  be  most  proper  to  be  done  to  promote  the  kingdom  of  Christ  there,  and 
what  sums  may  be  necessary  to  defray  their  expenses,  inasmuch  as  some  of  the 
money  under  the  care  of  this  corporation  is  to  be  disposed  of  for  such  pious 
uses,  with  the  approbation  of  such  a  committee. 


1764.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPniA.  333 

Messrs.  Montgomery,  Hunter,  Kirkpatrick,  Simonton,  and  Ramsey,  are  ap- 
pointed a  committee  for  this  purpose. 

The  address  to  the  king  was  read  and  approved. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  signed  by  the  moderator  in  the  name  of  tlie  Synod,  and 
directed  to  Dr.  Samuel  Chandler,  in  London,  requesting  that  he  and  the  hon- 
ourable ^yilliam  Allen,  Esquire,  and  Andrew  Elliot,  Esquire,  both  of  this  city 
but  now  in  London,  and  Dr.  Avery,  of  London,  and  whoever  else  these  gentle- 
men think  proper  to  join  with  them,  wait  on  his  majesty  and  present  it  in  our 
name. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Gilbert  Tcnnent  labouring  under  bodily  indisposition  that  ren- 
ders him  unable  statedly  to  preach  to  his  people,  he,  in  conjunction  with  his 
congregation,  made  application  for  supplies  to  his  pulpit  the  ensuing  summer. 
The  Synod  appoint  as  follows :  that  31r.  Kirkpatrick  supply  the  first  Sabbath 
of  June;  Mr.  Treat  the  second;  Mr.  Treat,  junior,  the  third  and  fourth;  Mr. 
Jacob  Kerr  the  first,  second,  and  third  Sabbaths  of  July ;  Mr.  Hunter  the 
fourth ;  and  Mr.  Ramsey  the  fifth ;  Mr.  Robert  Smith  the  first,  and  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Tcnnent  the  second  Sabbath  of  August ;  Mr.  Rogers  the  third,  and  3Ir. 
Montgomery  the  fourth  ;  and  Mr.  Thomp.son  the  month  of  October. 

Mr.  Samuel  Harker  brought  in  a  paper  which  was  read,  and  the  Synod  did 
not  see  any  reason  from  what  was  there  offered  to  alter  their  judgment. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  in  May  nest, 
to  meet  at  Elizabethtown,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1764* 

ElizahetlUown,  May  16<7i,  1764. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  appointment 
at  the  first  Presbyterian  church  in  this  town.      Uhi  postpreces  sederunt 

Of  Suff"olk  Presbytery:  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Thomas  Lewis,  Benjamin  Tal- 
mage,  and  William  Mills, 

Of  New  York  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Simon  Horton, 
Azariah  Horton,  Timothy  Jones,  Aaron  Richards,  Jonathan  Elmer,  Benjamin 
Woodrofi",  Abner  Brush,  Alexander  McWhorter,  Joseph  Treat,  James  Cald- 
well, Azael  Roe,  and  Samuel  Packhurst. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  William  Tennent, 
Samuel  Finley,  Elihu  Spencer,  Israel  Read,  John  Guild,  Enoch  Green,  Wil- 
liam Tennent,  jun'r. 

Of  the  First  Philadelphia  Presbytery;  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Richard  Treat, 
Charles  Beatty,  John  Brainerd,  Daniel  Lawrence,  and  William  Ramsey. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Rogers  and  John 
Carmichael. 

Of  Donegall  Presbytery:  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Robert  Smith  and  James 
Hunt. 

Of  Lewes  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Mr.  Joseph  IMontgomery. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Elnathan  Wilks,  Gideon  Hedges,  Joseph  Prudden,  John 
Oliver,  Simon  Ross,  John  Woodroff,  Samuel  Camp,  Garret  Noel,  Samuel 
Woodrofi",  Joseph  Kerr. 

Ministers  absent:  Of  Sufiblk  Presbytery:  Messrs.  Ebenezer  Prime,  Syl- 
vanus  White,  Abner  Reeve,  Samuel  Buel,  Nehemiah  Barker,  James  Brown, 
Ezra  Reeve,  Moses  Baldwin,  Samson  Occam,  Thomas  Payne. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery:  Messrs.  Jacob  Green,  John  Darby,  Moses 
Tuttle,  John  Mofltat,  Enos  Ayres,  Abraham  Kettletas,  John  Maltby,  Hugh 
Knox. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Charles  McKnight,  Samuel  Ken- 


334  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1764 

nedy,  James  McCrea,  William  Kirkpatrick,  John  Hannali,  Job  Prudden^ 
Benjamin  Hait,  Thomas  Smith. 

Of  the  First  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Messrs.  G-ilbert  Tennent,  Andrew 
Hunter,  Nehemiah  Greenman,  John  Clark,  Benjamin  Chesnut,  and  John 
Griffith. 

All  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  absent. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Adam  Boyd,  John  Blair,  Alexander 
IMcDowell,  Andrew  Sterling,  Andrew  Bay,  James  Pinley,  William  McKennan, 
and  Alexander  Hutchinson. 

Of  Donegall  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Thomson,  John  Steel, 
John  Elder,  John  Roan,  Joseph  Tate,  Sampson  Smith,  Robert  McMordie, 
John  Hogg,  George  Duffield,  John  Strain,  and  John  Baird. 

Of  Lewes  Presbytery :  Messrs.  Charles  Tennent,  John  Millar,  Matthew 
Wilson,  and  John  Harris.      »^ 

All  the  Presbytery  of  Hanover  absent. 

Mr.  Beatty  was  chosen  moderator,  who,  after  having  received  a  charge  from 
the  last  year's  moderator  respecting  the  discharge  of  his  duty,  took  his  place  j 
Mr.  Caldwell  was  chosen  clerk,  and  Mr.  Montgomery  assistant. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  Mr.  Rogers,  the  last  year's  moderator,  by  a  ser- 
mon from  Acts  xi.  24. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Charles  Jeffrey  Smith,  and  Benoni  Bradner  being  present, 
were  desired  to  sit  as  correspondents. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

nth  day,  at  nine  d clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Smith  now  come  and  excused.  The  members  are  all  ex- 
cused who  have  given  their  reasons  for  their  absence  in  times  past. 

The  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery  report,  that  since  our  last  Mr.  Henry 
Martin  is  deceased.  The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  report,  that  since 
our  last  they  have  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Amos  Thompson,  Jacob  Kerr,  and  Nathan  Kerr,  who  being  present  took  their 
■  seats  in  the  Synod ;  and  that  they  licensed  Messrs.  David  Caldwell,  Francis 
Pepper,  and  John  Roxburrow,  to  preach  the  gospel.  The  Presbytery  of 
New  York  report,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  David  Bostwick  is,  since  our  last,  re- 
moved by  death,  and  that  they  have  received  Mr.  John  Murray,  a  candidate 
from  Ireland,  under  their  care.  Suffolk  Presbytery  report,  that  since  our  last 
they  have  admitted  Mr.  Thomas  Pain  as  a  member.  New  Castle  Presbytery 
report,  that  since  our  last  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thane  is  removed  by  death. 

Appointed  for  a  committee  of  overtures,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Thomas  Lewis, 
Benjamin  Talmage,  William  Tennent,  Samuel  Finley,  Robert  Smith,  Azariah 
Horton,  Aaron  Richards,  Richard  Treat,  John  Brainerd,  John  Rodgers. 
Elders:  Messrs.  Samuel  "^Voodroff,  Joseph  Kerr,  Garret  Noel,  and  John 
Hannah,  to  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  eight  o'clock,  at  this  place,  and  as  often 
afterwards  as  they  may  think  proper. 

Messrs.  Benjamin  Woodroff,  Robert  Smith,  and  Joseph  Treat,  are  ap- 
pointed to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of  New  Brunswick.  The  Presbytery 
of  Donegall  have  not  brought  in  their  Presbytery  book,  notwithstanding  re- 
peated orders  given  for  that  purpose  several  years ;  the  Synod  highly  blame 
such  delays  and  neglects,  and  appoint  Messrs.  Robert  Smith,  and  James  Hunt 
to  take  particular  care  that  the  book  be  brought  in  next  year,  and  that  a  copy 
of  this  minute  be  sent  to  the  Presbytery.  Messrs.  Read  and  Ramsey  ap- 
pointed to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of  Suffolk.  Messrs.  William  Tennent 
and  Spencer  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of  New  York.     The 


1764.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PIIILADELPinA.  335 

books  of  the  first  and  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  of  New  Castle,  Han- 
over, and  Lewcstown,  not  brought  in. 

Mr.  Brush  reports,  he  complied  with  the  last  Synod's  order  with  respect  to 
Mr.  Leonard,  and  furtlicr  reports,  that  since  that  time  Mr  Leonard  is  dead. 

The  committee  appointed  to  dispose  of  the  interest  money  in  the  hands  of 
the  treasurer  of  New  Jersey  college,  appropriated  to  the  education  of  the  poor 
and  pious  youth,  report,  that  they  met  according  to  appointment,  but  their 
minutes  not  being  present,  they  are  not  able  to  give  a  particular  account  of  the 
matter.  The  Synod  appoint  Dr.  Finley,  with  Messrs.  William  Tennent, 
Guild,  Brainerd,  Blair,  Kirkpatrick,  ]^]wiug,  and  the  moderator,  to  be  a  com- 
mittee to  meet  at  Princeton  the  third  Wednesday  of  August,  to  dispose  of  as 
much  of  said  money  as  shall  be  due  at  next  commencement  if  there  be 
need. 

The  Synod  appoint  as  their  commission  for  the  ensuing  year,  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Treat,  Dr.  Alison,  Ewing,  John  Miller,  Wilson,  Dr. 
Finley,  Blair,  Boyd,  Tate,  Elder,  Robert  Smith,  William  Tennent,  Guild, 
Azariah  Ilorton,  James  Brown,  Spencer,  Brainerd,  Hunter,  McDowell,  Jones, 
Rodgers,  with  the  moderator.  And  the  following  elders,  Messi-s.  Samuel 
Woodroff,  Garret  Noel,  John  Hannah,  Joseph  Kerr,  Joseph  Prudden,  whereof 
thirteen  members,  including  the  moderator,  shall  be  a  quorum,  of  which  ten 
shall  be  ministers ;  and  that  in  case  of  the  moderator's  death  or  absence,  the 
first  in  order  of  the  minute  remaining,  have  a  power  to  call  the  commission  and 
preside. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  dclocky  P.  31.  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment,  post  preces 
sederunt  qui  stipra. 

Dr.  Alison  and  Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Cross,  Treat,  and  Ewing,  appointed 
last  year  to  be  a  committee  to  collect  and  put  into  the  hands  of  the  corporation, 
for  the  relief,  &c.  the  money  formerly  belonging  the  fund  of  the  late  Synod  of 
Philadelphia,  not  having  made  report,  are  appointed  to  comply  with  the  order 
by  our  next  Synod,  if  not  already  done. 

Ordered,  That  those  who  have  made  a  collection  for  the  Indian  school  and 
mission,  bring  in  the  money  to  Mr.  Brainerd  before  our  next  sederunt,  and  that 
he  lay  the  account  before  the  Synod.  The  further  consideration  of  the  afiair 
referred  to  that  time. 

The  Synod  find  that  Mr.  Joseph  Treat's  reasons  for  not  going  to  Virginia, 
were  sustained  by  the  Presbytery  by  which  he  was  appointed.  , ^ 

The  moderator  and  iMr.  Brainerd  were  prevented  from  fulfilling  the  order  of  ' 
the  Synod  in  their  mission  to  the  frontiers,  and  the  whole  design  of  the  mission 
was  entirely  prostrated  by  the  breaking  out  of  the  Indian  war. 

I^Ir.  Hait  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner  sustained. 

Messrs.  Enoch  Green,  William  Tennent,  jun'r,  and  Jacob  Kerr,  complied 
with  the  appointments  of  our  last  Synod. 

Whereas  Messrs.  Read,  Carmichael,  and  Enoch  Green,  left  the  Synod  last 
year  without  asking  leave,  the  Synod  cannot  but  disapprove  of  the  same,  and  do 
judge  that  such  conduct  in  their  members  is  contrary  to  the  design,  and  de- 
structive to  the  very  nature  of  such  judicatures,  who  are  always  to  be  supposed 
to  give  leave  when  sufficient  reasons  are  ofi'ered. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


836  MESrUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1764. 

18  day,  nine  o'clock,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 

sederunt  qui  sujpra. 

The  settlement  of  the  Indian  affairs  with  Mr.  Brainerd,  deferred  till  our  next 
sederunt. 

Mr.  Nathan  Kerr's  reasons  for  not  complying  with  our  last  year's  appoint- 
ment, sustained. 

The  Presbytery  to  which  Mr.  Lyon  belonged,  rendered  satisfactory  reasons 
for  his  not  complying  with  the  last  Synod's  appointment. 

Mr.  John  Miller  having  left  the  Synod  last  year  without  leave,  and  not  being 
present  now,  the  consideration  of  it  is  deferred  till  our  next  Synod. 

The  affair  of  Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  referred  to  this  Synod,  came 
under  consideration  in  the  course  of  reading  last  year's  minute,  and  after  some 
discourse  upon  the  subject,  th^^y  do  not  judge  it  expedient  to  determine  at  this 
time  whether  said  Presbytery  be  continued  or  not,  but  refer  it  to  the  next 
Synod. 

The  question,  Ought  ministers  to  be  ordained,  sine  titido  ?  came  under  con- 
sideration ;  and  after  the  several  Presbyteries  had  delivered  their  sentiments, 
and  every  member  had  been  called  upon  to  speak  to  it,  the  Synod  appoint 
Messrs.  Richard  Treat,  Rodgers,  and  Dr.  Finley,  a  committee  to  draw  up  a 
minute  in  answer  to  said  question,  and  bring  it  in  at  our  next  sederunt. 

Messrs.  Gilbert  Tennent,  Cross,  Dr.  Alison,  Ewing,  Richard  Treat,  Samuel 
Finley,  Rodgers,  Brainerd,  and  the  moderator,  are  appointed  a  committee  of 
correspondence  with  the  American  and  foreign  churches,  for  the  ensuing  year ; 
and  that  they  meet  at  Philadelphia  the  last  Wednesday  of  July,  at  three 
o'clock,  P.  M. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P,  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  oWoch,  P.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  settlement  of  the  Indian  affairs  with  Mr.  Brainerd  further  deferred. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  minute  with  respect  to  the  question. 
Ought  ministers  to  be  ordained  sine  titulo  ?  are  come  in  ;  and  after  considerable 
deliberation,  the  affair  is  deferred  till  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

19  day,  nine  ddocTe.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  Mr.  Pierson,  who  had  leave  to  go  away.) 

The  moderator  being  unexpectedly  called  away,  Mr.  Rodgers,  the  last  year's 
moderator,  was  desired  to  take  the  chair  until  his  return. 

The  Indian  affairs  come  under  consideration,  and  Mr.  Brainerd  reports  that 
there  has  been  paid  into  his  hands  the  sum  of  twenty-eight  pounds,  nineteen 
shillings,  and  four  pence,  provincial  currency,  which  money,  with  other  col- 
lections that  are,  or  may  be  put  into  his  hands,  the  Synod  order  to  be  laid  out 
as  in  manner  ordered  last  year,  for  the  support  of  the  Indian  school,  and  that 
the  money  allowed  for  the  support  of  the  master,  shall  not  exceed  fifty  pounds, 
provincial  currency ;  and  further  appoint,  that  a  collection  be  made  this  year 
also,  through  their  bounds,  for  the  support  of  said  school ;  and  that  each  Pres- 
bytery take  care  that  said  collection  be  duly  made  through  their  bounds,  and 
that  they  lay  their  accounts,  regularly  adjusted,  before  our  next  Synod. 

And  Mr.  Brainerd  further  reports,  that  there  appears  to  have  been  paid  to 
Mr.  Occam,  about  the  sum  of  thirty-four  pounds,  provincial  currency. 


1764.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  337 

The  Synod  order  that  the  interest  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer 
of  the  College  of  New  Jersey  for  Indian  aflfuirs,  be  given  to  Mr.  Brainerd  the 
ensuing  year.  _. 

The  question,  Ought  ministers  to  be  ordained  sine  tlhdo?  i.  e.  without  rcla-l 
tion,  or  probable  view  had,  to  a  particular  charge,  resumed ;  and,  after  further  i 
deliberation,  we  judge  as  follows  :  That  in  ordinary  cases,  where  churches  are  i 
properly  regulated  and  organized,  it  is  a  practice  highly  inexpedient,  and  of 
dangerous  consequences,  not  to  be  allowed  in  our  body  except  in  some  special 
cases,  as  missions  to  the  Indians,  and  some  distant  places  that  regularly  apply 
for  ministers.     But  as  the  honour  and  reputation  of  the  Synod  is  much  inter- 
ested in  the  conduct  of  Presbyteries  in  such  special  cases,  it  is  judged,  that 
they  should  previously  apply  to  the  Synod  and  take  their  advice  therein,  unless 
the  cases  require  such  haste  as  would  necessarily  prevent  the  benefit  of  such  a 
mission  if  delayed  to  the  next  session  of  Synod.     In  which  cases  the  Presby- 
teries shall  report  to  the  next  Synod  the  state  of  the  cases,  and  the  reasons  for 
their  conduct. 

The  third,  fourth,  and  fifth  queries  in  the  Synod's  "book  came  under  consider- 
ation, and  after  considerable  deliberation,  we  appoint  Messrs.  Samuel  Finley, 
Spencer,  Tennent,  Griiild,  Montgomery,  Hunt,  Caldwell,  Samuel  WoodrofF,  and 
the  moderator,  to  prepare  a  minute  and  bring  it  in  at  the  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  Monday  morning,  at  ten  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

21s<  day,  ten  dcloch,  A.  31.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  Mr.  John  Hannah,  Mr.  Smith's  elder,  who  is  gone  home.) 

The  committee  for  preparing  a  minute  upon  the  third,  fourth,  and  fifth 
queries,  report  they  met  but  had  not  time  to  finish  it. 

Ordered,  They  bring  it  in  at  next  sederunt. 

An  appeal  of  Messrs.  Smith,  Roan,  and  Duffield,  from  a  judgment  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Donegall,  with  respect  to  the  ordination  of  elders,  deferred  till 
next  Synod,  (all  the  parties  not  being  present,)  at  which  time  they  are  ordered 
to  be  present  and  prepared  for  trial,  that  the  affiiir  may  be  issued. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces  sederunt 
qui  supra. 

The  committee  for  forming  a  minute  in  answer  to  the  third,  fourth,  and 
fifth  queries  in  the  Synod's  book,  made  their  report,  and  after  deliberation  and 
free  debate,  we  judge  as  follows  : 

In  answer  to  the  third  query,  the  Synod  judge,  that  any  student  in  divinity 
who  professes  a  design  to  enter  into  the  ministry,  has  a  right  in  our  present 
situation,  to  study  for  his  improvement,  under  the  direction  of  any  divine  of 
reputation  in  the  Synod,  according  to  a  former  act ;  but  that  when  he  proposes 
to  enter  upon  trials,  with  a  view  to  the  ministry,  he  shall  come  under  the  care 
of  that  Presbytery  to  which  he  most  naturally  belongs  :  And  he  shall  be  deemed 
most  naturally  to  belong  to  that  Presbytery  in  whose  bounds  he  has  been 
brought  up,  and  lived  for  the  most  part,  and  where  he  is  best  known.  _  But  if 
another  Presbytery  desire  that  any  student  or  students  should  come  into  their 
bounds,  or  if  any  such  student  or  M^dents,  for  greater  conveniency,  or  from  any 
circumstances  that  make  it  necessary,  desire  to  enter  upon  trials  in  a  difi"erent 
Presbytery,  upon  his  ofiering  satisfactory  reasons,  he  may  be  dismissed ;  but  in 
either  case,  the  Presbytery  to  which  he  removes  shall  not  receive  nor  admit 
him  to  come  under  trials  upon  his  having  a  certificate  as  a  regular  church 
43 


338  MINUTES  OP  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1764. 

member  only,  but  he  shall  bring  a  testimonial  from  the  Presbytery,  or  several 
neighbouring  ministers  where  he  lived,  recommending  him  as  a  candidate  for 
the  ministry,  of  exemplary  piety  and  holiness  of  conversation,  nor  shall  any 
thing  less  be  esteemed  a  sufficient  recommendation. 

Messrs.  Montgomery  and  Talmage  dissent  from  the  above  judgment. 

In  answer  to  the  fourth  query  we  judge,  that  though  every  Christian  so- 
ciety should  maintain  communion  with  others  as  far  as  they  can  with  a  good 
conscience,  yet  no  society  in  order  to  maintain  communion,  is  obliged  to 
adopt  or  imitate  the  irregularities  and  deficiencies  of  another,  contrary  to  its 
own  established  and  approved  rules  of  procedure.  And  if  any  society  or 
body  of  men  are  known  to  be  of  erroneous  principles,  or  to  be  lax  or  negli- 
gent as  to  the  orthodoxy  or  piety  of  those  they  admit  into  the  ministry,  as  we 
apprehend  to  be  the  case  of  the  New  Light,  in  Ireland,  and  of  some  other  par- 
ticular judicatures  and  individual  ministers  who  may,  and  in  some  places  on 
this  continent,  do  convene  together  as  a  temporary  judicature  for  the  single 
purpose  of  licensing,  or  ordafaing  a  candidate :  in  such  cases,  none  of  our 
Presbyteries  are  obliged  to  receive  and  employ  in  their  bounds,  as  gospel 
ministers  or  probationers,  such  persons,  though  producing  fair  certificates, 
and  professing  to  adopt  our  Confession.  But  if  any  ordained  minister,  or 
candidate,  comes  well  recommended  by  those  on  whose  testimony  we  can 
depend,  such  are  to  be  gladly  received  upon  their  adopting  our  Confession, 
and  promising  subjection  in  the  Lord.  (See  this  further  explained  in  the 
minutes  of  1765.) 

As  to  the  fifth  query,  though  the  Synod  entertains  a  high  regard  for  the 
Associated  Churches  of  New  England,  yet  we  cannot  but  judge,  that  students 
who  go  to  them,  or  to  any  other  than  our  own  Presbyteries  to  obtain  license, 
in  order  to  return  and  officiate  among  us,  act  very  irregularly,  and  are  not  to 
be  approved  or  employed  by  our  Presbyteries,  as  hereby  we  are  deprived  of 
the  right  of  trying  and  approving  the  qualifications  of  our  own  candidates; 
yet,  if  any  case  may  happen  wherein  such  a  conduct  may,  in  some  circum- 
stances be  thought  necessary,  for  the  greater  good  of  any  congregation,  it  shall 
be  laid  before  the  Presbytery  to  which  the  congregation  belongs,  and  approved 
of  by  them. 

There  is  no  report  from  the  Presbytery  of  Dutchess  county,  whether  they 
have  complied  with  the  last  year's  order  respecting  them. 

Messrs.  Brush  and  Parkhurst  are  ordered  to  give  them  notice  that  they  are 
required  to  attend  our  next  Synod,  and  give  us  an  authentic  account  of  their 
forming  according  to  our  orders,  and  that  they  bring  their  minutes. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

22d  dai/,  nine  o'clock,  met  according  to  adjournment.  Post  preces  sederunt 
qui  supra. 

(Except  Dr.  Finlcy,  and  Messrs.  E.  Smith,  Thomas  Smith,  and  Bradner, 
who  had  leave  to  go  home.) 

The  question  respecting  psalmody  came  to  be  considered,  and  after  much 
discourse  on  the  subject,  the  Synod  do  judge  that  they  are  not  at  present  pre- 
pared to  give  a  final  answer  thereto,  and  that  it  is  most  for  the  edification  of 
the  church  to  defer  it  to  the  next  Synod,  In  the  mean  time  we  do  confirm 
the  agreement  of  the  last  Synod,  and  allow  those  congregations  who  find  it 
most  expedient  to  continue  in  the  use  of  Dr.  Watts' s  imitation  till  the  matter 
be  further  considered  and  determined.  ^k 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  at  LTOe  Britain  to  try  the  appeals  from 
the  judgment  of  Donegall  Presbytery,  with  respect  to  Messrs.  Sampson  Smith 
and  William  Edmiston,  report  that  they  met  and  formed  the  following  judg- 
ment.    The  further  consideration  of  it  deferred  till  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1764.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPUIA.  339 


Three   o'clock,    P.  M.,  the    Synod  met   according   to   adjournment.      Post 
preces  sederunt  (jui  suj>ra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  several  Presbyteries'  books,  brought 
in  their  reports,  which  are  as  foHows : 

The  Presbytery  book  of  New  Brunswick  approved  except  some  omissions. 
The  Presbytery  book  of  New  York  approved  except  some  few  inaccuracies. 
The  Presbytery  book  of  Suffolk  approved  since  the  time  of  the  union  of  the 
two  Synods,  except  that  they  have  neglected  to  record  their  candidates  udojjting 
our  public  standards  at  licensure,  though  they  inform  us  it  is  matter  of  constant 
practice  that  they  try  and  license  at  the  same  Pres])ytcry,  and  in  one  instance 
ordained  without  previous  trial  or  licensure;  and  that  they  license  for  a  certain 
time.     Of  all  which  we  highly  disapprove. 

The  judgment  of  the  committee  which  met  at  Little  Brit-iin  again  consid- 
ered. And  after  mature  deliberation,  though  we  do  not  doubt  the  committee 
acted  with  the  utmost  integrity,  nevertheless  we  judge,  the  censure  they  in- 
flicted on  Mr.  Sampson  Smith  was  not  adequate  to  the  crimes  stated  in  their 
judgment. 

Messrs.  Lewis,  Talmagc  and  Weeks,  Mr.  Lewis's  elder,  have  leave  to  go 
home. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


23(:Z  day,  nine  o'clock,  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces  sederunt 
qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  the  corporation  for  the  relief,  &c.  report, 
that  they  met,  but  as  our  missionaries  did  not  go  to  the  frontiers  there  was  no 
money  to  be  disposed  of,  and  they  had  nothing  to  do. 

The  Synod  not  fully  understanding  the  state  of  the  case  with  respect  to  the 
money  in  the  hands  of  the  corporation  to  be  disposed  of  for  pious  uses  in  con- 
junction with  the  Synod's  committee,  we  appoint  Messrs.  Brainerd,  Spcnce, 
Kamsey,  and  Montgomery,  a  committee  to  inspect  into  the  state  of  that  afiair 
and  lay  it  before  our  next  Synod. 

The  address  to  the  king  was  presented,  and  we  hear  was  most  graciously 
received. 

The  appointments  for  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent's  congregation  were  substantially 
fulfilled. 

Several  supplications  from  North  Carolina  were  presented  by  the  committee 
of  bills  and  overtures,  earnestly  praying  for  supplies,  which  were  read  and 
ur^ed  with  several  verbal  relations  representing  the  state  of  that  country.  In 
consequence  thereof,  Mr.  Charles  Jef.  Smith,  a  correspondent  with  this  Synod, 
informed  us,  that  he  intended  to  undertake  a  journey  to  the  southward,  in 
which  we  greatly  rejoice,  and  appoint  Mr.  Smith  to  spend  as  much  time  as 
he  conveniently  can  before  our  next  Synod  under  the  direction  of  the  Hanover 
Presbytery. 

As  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  have  appointed  Mr.  Amos  Thomp- 
son to  supply  for  some  time  in  Loudon  county,  Virginia,  after  said  appoint- 
ment is  fulfilled,  we  recommend  it  to  Mr.  Thompson  to  supply  under  the  di- 
rection of  Hanover  Presbytery  till  next  Synod.  Mr.  David  Caldwell,  a  can- 
didate of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery,  is  appointed  to  go  as  soon  as  possible, 
but  not  to  defer  it  longer  than  next  fall,  and  supply  under  the  direction  of  the 
Hanover  Presbytery  till  next  Synod.  The  clerk  ordered  to  give  attested 
copies  to  these  gentlemen  of  these  our  orders. 

The  Synod  more  particularly  considering  the  state  of  many  congregations 


340  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1764. 

to  the  southward,  and  particularly  North  Carolina,  and  the  great  importance 
of  having  those  congregations  properly  organized,  appoint  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Elihu  Spencer  and  Alexander  McWhorter,  to  go  as  our  missionaries  for  that 
purpose }  that  they  form  societies,  help  them  in  adjusting  their  bounds,  ordain 
elders,  administer  sealing  ordinances,  instruct  the  people  in  discipline,  and 
finally  direct  them  in  their  after  conduct,  particularly  in  what  manner  they  shall 
proceed  to  obtain  the  stated  ministry,  and  whatever  else  may  appear  useful  or 
necessary  for  those  churches  and  the  future  settlement  of  the  gospel  among 
them.  And  also,  that  they  assure  those  people  wherever  they  go,  that  this 
Synod  has  their  interest  much  at  heart,  and  will  neglect  no  opportunities  of 
affording  them  proper  candidates  and  supplies  to  the  utmost  of  our  power. 
Ordered,  that  the  clerk  give  said  missionaries  an  attested  copy  of  this  minute, 
and  proper  testimonials  signed  by  the  moderator  and  clerk.  And  that  these 
brethren  may  not  suffer  by  so  long  and  expensive  a  journey,  the  Synod  agree 
to  defray  their  expenses  and  make  them  a  proper  acknowledgment  for  the 
damages  they  may  sustain  in  their  domestic  affairs;  and  for  this  purpose  a 
collection  is  ordered  through  our  bounds,  and  each  Presbytery  required  to  see 
it  be  duly  observed. 

Mr.  Mills  is  ordered  to  supply  Mr.  McWhorter' s  pulpit  three  Sabbaths, 
and  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  the  remainder  of  the  time  during  Mr. 
McWhorter's  absence.  And  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  ordered  to 
supply  Mr.  Spencer's  pulpit  during  his  absence. 

A  request  was  made  from  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  also  from  Mr. 
Grilbert  Tennent  and  his  congregation,  praying  supplies  for  said  congregation 
till  November.  We  accordingly  appoint  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brainerd  to  supply 
there  the  first  Sabbath  in  June,  Mr.  Enoch  Green  the  second,  Mr.  Richard 
Treat  the  third,  Mr.  William  Tennent,  jun'r.  the  fourth  and  first  in  July,  Mr. 
Murray  the  second,  third,  fourth,  and  fifth ;  Mr.  Rodgers  the  fiirst  Sabbath  of 
August,  Mr.  Ramsey  the  second,  Mr.  Blair  the  third,  Mr.  Robert  Smith  the 
fourth ;  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  the  first  Sabbath  in  September,  Mr.  Beatty  the  se- 
cond, Mr.  Richard  Treat  the  third,  Mr.  Montgomery  the  fourth,  Mr.  Hunt  the 
fifth ;  Mr.  DuflEield  the  first  and  second  Sabbaths  in  October,  Mr.  Guild  the 
third,  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  the  fourth;  and  Mr.  Lawrence  the  first  Sabbath  of 
November. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


Three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces  sederunt 
qui  supra. 

A  certain  John  Harris  entered  an  appeal  from  a  judgment  of  the  Presbytery 
of  New  Castle,  respecting  certain  complaints  exhibited  by  him  and  others 
against  the  Rev.  Mr.  Andrew  Bay.  As  this  matter  cannot  be  issued  here  we 
appoint  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Robert  Smith,  Roan,  Elder,  John  Miller,  Tate, 
Samuel  Thompson,  Beatty,  Ramsey,  Kirkpatrick,  Richard  Treat,  Montgo- 
mery, Duffield,  and  WilHam  Tennent,  jun'r.  a  committee  to  hear  and  try  the 
merits  of  the  cause,  and  to  issue  the  whole  affair,  and  to  take  what  methods 
they  may  think  proper  thereto.  And  that  they  meet  the  first  day  of  August, 
at  eleven  o'clock,  at  Deer  Creek  meeting-house,  and  that  Mr.  Montgomery 
open  the  committee.  Ordered,  that  the  moderator  and  as  many  of  the  mem- 
bers of  New  Castle  Presbytery  as  conveniently  can,  attend  the  committee. 

The  Synod  considering  the  distressed  condition  of  the  frontiers,  the  calami- 
ties of  an  Indian  war,  and  the  withholding  the  influences  of  the  Divine  Spirit 
in  a  great  degree  from  most  of  our  churches,  do  agree  to  observe  the  second 
Thursday  of  June  throughout  our  bounds  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer,  that 


1765.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  341 

we  may  humble  ourselves  before  Almighty  God,  deprecate  his  displeasure,  and    ;' 
implore  the  out-pouring  of  his  Holy  Spirit.  — -' 

Adjourned  till  the  third  "Wednesday  in  ]May  next,  at  ten  o'clock,  to  meet  at 
the  first  Presbyterian  church  in  Philadelphia.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1765. 

Philadcl})hia,  May  loth,  1765. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Ubi  post  2}f'eces  sederunt 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Hanover,  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Todd. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Lcwestown,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Miller,  Matthew 
"Wilson,  John  Harris,  Joseph  ^loutgomery,  and  Jacob  Ker. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Rogers,  John 
Blair,  Adam  Boyd,  Alexander  ^McDowal,  William  McKennau. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Joseph  Tate,  Robert  Smith, 
Sampson  Smith. 

Of  the  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Richard  Treat, 
Andrew  Hunter,  John  Brainerd,  Charles  Beatty,  Daniel  Lawrence,  Benjamin 
Chestnut,  William  Ramsey,  John  Griffith,  John  Clark. 

Of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Robert  Cross,  Fran- 
cis Alison,  John  Ewing,  John  Simontou,  James  Latta. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Finley,  Elihu 
Spencer,  Benjamin  Halt,  William  Kirkpatrick,  John  Hannah,  Amos  Thomp- 
son, Enoch  Green. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  A.  Horton,  Benjamin 
Woodrofi",  Alexander  McWhorter,  Joseph  Treat,  James  Caldwell,  Nathan  Ker. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Sufi'olk,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Thomas  Lewis  and  William 
Mills. 

Elders  :  Messrs.  Gill,  Belcher,  Barker,  John  Maxfield,  William  Skirvin,  Je- 
rome Duchane,  James  Anderson,  Hugh  Wilson,  John  Wigton,  John  Walter, 
John  Wallace,  Thomas  McKean,  William  Allen,  Nehemiah  Baldwin,  Garret 
Noel,  Samuel  Woodrofi",  Joseph  Akin. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery,  absent,  Messrs.  Guild,  McKnight,  McCrea, 
Reed,  William  Tennent,  Job  Prudden,  Thomas  Smith. 

Of  Suffolk  Presbytery,  absent,  Messrs.  Prime,  White,  Buel,  Barker,  Brown, 
Talmage,  Paine,  Reeve,  Occum,  and  Goldsmith. 

Of  Donegall  Presbytery,  absent,  Messrs.  Elder,  Thompson,  Steel,  Rowan, 
Hogg,  Duffield,  Strain,  McMordie,  Beard,  Hunt. 

Of  Hanover  Presbytery,  absent,  Messrs.  Black,  Craig,  Brown,  Patillo, 
McCadden,  Waddel,  Rice. 

Of  Lewes  Presbytery,  absent,  Mr.  Charles  Tennent. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery,  absent,  Messrs.  Pierson,  Jones,  Green,  Darby, 
Richards,  Roe,  Elmure,  Packhurst,  Moffat,  Brush,  Tuttle,  Peppard,  Simon 
Horton,  Knox,  and  Malby. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery,  absent,  Messrs.  Hutchinson,  James  Finley,  Car- 
michael,  and  Sterling. 

Of  Philadelphia  first  Presbytery,  Nehemiah  Greenman. 

The  moderator  opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon  from  Tit.  iii.  8. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  met  according  to  adjournment.    Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
Mr.  John  Miller  was  chosen  moderator,  and;  having  received  the  usual 
charge,  took  the  chair. 

Mr.  John  Ewing  was  chosen  clerk,  and  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  for  his  assistant. 


342  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1765. 

The  reasons  of  the  absence  of  Messrs.  Kirkpatrick,  Hunter,  Hannah,  Ches- 
nut,  and  of  the  whole  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  and  of  Messrs.  Boyd, 
Blair,  McDowal,  Sampson  Smith,  Miller,  Wilson,  Harris,  Todd,  from  our  last 
Synod,  were  sustained. 

Mr.  Bay  was  desired  to  give  his  reasons  in  writing  to  the  Synod,  for  his  ab- 
sence since  the  year  1758,  to-morrow  morning. 
Mr.  Tate  excused  for  not  attending  last  year. 

The  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report  that  the  Rev.  Gilbert  Tennent 
is  dead  since  our  last. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Messrs. 
James  Lyon  and  John  Roxborough  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  that  they 
have  licensed  Simon  Williams. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  York  report,  that  they  have  ordained  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Francis  Peppard  to  the  work  of  the  ministry ;  and  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Enos 
Airs  is  dead  since  our  last ;  and  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kettletas  has  withdrawn 
from  this  body. 

Sufi"olk  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  min- 
istry Mr.  Benjamin  Goldsmith. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  deposed  Mr.  Andrew  Sterling 
and  licensed  Mr.  Samuel  Blair. 

Donegall  Presbytery  report,  that  they  licensed  Mr.  Robert  Cooper  to  preach 
the  gospel. 

Lewes  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  Alexander  Huston, 
who,  being  present,  took  his  seat  in  the  Synod ;  and  that  they  have  licensed 
Mr.  Thomas  McCrackan. 

Hanover  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  David  Rice,  and 
licensed  Mr.  James  Creswell. 

The  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  they  licensed  Mr.  James 
Leng  to  preach  the  gospel  in  the  year  1764. 

The  Synod  appoints  for  a  committee  of  overtures,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Tate, 
Todd,  Wilson,  Rodgers,  Lawrence,  Latta,  Hoit,  McWhorter,  and  Mills ;  Elders 
John  Maxwell,  Nehemiah  Baldwine,  and  John  Wigton,  to  meet  at  six  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning,  and  by  adjournments,  from  time  to  time,  at  this  house. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbytery  book  of  New  Brunswick  be  examined  by 
Messrs.  Caldwell  and  Beatty ;  that  of  Donegall  by  Messrs.  Ramsey  and  Blair ; 
that  of  York  by  Messrs.  Lewis  and  James  Finley ;  that  of  the  second  Presby- 
tery of  Philadelphia  by  Messrs.  McDowal  and  Horton. 

The  Presbytery  books  of  Sufi"olk,  Lewes,  and  Hanover,  are  not  here. 
The  committee  appointed  to  dispose  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of  the  trea- 
surer of  New  Jersey  College,  appropriated  for  the  education  of  poor  and  pious 
youth,  brought  in  a  state  of  their  accounts  since  the  year  1758,  which  is  as 
follows : 

1758,  Nov.  23.  Paid  by  the  treasurer  to  Mr.  William  Tennent 

for  the  use  of  Mr.  Leslie,  ... 

For  Mr.  Carmichael,       .         -         -         -         - 

1759,  Nov.  23.  To  Mr.  Carmichael, 

1760,  June  11.  To  President  Davies,  for  the  use  of  Mr.  Blair, 

1761,  Aug.    3.  To  Mr.  Rosborough,  per  order,        ... 

1762,  May  25.  To  do.  per  order, 

1763,  Aug.  26.  To  Mr.  Robert  Cooper,  per  order,    -         -    "    - 

1764,  July    5.  To  do.  per  order,    - 
Nov.  13.  To  Samuel  Leak,  per  order,     ...        - 


£13  0 

0 

14  15 

1 

10  00 

0 

20  00 

0 

30  00 

0 

14  00 

0 

20  00 

0 

13  00 

0 

40  00 

0 

£174  15 

1 

£27  15 
13  00 
12  00 

180  00 

1 

0 
0 

0 

282  15 
174  15 

1 

1 

1765.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  343 

Per  Contra. 

1758,  Oct.  By  interest  in  hand, 

17(32,  July    2.    By  cash  returned  by  Mr.  Leslie, 
17(35,  Jan.  20.    By        do.  per  do.  ... 

Oct.  By  interest  on  the  capital,  £500,  from  Oct.  1758, 

at  6  per  cent,  till  Oct.  1764 

Total  credit, 

Paid, 

Balance, £58  00     0 

The  Synod  appoint  Dr.  Finley  and  Messrs.  "William  Tennent,  John  Guild, 
Brainerd,  Blair,  Kirkpatriek,  Ewing,  Beatty,  and  Treat,  to  be  a  committee  to 
dispose  of  the  balance  of  said  fund,  which  may  be  in  their  hands  September 
next,  and  they  are  to  meet  at  Princeton  the  third  Tuesday  of  August  next. 

The  Synod  appoint  for  their  commission  the  ensuing  year,  Messrs.  Richard 
Treat,  Dr.  Alison,  Beatty,  Ewing,  Dr.  Finley,  Blair,  Boyd,  Tate,  Elder,  Robert 
Smith,  William  Tennent,  Guild,  Azarias  Horton,  Brown,  Spencer,  Brainerd, 
Rodgers,  Hunter,  McDowal,  and  Jones,  with  the  moderator ;  ciders  John  Wal- 
lace, Samuel  Woodroif,  Garret  Noel,  Jerome  Duchane,  and  John  Maxwell ; 
thirteen  of  whom,  including  the  moderator,  shall  be  a  quorum ;  but  if  the 
moderator  die,  or  be  absent,  the  fii-st  on  the  roll  mentioned  in  the  minute,  shall 
have  power  to  call  the  commission  and  to  preside. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  of  the  clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

\Qth  May,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  their  ad' 
journment.      Ubi  jpost  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

With  the  Rev.  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Carmichael,  Charles  Tennent,  Wil- 
liam Tennent,  jun..  Beard,  James  Finley,  Rowan,  Strain,  and  Steel :  elders 
William  McConkey,  Walter  Stewart,  David  Patten,  Alexander  McClure,  Fran- 
cis Alexander.     Mr.  Dutfield  was  also  present. 

Mr.  McMordie  is  come,  and  the  reasons  of  his  absence  last  year  were  sus- 
tained. 

Mr.  Bay  brought  in  the  reasons  of  his  absence  from  Synod  since  the  year 
1758,  and  the  Synod  earnestly  recommend  it  to  him  to  be  more  punctual  in 
future  attendance  upon  the  judicatures  of  this  church. 

The  committee  of  correspondence  with  the  foreign  churches  did  no  business 
by  reason  of  the  few  members  attending. 

The  Synod  appoint  Dr.  Alison,  Dr.  Finley,  and  Messrs.  Treat,  McDowal,  and 
Beatty,  to  prepare  a  plan  of  correspondence  to  be  laid  before  the  Synod  as  soon 
as  convenient. 

The  several  Presbyteries  are  desired  to  lay  before  the  Synod  the  account  of 
the  money  they  have  collected  for  the  Indian  school  to-morrow  afternoon. 

Mr.  Brainerd  is  appointed  to  receive  the  money  in  the  hands  of  the  trustees 
of  New  Jersey  College  for  Indian  affairs  for  the  ensuing  year,  as  an  addition  to 
his  salary. 

Mr.  Caldwell  fulfilled  appointments  under  the  direction  of  the  Hanover  Pres- 
bytery. 

Messrs.  Spencer  and  McWhorter  fulfilled  their  mission  to  the  southward. 
Mr,  McWhorter's  pulpit  was  supplied  during  his  absence,  and  the  Presbytery 
of  Brunswick  were  satisfied  with  the  care  taken  to  supply  Mr.  Spencer's 
people. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


344  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1765. 


At   three   dcloch,    P.    M.   the    Synod  met.      JJhi  'post  preces   sederunt  qui 
supra. 

With  the  Eev.  Mr.  John  Elder,  and  Henry  Knox,  his  elder. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Alison,  Dr.  Finley,  and  Messrs.  Treat,  Beatty,  Wallace, 
and  WoodrofF,  be  a  committee  to  converse  with  Mr.  Spencer,  and  Mr.  Mc- 
Whorter  concerning  the  expenses  of  their  mission,  and  make  report  to  the 
Synod  to-morrow  morning,  that  the  Synod  may  be  able  to  judge  what  they 
should  do  further  both  for  the  said  missionaries,  and  for  the  settlement  of  gospel 
ministers  in  Carolina. 

Messrs.  Blair  and  McDowal  are  appointed  to  draw  up  an  answer  to  the  fourth 
query  under  our  consideration,  to  be  submitted  to  the  judgment  of  the  Synod 
to-morrow  morning 

The  affair  of  Psalmody  is  next  to  be  considered. 

Mr.  Hunt  is  now  come,  with  ^his  elder,  Francis  Armstrong. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

17th  of  May,  at  nine  o^cloch,  A.  31.  tJie  Synod  met.      Uhi  j>ost  preces  sede- 
runt qtd  supra. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Belcher  Parker  is  gone  home. 

The  committee  appointed  to  converse  with  Messrs,  Spencer  and  Mc Whorter 
request  time  till  Tuesday  morning  for  further  conversation  with  them. 

The  Synod  finding  some  obscurity  in  the  answer  given  last  year  to  the 
fourth  query,  {yid.  p.  337,)  they  have  agreed  to  explain  it  further  in  the  fol- 
lowing words : 

It  is  undoubtedly  the  right  of  Presbyteries  to  converse  with  any  probationer, 
or  minister  from  foreign  parts,  as  far  as  they  may  find  it  necessary  to  give  them 
satisfaction,  and  not  receive  him  implicitly  on  a  certificate,  however  fair  and 
regular,  together  with  his  general  profession  of  adopting  the  Westminster  Con- 
fession and  Catechisms.  But  if  such  probationer,  or  minister,  shall  come  from 
a  church  or  judicature  generally  suspected,  or  known  to  be  erroneous,  or  lax 
and  negligent  with  respect  to  the  moral  conduct  or  piety  of  their  candidates,  or 
members ;  or  if  they  shall  come  from  any  number  of  ministers  who  may  con- 
vene without  any  regular  constitution,  merely  for  the  purpose  of  licensing  or 
ordaining  particular  persons ;  in  that  case  a  certificate  from  such  a  judicature, 
and  such  a  general  profession  of  the  party's  adopting  the  Confession  of  Faith, 
is  still  less  satisfactory,  and  renders  it  highly  necessary  for  the  Presbytery  to 
which  application  shall  be  made,  to  be  more  particular  and  exact  in  examining 
the  principles  of  such  a  probationer,  or  minister,  before  they  admit  him,  or  em- 
ploy him  in  their  bounds. 

The  affair  of  psalmody  being  resumed.  Dr.  Finley  and  Mr.  McDowell  are 
appointed  to  draw  up  a  minute  relating  to  that  affair,  before  our  next. 

An  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  Donegall  Presbytery  concerning  the  mode  of, 
setting  elders  apart  to  their  office  came  under  consideration,  and  the  Synod  ap- 
point the  clerk  to  draw  up  a  minute  concerning  it,  to  be  laid  before  our  Synod 
at  their  next  meeting. 

Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clocTc,  P.  M.  the  Synod  met.      Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  clerk  according  to  appointment  brought  in  the  following  minute,  which 
was  approved : 

The  Synod  having  heard  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  in 
April,  1761,  concerning  the  mode  of  setting  elders  apart  to  their  office  in  one 


1765.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  345 

of  the  Presbyterian  churches  in  Carlisle,  together  with  the  reasons  of  the  ap- 
peal to  the  Synod  from  said  judgment,  do,  upon  the  whole,  approve  of  the 
Presbytery's  judgment,  and  also  uf  their  caution  to  prevent  any  bad  conse- 
quences that  might  arise  from  a  deviation  from  that  mode  which  has  been 
commonly  used  in  this  church,  and  which  is  highly  proper  on  such  occasions, 
although  we  wish  that  they  had  expressed  their  caution  in  stronger  terms. 
We  judge  that  the  elders  choseu  at  that  time  are  clothed  with  sufficient  autho- 
rity to  act  in  the  office  of  elders  in  the  church,  as  they  actually  acquiesced  in 
the  election  of  the  people,  and  in  their  appointment  to  the  office ;  and  we 
judge  that  the  consent  of  the  persons  to  undertake  the  office  should  be  neces- 
sarily obtained.  And  though  it  appears  it  was  substantially  obtained  in  the 
present  case,  yet  we  are  of  opinion  that  it  had  been  more  eligible,  and  more 
for  the  peace  and  edification  of  the  church,  if  their  public  and  explicit  consent 
to  undertake  and  execute  that  office  had  been  taken  in  the  face  of  the  congre- 
gation. And  we  hope  that  the  Presbytery  will  observe  their  own  directions  for 
the  future. 

The  account  of  money  collected  for  the  Indian  school  further  deferred. 

The  committee  according  to  appointment  brought  in  a  minute  respecting 
psalmody,  which  being  read  and  amended,  is  as  follows : 

After  some  consideration  of  the  query  concerning  the  use  of  Dr.  Watts's 
imitation  of  the  Psalms,  the  Synod  judged  it  best,  in  present  circumstances, 
only  to  declare  that  they  look  on  the  inspired  Psalms  in  Scripture,  to  be  pro- 
per matter  to  be  sung  in  Divine  worship,  according  to  their  original  design 
and  the  practice  of  the  Christian  churches,  yet  will  not  forbid  those  to  use  the 
imitation  of  them  whose  judgment  and  inclination  lead  them  to  do  so. 

Mr.  Adam  Boyd  had  leave  to  go  home. 

A  reference  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  was  brought  into  the  Synod, 
requesting  them  to  give  their  judgment,  whether  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Eodgers 
should  be  removed  to  New  York,  agreeable  to  the  call  of  that  congregation. 
After  hearing  what  the  commissioners,  both  from  St.  George's  and  from  New 
York,  had  to  offer  on  that  occasion,  the  Synod  adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning,  and  concluded  with  prayer. 

ISth  of  May.  The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.  JTbi  post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  William  Tennent,  senior,  James  Finley,  Thomas  Lewis,  Nathan 
Kerr,  and  William  Tennent,  junior,  beg  leave  to  enter  their  dissent  from  the 
judgment  of  the  Synod  concerning  the  judgment  of  Donegall  Presbytery  with 
respect  to  the  setting  elders  apart  for  their  office. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Rodgers's  removal  to  New  York  was  resumed,  and  before 
the  Synod  entered  on  the  consideration  thereof  it  was  agreed  unanimously, 
solemnly  to  call  on  God  by  prayer  for  light  and  direction  to  issue  this  im- 
portant affair.  After  the  arguments  for  and  against  Mr.  Rodger s's  removal 
were  heard  fully,  and  with  great  attention,  it  was  put  to  the  vote,  and  carried 
by  a  great  majority,  that  he  shall  be  removed;  and  accordingly  the  Synod  de- 
clare, that  his  relation  to  the  congregation  of  St.  George's  is  dissolved;  and 
they  exhort  that  congregation  to  attend  to  the  reasons  and  necessity  hereof,  and 
to  behave  as  Christians  under  this  dispensation. 

Dr.  Finley  and  Mr.  Harris  have  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  Monday  next.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

2^th  of  May,  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.     The  Synod  met.     Post  preces  sederunt 

qui  supra. 
Mr.  John  Montgomery,  Mr.  Steel's  elder,  is  now  come. 
Having  considered  the  collection  of  money  for  the  Indian  school,  it  was 
44 


346  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1765. 

agreed  to  defer  the  final  settlement  of  that  business  until  the  committee,  ap- 
pointed to  converse  with  Messrs.  Spencer  and  McWhorter,  bring  in  their 
report. 

At  the  request  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rodgers,  and  of  the  congregation  of  St. 
George's,  Mr.  Spencer  is  appointed  to  supply  that  congregation  four  weeks 
before  Mr.  Eodgers  removes  from  them. 

The  committee  for  overtures  introduced  the  following  calls  and  supplica- 
tions, viz.  a  call  for  the  Rev.  Mr.  Spencer  from  Cathy's  Settlement  and  Fourth 
Creek,  which  was  presented  to  him ;  also  a  supplication  for  supplies  from  the 
inhabitants  of  North  Carolina,  living  between  the  waters  of  Yadkins  and  Ca- 
tabaw  Rivers,  and  particularly  for  the  removal  of  Mr.  Spencer  and  Mr. 
McWhorter  to  settle  among  them ;  and  two  other  supplications  from  the  con- 
gregations of  Bethel  and  Poplar  Tent,  in  Mecklenburg  county,  in  the  same 
colony,  for  supplies ;  a  supplication  was  also  brought  in  from  the  united  con- 
gregations of  New  Providence^ and  the  Six  Mile  Spring,  in  North  Carolina, 
for  supplies,  and  the  countenance  of  the  Synod  for  settling  gospel  ministers 
among  them;  another  also,  from  Hawfield  and  Little  River,  in  the  same 
colony,  for  supplies ;  likewise  a  supplication  for  supplies  from  Long  Lanes,  in 
South  Carolina. 

A  call  for  the  Rev.  Mr.  McWhorter  from  Hopewell  and  Centre  congrega- 
tions, in  North  Carolina,  was  brought  in  by  the  committee  of  overtures,  but  the 
Synod  apprehending  that  some  other  persons  may  be  more  conveniently  sent 
to  North  Carolina,  did  not  present  the  call  to  him. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At   three  o^  clock,  P.  M.,  the   Synod  met.     Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui 
supra. 

In  consequence  of  sundry  supplications  from  North  Carolina  for  supplies, 
the  Synod  appoint  Messrs.  Nathan  Kerr,  George  DuflGield,  William  Ramsey, 
David  Caldwell,  James  Latta,  and  Robert  McMordie,  to  go  there  as  soon  as 
they  can  conveniently,  and  each  of  them  to  tarry  half  a  year  in  these  vacant 
congregations,  as  prudence  may  direct.  And  the  moderator  and  clerk  are  or- 
dered to  give  proper  certificates  to  the  aforesaid  gentlemen ;  and  the  respective 
Presbyteries  are  to  make  provision  for  the  pulpits  of  the  settled  ministers. 
The  Presbytery  of  Sufiblk  are  to  supply  Mr.  Kerr's  congregation  four  Sabbaths, 
of  which  Mr.  Mills  is  to  notify  the  Presbytery. 

A  paper  containing  an  appeal  of  the  people  of  New  Castle  and  Christine 
Bridge,  from  a  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  respecting  a  call  to 
Mr.  Slagaw ;  and  a  complaint  against  said  Presbytery  in  that  afiair,  was  brought 
in  by  the  committee  of  overtures  and  read ;  and  having  heard  the  minutes  of 
that  Presbytery  read,  and  what  the  commissioners  had  to  ofier  on  that  subject, 
adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  of  the  clock. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

21  day  of  May,  the  Synod  met  at  nine  d clock.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui 
supra. 

The  affair  of  New  Castle  and  Christine  congregations  resumed,  and  after 
mature  deliberation  it  was  agreed,  that  Messrs.  Montgomery,  Wilson,  and 
Caldwell,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  an  overture  to  be  submitted  to  the  judg- 
ment of  the  Synod,  to  determine  that  affair  at  our  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  six  o'clock,  A.  M.,  to-morrow.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1765.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  347 

22d  day  of  May,  at  six  of  the  clock,  A.  M.  The  Synod  met.  Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  New  Castle  and  Christine  Bridge  resumed.  The  committee 
which  was  appointed  brought  in  an  overture,  which  being  read  and  considered, 
was  approved,  and  is  as  follows  : 

All  parties  being  long  and  patiently  heard,  the  Synod  on  the  whole  do  judge, 
that  the  said  Presbytery  have  acted  a  very  cautious  and  Christian  part  in 
making  such  a  stand  against  bigotry  and  party  spirit  in  these  congregations, 
and  striving  so  long  to  prevent  a  breach  of  a  solemn  union  stipulated  between 
these  societies,  and  therefore  cannot  but  highly  disapprove  and  condemn  the 
indecent  language  of  their  appeal,  and  their  bitter  insinuations  of  injustice  from 
that  our  worthy  Presbytery.  And  as  it  appears  there  was  at  least  a  very  con- 
siderable opposition  made  against  presenting  said  call,  the  Presbytery  might 
prudently  delay  it  with  a  view,  if  possible,  to  obtain  a  greater  union  in  Mr. 
Magaw,  or  some  other  person.  However,  as  more  light  in  the  course  of  this 
trial  has  been  thrown  on  that  affair,  than  was  given  by  the  congregation  to  the 
Presbytery,  it  now  appears  the  call  had  better  be  presented  to  Mr.  Magaw. 
And  as  the  Presbytery  assure  us  that  they  never  intended  to  meddle  with  the 
civil  property  of  their  meeting-houses,  even  in  the  alternative  proposed  to  these 
societies,  which  was  only  for  the  sake  of  peace,  we  leave  them  to  settle  that 
matter  according  to  their  own  articles  of  union,  and  to  determine  the  qualifica- 
tions of  their  own  voters,  earnestly  recommending  it  to  both  parties,  in  the 
spirit  of  meekness,  to  compromise  their  own  differences,  to  maintain  their 
union  inviolable,  and  to  follow  the  things  which  make  for  peace  and  edifi- 
cation. 

The  collections  for  the  Indian  school  came  under  consideration,  and  it  is  or- 
dered that  they  who  have  made  collections  for  that  purpose  pay  the  same  to  Mr. 
Ewing,  before  to-morrow  morning,  of  which  he  is  to  make  a  report. 

Nathan  Kerr  has  leave  to  go  home. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Brainerd,  Kamsey,  Spencer,  and  Montgomery,  be  a 
committee  to  wait  on  the  corporation  for  the  relief  of  poor  and  distressed  Pres- 
byterian ministers,  and  their  widows  and  children,  at  their  next  meeting,  and  to 
request  of  them  such  papers  as  may  serve  to  give  any  light  to  the  Synod  con- 
cerning their  power  or  right  to  concur  with  the  corporation  in  the  disposal  of 
any  money  that  may  be  in  their  hands. 

Mr.  Lewis  had  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  ddoch,  P.  M.  the  Synod  met.      Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  John  Leavit,  from  New  England,  being  present,  was  desired 
to  sit  as  a  correspondent.     Dr.  Finley  is  returned. 

A  petition  was  brought  in  by  the  committee  of  overtures  from  West  Notting- 
ham, complaining  that  they  were  aggrieved  by  a  late  order  of  the  Synod  which 
removed  them  from  the  care  of  New  Castle  Presbytery,  and  put  them  under 
the  care  of  that  of  Donegall,  inasmuch  as  the  distance  of  the  petitioners  from 
the  most  usual  places  of  Donegall  Presbytery's  meeting,  and  the  creeks  and 
rivers  that  lie  between,  greatly  obstruct,  and  sometimes  quite  prevent  their  at- 
tendance on  the  meeting  of  said  Presbytery ;  and  requesting  to  be  put  under 
the  care  of  New  Castle  Presbytery. 

Their  petition  was  granted,  and  said  congregation  is  remitted  to  the  care  of 
New  Castle  Presbytery  as  formerly. 

A  petition  from  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall  was  brought  into  the  Synod  by 
the  committee  of  overtures,  praying  to  be  erected  into  two  Presbyteries,  or  that 


348  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1765. 

the  members  added  to  the  Donegall  Presbytery,  when  the  Presbyteries  were 
new  modelled,  be  ordered  to  retura  to  their  former  judicatures. 

An  appeal  was  also  brought  in  against  the  vote  of  the  Presbytery  authoriz- 
ing this  petition  to  the  Synod. 

After  hearing  the  Presbytery  and  the  appellants  with  great  deliberation,  ad- 
joui-ned  till  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  to-morrow.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

23c^  of  May,  at  eight  o'clock,  the  Synod  met.      Uhi  jiost  i^reces  sederunt  qui 
sujjra. 

Messrs.  Baldwin  and  Strain  had  leave  to  go  home. 

The  petition  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  and  the  appeal  of  some  members 
were  further  considered,  and  it  was  agreed  not  to  grant  the  petition. 
"I  The  Synod  having  maturely  considered  the  situatian  of  affairs  in  the  Presby- 
tery of  Donegall,  agreed  to  erect  the  members  of  that  Presbytery  that  live  on 
the  western  side  of  the  river  Siiisquehanna  into  a  new  Presbytery,  together  with 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Andrew  Bay,  by  the  name  of  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle ;  and 
appoint  that  the  first  meeting  be  at  Philadelphia  the  23d  day  of  May,  1765 ; 
and  the  remaining  members  are  hereby  annexed  to  the  Presbytery  of  New 
I  Castle. 

An  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  respecting 
Messrs.  Rowan  and  Edmiston  was  brought  in  by  Mr.  Edmiston,  together  with 
a  reference  respecting  the  same  affair  by  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall.  Also 
another  appeal  from  a  judgment  of  said  Presbytery,  was  brought  in  by  Mr. 
jNIcMordie.  The  Synod  considering  the  impossibility  of  determining  said  af- 
fairs at  present,  have  appointed  the  following  gentlemen  a  committee  to  issue 
and  determine  both  these  matters,  viz :  Messrs.  Beatty,  Brainerd,  Simonton, 
Guild,  Montgomery,  Clark,  Spencer,  Kirkpatrick,  Halt,  Hannah,  Green, 
McKnight,  and  Ewing,  to  meet  at  Hanover  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  Septem- 
ber next ;  and  that  Mr.  Ewing  open  the  committee  and  that  Mr.  Elder  give 
citations  for  evidences.  It  is  also  appointed  that  Messrs.  Kirkpatrick,  Mont- 
gomery, Beatty,  Ewing,  and  Brainerd,  be  a  committee  to  meet  at  Little  Britain, 
to  examine  what  evidences  Mr.  Edmiston  may  produce  to  support  the  charges 
brought  against  Mr.  Rowan,  and  that  both  Messrs.  Rowan  and  Edmiston  attend 
at  that  place  on  Friday  the  thirtieth  of  August ;  and  that  the  committee  make 
a  report  to  the  committee  at  Hanover,  and  that  Mr.  Hunt  give  citations  to  the 
evidences  to  appear  at  the  committee. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  the  Synod  met.      Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Baldwin,  Mr.  McWhorter's  elder,  had  leave  to  go  home. 

The  committee  of  the  Synod  appointed  last  year  to  meet  at  Deer  Creek, 
brought  in  their  minutes  which  were  read.  And  as  Mr.  Bay  had  appealed  from 
the  judgment  of  that  committee  after  he  and  all  parties  were  fully  heard  in 
their  own  defence ;  the  Synod  appoint  Messrs.  Wilson,  Hunter,  and  Kirkpat- 
rick, a  committee  to  bring  in  a  judgment  on  the  conduct  of  the  committee  at 
next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.  to-morrow.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

24<7t  of  May,  the  Synod  met  at  eight,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee,  according  to  appointment,  brought  in  a  minute,  which  being 
read  and  amended  is  as  follows  : 

The  Synod  having  carefully  examined  the  matter  of  Mr.  Bay's  appeal  from 
the  judgment  of  our  committee  appointed  last  year,  in  consequence  of  an 


1765.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  349 

appeal  from  a  judgment  of  New  Castle  Presbytery  that  met  at  Deer  Creek, 
on  mature  deliberation  judge,  that  our  committee  have  the  merit  of  taking  great 
pains  to  examine  these  difficult  affiiirs,  yet  we  cannot  justify  cither  the  un- 
tender  expressions  relating  to  the  Presbytery,  or  the  severity  of  their  judg- 
ment and  censure  of  Mr.  Bay.  We  rather  approve  of  the  judgment  of  the 
Presbytery,  from  which  we  judge  there  was  no  sufficient  reason  of  an  appeal. 
On  the  whole,  considering  the  ferment  of  the  people,  the  virulence  of  the  pro- 
secutors, and  the  necessity  of  compromising  the  diffisrences  of  the  congrega- 
tions, we  judge  the  Presbytery  acted  a  very  prudent  and  a  Christian  part,  and 
that  their  exhortations  were  very  salutary. 

This  judgment  being  read  and  approved,  it  was  overtured  by  a  member, 
that  inasmuch  as  sundry  matters  between  Mr.  Bay  and  the  people  of  Deer 
Creek  still  stand  open,  that  therefore  these  matters  should  be  issued  by  the 
Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  notwithstanding  Mr.  Bay  is  set  off  as  a  member 
of  Carlisle  Presbytery;  in  which  motion  the  Synod  concurred,  and  accord- 
ingly ordered  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  to  issue  these  matters  as  soon  as 
they  can  conveniently. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  the  Synod  met     Post  joreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  revise  the  Presbytery  book  of  New  Bruns- 
wick, brought  it  in  and  it  was  approved.  The  committee  appointed  for  revis- 
ing Donegall  book  were  prevented  from  revising  it.  The  Presbytery  book 
of  the  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  was  not  put  into  the  hands  of  the 
committee  for  revising  it. 

There  is  no  account  from  Dutchess  county  Presbytery,  whether  they  have 
regularly  formed  themselves  according  to  the  order  of  the  Synod. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  with  Messrs.  Spencer  and  McWhorter, 
to  settle  with  them  the  expense  of  their  journey,  and  the  losses  they  have  sus- 
tained thereby  in  their  affairs  at  home,  make  report,  that  they  did  meet  ac- 
cordingly, and  an  account  being  laid  before  them,  they  are  of  opinion  the 
money  they  have  received  of  the  Synod's  collection  and  otherwise,  which  has 
not  been  expended  on  their  journey,  should  be  allowed  them  and  divided  be- 
tween them  in  proportion  to  the  account  of  their  expenses  brought  in  and 
allowed.  Mr.  McWhorter  returned  to  the  Synod  all  the  money  of  the  Synod's 
collection  allowed  by  the  committee.  The  remaining  collection  in  the  hands 
of  the  Synod  is  to  be  disposed  of  according  to  their  direction. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Tate,  Elder,  Steel,  Sampson  Smith,  McMordie,  and 
Beard,  brought  in  a  paper  signifying  that  it  was  a  difficulty  to  acquiesce  in  the 
regulations  of  yesterday  respecting  the  alteration  made  in  the  Presbytery  of 
Donegall,  because  they  apprehend  that  no  relief  of  their  grievances  is  thereby 
afforded ;  that  their  right  as  members  was  infringed  in  erecting  a  new  Presby- 
tery out  of  the  Donegall  Presbytery,  and  annexing  the  remaining  members  to 
another  Presbytery  without  consulting  said  Presbytery,  or  allowing  them  a 
vote  in  that  affair ;  and  that  that  Presbytery,  though  respectable  and  of  long 
standing,  was  thereby  abolished.  When  they  were  fully  heard,  and  some 
other  expedients  were  by  them  suggested,  the  Synod  proceeded  to  review  the 
affair,  and  seriously  attended  to  the  considerations  suggested,  and  do  judge 
that  those  brethren  were  so  interested  in  the  affair  that  they  had  not  a  right  to 
vote,  though  they  ought  to  have  been  consulted  previous  to  any  determination 
about  it.  As  the  new  Presbytery  will  have  no  connection  with  the  affairs  that 
gave  rise  to  their  animosity,  and  the  connections  of  other  brethren  with  the 
remaining  members,  may  tend  to  allay  those  prejudices  which  may  be  risen 


350  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1765. 

too  high  to  be  otherwise  worn  oS,  the  Synod  cannot  but  hope,  that  their 
grievances  will  be  found  to  be  in  a  great  measure  relieved.  And  whereas  the 
Presbytery  of  New  Castle  is  now  greatly  diminished,  the  Synod  conclude  that 
no  sufficient  reasons  are  offered  for  altering  their  sentiments  as  to  substance, 
and  therefore  still  agree,  that  the  late  members  of  New  Castle  and  Donegall 
Presbyteries  to  the  eastward  of  Susquehanna,  be  united  in  one  Presbytery, 
by  the  name  of  Lancaster  Presbytery,  and  that  they  meet  the  25th  of  May,  at 
six  o'clock  in  the  morning,  at  the  first  Presbyterian  church  in  this  city;  and 
that  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle  be  continued. 

Messrs.  McDowell  and  Ewing  dissent  from  the  above  judgment,  and  beg 
liberty  to  bring  in  their  reasons,  which  was  granted.     The  reasons  follow : 

1.  Because  the  request  of  these  brethren  was  not  only  entirely  and  abso- 
lutely refused,  but  their  condition  is  rendered  worse,  for  the  new  model  of  the 
Presbyteries  provides  no  relief  for  any  of  their  grievances,  but  leaves  the  same 
causes  of  uneasiness  unremovQd,  and  subjects  them  to  many  new  inconveni- 
ences. 

2.  When  the  petition  was  refused,  and  the  Synod  proceeded  to  new  model 
the  Presbyteries,  these  brethren  had  a  right  to  consult  and  act  with  them  in 
this  matter ;  whereas  they  were  manifestly  denied  and  excluded  from  this  right, 
by  the  Synod's  making  one  and  abolishing  two  Presbyteries  without  consulting 
them  and  granting  them  a  vote. 

3.  Because  the  Synod  has  abolished  Donegall  Presbytery  in  particular,  with- 
out allowing  one  member  of  it  to  vote  in  the  cause,  and  that  without  any  suffi- 
cient reason.  This  procedure  is  injurious  to  Donegall  Presbytery,  that  has 
been  long  a  respectable  body,  and  has  suffered  in  its  peaceable  character  only 
by  the  addition  of  some  new  members ;  which  character  we  are  persuaded  they 
would  soon  retrieve  had  their  petition  been  granted. 

4.  We  apprehend  that  this  act  of  the  Synod  is  contrary  to  the  declared  in- 
tention of  this  body  at  the  union  of  the  Synods,  and  a  violation  of  an  article 
of  that  solemn  agreement,  where  it  is  expressly  provided,  that  the  Presbyteries 
subsisting  before  should  be  united  only  when  it  was  for  edification. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duffield  produce  such  of  the  original  papers  of  the  late 
Donegall  Presbytery,  to  the  committee  to  meet  at  Hanover,  as  relate  to  the 
affairs  which  are  committed  to  their  determination. 

The  afiair  of  the  Indian  school  was  resumed,  and  the  Synod  appointed  Messrs. 
William  Tennent,  Brainerd,  Montgomery,  and  Ewing,  to  consider  and  deter- 
mine how  their  money  in  Mr.  Ewing's  hands  shall  be  divided,  and  to  what 
purposes  it  shall  be  applied,  and  to  give  orders  to  Mr.  Ewing  to  pay  the  same 
accordingly. 

The  Ptev.  Mr.  Jonathan  Leavit,  from  New  Hampshire  in  New  England,  pro- 
duced to  the  Synod  certificates  of  his  regular  standing  in  the  gospel  ministry, 
and  having  professed  his  desire  to  join  with  this  body,  after  adopting  the  West- 
minster Confession  of  Faith,  as  the  confession  of  his  faith,  and  having  promised 
to  conform  himself  to  the  Westminster  Directory  for  worship  and  government, 
he  was  received  as  a  member  of  the  Synod,  and  was  advised  to  put  himself  un- 
der the  care  of  some  one  of  our  Presbyteries. 
"  Ordered,  That  a  collection  be  made  for  propagating  the  gospel  among  the 
Indians,  and  for  teaching  their  children ;  and  that  the  several  Presbyteries  take 
care  it  be  made  in  all  their  congregations,  as  well  in  those  that  want  as  in 
those  that  have  settled  ministers ;  and  that  each  Presbytery  appoint  some  mem- 
ber to  bring  in  to  next  Synod  a  particular  account  how  every  congregation  in 
their  bounds  has  complied  with  this  order. 

A  petition  from  a  number  of  elders  and  gentlemen  met  in  Philadelphia,  was 
brought  in  and  read,  which  is  ordered  to  be  kept  in  retentis,  till  it  be  further 
considered  at  our  next  Synod ;  and  that  the  clerk  transmit  a  copy  of  said  paper 


1766.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  3&1 

to  each  of  our  Presbyteries,  to  enable  them  the  better  to  consider  and  carry  the 
things  proposed  into  execution. 

Ordered,  That  Lewcstown  Presbytery  supply  Mr.  Ramsey's  congregation 
eight  Sabbaths,  Mr.  James  Finloy  and  Mr.  MeKennan  each  one  Sabbath,  and 
the  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  the  remainder  of  the  time.  That  the 
Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  supply  IMr.  Latta's  pulpit  sixteen  Sabbaths,  and 
the  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  the  rest  of  the  time.  That  the  Presby- 
teries of  Lancaster  and  Carlisle  supply  Mr.  McMordie's  pulpit  and  Mr.  Duf- 
field's  in  their  absence. 

The  uiFair  of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  deferred. 

Ordered,  That  the  moderator  give  Mr.  Bay  a  certificate,  as  he  intends  to  take 
a  journey  into  New  England. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  "Wednesday  of  May  next,  to  meet  at  New  York  at 
three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1766. 

Neio  York,  May  21s«,  1766. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Vhi post  preccs  sederunt 

Ministers :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Azariah  Horton,  Timothy  Jones, 
John  Rodgei-s,  Joseph  Treat,  Benjamin  Halt,  Jonathan  Elmore,  Benjamin 
Woodroif,  Abner  Brush,  Alexander  McWhorter,  James  Caldwell,  Azel  Roe, 
Samuel  Parkhurst,  Nathan  Kerr,  Simon  Horton,  Samuel  Buel,  Thomas  Lewis, 
Benjamin  Talmage,  William  Mills,  David  Rose,  William  Tennent,  Charles  Mc- 
Knight,  Israel  Reed,  William  Kirkpatrick,  Enoch  Green,  Amos  Thompson, 
Richard  Treat,  Andrew  Hunter,  Charles  Beatty,  William  Hampsey,  Benjamin 
Chesnutt,  John  Clark,  John  Ewing,  Patrick  Allison,  John  Blair,  Elihu  Spen- 
cer, Robert  Smith,  John  Carmiehael,  Jacob  Tate,  John  Beard,  John  Miller, 
Matthew  Wilson,  Joseph  Montgomery,  Jacob  Kerr,  Alexander  Huston,  Andrew 
Bay,  George  Duffield,  Elisha  Kent,  Samuel  Sacket,  John  Smith,  Eliphalet  Ball, 
William  Hanna. 

Elders  :  Messrs.  Peter  V.  Livingston,  Nathaniel  Bell,  Benjamin  Bunnel, 
John  Crane,  Joseph  Riggs,  Robert  Ogden,  Jefiry  Smith,  David  Harriot,  Na- 
thaniel Scudder,  Elias  Bailey,  James  Allen,  Thomas  Jackson,  John  Maxwell, 
Joseph  Crane,  Joseph  Lee,  Jonathan  Griffin,  Philip  Edsal,  and  William  Hum- 
phreys. 

Ministers  absent :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Nehemiah  Greenman,  John  Griffiths, 
John  Brainerd,  Alexander  McDowell,  John  Elder,  Sampson  Smith,  James 
Finley,  William  MeKennan,  Robert  McMordie,  James  Hunt,  John  Rowan, 
Charles  Tennent,  John  Harris,  Abner  Reeve,  John  Mofiiet,  John  Maltby,  Hugh 
Knox,  Aaron  Richards,  Moses  Tuttle,  John  Darby,  Jacob  Green,  Francis  Pep- 
pard,  Ebenezer  Prime,  Sylvanus  White,  Nehemiah  Barker,  James  Brown, 
Thomas  Paine,  Ezra  Reeve,  Benjamin  Goldsmith,  Samson  Occum,  James  Mc- 
Crea,  Samuel  Kennedy,  John  Hanna,  Thomas  Smith,  John  Guild,  Job  Pru- 
den,  John  Rosborough,  Dr.  Samuel  Finley,  John  Strain,  John  Steel,  Samuel 
Thompson,  John  Hogg,  John  Siemens,  Robert  Cooper,  Robert  Cross,  Di'.  Fran- 
cis Alison,  John  Simonton,  James  Latta,  Samuel  Dunlap,  Solomon  Mead.  Ab- 
sent :  The  whole  Presbytery  of  Hanover. 

The  Presbytery  of  Duchess  county  being  present,  report,  that  they  have 
complied  with  the  stipulations  of  the  Synod  in  the  year  1763,  and  have 
adopted  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith  and  Catechisms,  together  with 
the  Directory  for  worship  and  discipline,  according  to  the  usage  of  this  Synod 
as  appears  from  their  minutes,  which  were  produced  and  read ;  certain  mem- 


352  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  1766. 

bers  of  said  Presbytery  being  present,  were  allowed  to  take  their  seats  ac^ 
cordingly. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Miller,  our  last  year's  modera- 
tor, with  a  sermon  from  Heb.  xiii.  17. 

There  not  being  time  to  choose  a  moderator  and  clerk  this  evening,  the  Synod 
agreed  to  defer  the  choice  until  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Thursday,  lid  of  May,  at  nine  ddock,  A.  M.  the  Synod  met  according  to 
adjournment.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Chancey  Graham  is  now  come. 

Mr.  Spencer  is  chosen  moderator  for  the  ensuing  year,  who,  after  receiving 
the  usual  charge  from  the  last  year's  moderator,  took  the  chair.  Messrs.  Alex- 
ander MeWhorter  and  Benjamin  Talmage  were  chosen  clerks. 

Messrs.  Robert  Cross,  C.  J.  Smith,  and  William  Tennent,  jun'r.  were  de- 
sired to  sit  as  correspondents. 

The  reasons  which  Messrs.  Buel,  Talmage,  Jones,  Roe,  Parkhurst,  Brush, 
Elmore,  Reed,  and  Horton,  assigned  for  their  absence  from  Synod  last  year, 
were  sustained. 

Mr.  Wheeler  Case  is  now  come,  and  his  elder  Frederick  Horn. 

The  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Daniel  Law- 
rence died  since  our  last,  the  13th  day  of  April,  and  further  report,  that  they 
have  ordained  Mr.  John  Murray  since  our  last  Synod ;  but  that  some  charges 
since  that  were  laid  in  against  him  respecting  his  moral  character,  which  are 
not  yet  decided  by  the  Presbytery. 

Upon  the  report  being  brought  in,  some  difficulties  arose,  whether  Mr. 
Murray  should  be  enrolled  or  not.  The  Synod  voted  that  the  report  of  the 
Presbytery  should  be  received,  and  proceed  no  further  in  the  affair  the  present 
sederunt. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o^cloch,  P.  M.     The   Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  re- 
specting Mr.  Murray,  deferred  to  the  next  sederunt. 

New  York  Presbytery  report  that  they  have  received  Mr.  Jedediah  Chap- 
man, a  candidate  for  the  work  of  the  ministry. 

Sufi'olk  Presbytery  report,  that  they  ordained  Mr.  David  Rose  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry. 

Lancaster  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  Samuel  Blair. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  David 
Caldwell. 

A  motion  being  made  that  the  minutes  of  the  Synod's  proceedings  may  be 
by  the  clerk  copied,  and  sent  to  each  Presbytery  yearly,  is  deferred  to  further 
consideration. 

It  is  reported  by  a  member  of  this  body,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Alexander  Craig- 
head departed  this  life  some  time  in  March,  1766. 

The  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr. 
Patrick  Alison,  and  licensed  Mr.  James  Anderson,  and  Mr.  James  Latta,  since 
our  last. 

The  Presbytery  of  Carlisle  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  John  Sie- 
mens, and  Mr.  Robert  Cooper,  since  our  last. 

Dutchess  County  Presbytery  report,  that  since  their  erection  into  a  Presby- 


1766.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  353 

tery,  they  have  received  into  their  number  Mr.  William  Hannah,  and  Mr.  Dun- 
lap  ;  ordained  Mr.  Wlicolcr  Case,  and  licensed  Mr.  John  Clove. 

The  Synod  appoints  for  a  committee  of  overtures,  the  Kcv.  Messrs.  Rod- 
gers,  Lewis,  Sacket,  Tennent,  Treat,  Ewing,  Smith,  Wilson,  Duffield,  Jones. 
Elders,  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Joseph  Iligs,  Nathaniel  Scudder,  John  Maxwell, 
to  meet  to-morrow  morning,  at  six  o'clock,  and  by  adjournment  from  time  to 
time. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbytery  book  of  New  York  be  examined  by  Mr.  Hunter 
and  Mr.  Reed.     The  other  Presbytery  books  are  not  here. 

The  committee  appointed  to  dispose  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of  the  trea- 
surer of  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  make  no  report  of  what  is  done,  as  their 
minutes  are  not  here. 

Appointed  as  a  committee,  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Guild,  Brainerd,  Kirk- 
patrick,  Ewing,  Beatty,  Enoch  Green,  and  Reed,  to  meet  at  Princeton,  the 
13th  of  August,  to  dispose  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer,  then 
due,  for  the  education  of  the  poor  and  pious  youth. 

The  Synod  appoint  for  their  commissioners  the  ensuing  year,  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  Richard  Treat,  Dr.  Alison,  Beatty,  Ewing,  Dr.  Finley,  Blair,  Boyd, 
Tate,  Elder,  Robert  Smith,  William  Tennent,  Miller,  Guild,  Horton,  Brainerd, 
Rodgers,  Hunter,  McDowell,  Jones,  with  the  moderator.  Elders,  P.  V.  B. 
Livingston,  Robert  Ogden,  Nathaniel  Scudder,  Joseph  Rigs,  John  Maxwell; 
thirteen  of  whom  to  be  a  quorum.  But  if  the  moderator  die,  or  be  absent,  the 
first  on  the  roll  mentioned  in  the  minute  shall  have  power  to  call  the  commis- 
sioners and  to  preside. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  23cZ,  nine  o'cloch,  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces  sederunt 
qui  supra. 

The  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  concern- 
ing Mr.  Murray,  further  deferred. 

The  Synod  appoint  Mr.  Ewing  to  be  our  stated  clerk. 

The  motion  which  was  made  for  the  minutes  of  the  Synod  to  be  trans- 
cribed and  sent  to  each  Presbytery,  resumed;  and,  after  due  consideration, 
the  Synod  appoint  that  all  our  minutes  from  the  union,  be  transcribed  by  the 
stated  clerk,  and  yearly  transcribed  and  transmitted  to  each  Presbytery  in 
three  months  after  the  session  of  the  Synod,  and  that  the  clerk  shall  be 
allowed  twenty  shillings  provincial  currency,  by  each  Presbytery,  for  his  annual 
labour.  The  Synod  appoint,  in  order  to  defray  the  expenses  of  these  copies, 
that  there  be  a  collection  in  all  our  congregations,  or  any  other  method  that 
may  appear  convenient  to  particular  members,  for  this  purpose  and  other  pub- 
lic uses. 

Dr.  Alison  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner  sustained. 
His  elder,  Mr.  William  Humphreys,  is  also  come. 

The  Synod  appoint  the  Rev.  Dr.  Alison,  Messrs.  Blair,  Beatty,  P.  V.  B. 
Livingston,  a  committee  to  prepare  a  plan  of  correspondence  with  foreign 
churches,  and  to  bring  it  in  as  soon  as  possible. 

Messrs.  Kerr,  Duffield,  David  Caldwell,  and  Mr.  McMordie,  who  were  ap- 
pointed to  go  and  supply  in  North  Carolina,  complied  with  their  appointments. 
Mr.  Ramsey,  who  was  also  appointed,  did  not  go,  and  his  reasons  for  not  going 
were  sustained. 

Mr.  Leavit,  who  joined  Lancaster  Presbytery,  according  to  order  of  Synod, 
has  been  at  his  request  dismissed  from  them,  to  return  to  New  England. 

The  consideration  of  the  petition  from  a  number  of  elders  and  gentlemen  in 
Philadelphia  deferred. 
45 


354  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1766. 

The  order  of  Synod,  that  Lancaster  Presbytery  should  supply  Sir.  Duffield's 
pulpit  in  his  absence,  complied  with. 

At  Mr.  Talmage's  request,  he  was  released  from  the  business  of  clerk,  and 
Mr.  Wilson  is  chosen  in  his  place. 

The  reasons  why  Mr.  Latta  did  not  fulfil  his  appointments  in  Carolina,  being 
given  by  some  members  in  his  absence,  were  sustained. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


At  three  o'cloch,  P.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  consideration  of  the  affair  respecting  Mr.  Mvirray  is  further  deferred. 

The  committee  for  settling  a  plan  of  correspondence  with  foreign  churches 
are  appointed  to  meet  on  Saturday  afternoon. 

The  Eev.  Mr.  Graham  had  leave  to  go  home. 

Mr.  Brainerd  is  appointed  to*,  receive  the  money  in  the  hands  of  the  trustees 
of  New  Jersey  College  for  Indian  affairs,  for  the  current  year,  as  an  addition  to 
his  salary. 

A  motion  was  made  by  some  members  for  a  review  of  the  Synod's  judg- 
ment last  year,  respecting  an  affair  in  New  Castle  and  Christiana  congrega- 
tions. After  having  much  conversation  on  the  subject,  it  was  determined  by 
vote  to  refer  the  whole  affair  to  next  Synod,  when  all  parties  may  be  heard  on 
their  application. 

The  committee  appointed  last  Synod  met  at  Hanover  generally,  and  the 
reasons  of  such  as  were  absent  were  sustained.  Whereupon  the  Synod  pro- 
ceeded to  read  the  minutes  of  said  committee,  especially  the  several  judgments 
on  the  various  matters  which  came  before  them.  Then  Mr.  Duffield  offered 
an  appeal,  drawn  up  by  Mr.  Rowan,  from  their  judgment,  which  was  received 
and  read. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Ma^  24:t7i,  nine  ddoch,  A.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Rowan's  appeal  being  resumed,  the  Synod  resolved  to  defer  it 
till  their  next  meeting,  as  he  was  not  present  to  prosecute  it. 

Mr.  Murray's  affair  was  resumed,  and  after  some  conversation  was  further 
deferred.     Mr.  James  Allen,  Mr.  Ewing's  elder,  is  now  come. 

A  motion  was  made  concerning  last  Synod's  minute,  respecting  the  mission 
of  Messrs.  Spencer  and  McWhorter,  to  have  it  reconsidered,  and  after  con- 
versing on  the  subject,  the  Synod  order  certain  sums  of  money  in  the  hands 
of  Messrs.  Ewing,  Montgomery,  and  Caldwell,  be  put  into  the  hands  of  Mr. 
McWhorter,  that  he  may  be  enabled  to  refund  to  Mr.  Spencer  the  sum  of 
thirty-two  pounds,  which  appears  to  be  the  balance  due  to  him  according  to  the 
stipulation  of  the  Synod. 

Adjourned  to  Monday  morning,  ten  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  26<A,  A.  31.     Met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  2'>reces  sederunt  qui 
supra. 

A  motion  made  by  Mr.  Duffield  respecting  a  minute  of  last  year,  deferred. 

The  consideration  of  uniting  the  two  Philadelphia  Presbyteries  was  re- 
sumed, and  after  some  discourse,  it  was  determined  to  discuss  it  next  sede- 
runt. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1766.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  355 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces  sederunt 
qui  supra. 

Several  papers  relating  to  Mr.  IMurray's  affairs  were  read,  but  the  Presby- 
tery to  which  he  belongs  pleading  a  right  to  issue  said  matter,  previous  to  the 
determination  of  the  Synod,  it  was  referred  to  their  further  examination. 

The  affair  of  uniting  the  two  Philadelphia  Presbyteries,  after  some  considera- 
tion, was  deferred  till  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  praj^er. 

Mai/  27,  at  nine  o'ciock,  A.  M.  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  siqyra. 

The  affair  of  uniting  the  two  Philadelphia  Presbyteries  was  again  resumed, 
and  after  some  further  discourse  on  the  subject,  it  came  to  be  voted  whether 
they  should  be  continued  separate  or  not,  and  it  was  carried  in  the  affn-mative. 
Some  members  desired  liberty  to  enter  their  dissent,  which  was  granted.  Their 
dissent  was  brought  in,  and  is  as  follows : 

It  is  with  very  sensible  regret  and  great  reluctance,  that  we,  whose  names 
are  subscribed,  declare  in  so  strong  a  manner  our  disapprobation  of  the  Reve- 
rend Synod's  determination,  with  respect  to  the  continuance  of  the  second  Pres- 
bytery of  Philadelphia ;  a  step,  we  confess,  ought  not  to  be  taken  except  in 
matters  of  very  great  importance,  and  where  justice,  or  the  edification  of  the 
church  are  plainly  interested.  But  such  we  do  not  take  the  present  case  to  be, 
and  therefore  we  do  enter  our  dissent  from  the  aforesaid  determination : 
Because, 

1st.  It  carries  in  it  the  obvious  appearance  of  disunion,  and  seems  to  indi- 
cate a  temper  of  a  schismatical  tendency,  however  it  may  be  suppressed  for  the 
present.  It  will  also  be  likely  to  perpetuate  party  distinctions  in  reference  to 
candidates  licensed  by  the  respective  Presbyteries. 

2dly.  While  it  is  the  sense  of  the  Synod,  that  it  is  the  duty  of  Presbyteries 
to  inquire  into  candidates'  experimental  acquaintance  with  religion,  as  a  Scrip- 
tural and  rational  means  of  obtaining  satisfaction  as  to  their  qualification  for 
preaching  the  gospel,  it  involves  the  Synod  in  a  self-contradiction  to  erect  a 
Presbytery  who  expressly  refuses  it ;  and  thus,  this  article  of  examination 
shall,  as  to  them,  be  laid  aside,  which  tends  to  introduce  a  general  neglect 
thereof. 

odly.  While  nothing  is  imposed  upon  persons  in  point  of  practice,  which 
they  in  their  consciences  judge  sinful,  and  they  are  not  restrained  from  doing 
their  duty,  the  rights  of  conscience  are  not  violated,  though  (they  being  a  mi- 
nority,) a  matter  in  judicature  shall  be  carried  against  them  by  vote.  There- 
fore it  is  vain  to  urge  the  rights  of  conscience  in  such  cases ;  and  for  any  to 
signify  that  they  will  not  be  subject,  even  in  such  cases,  to  the  regulations  of 
the  Synod,  but  if  contradicted  will  violently  break  off,  is  to  prefer  the  private 
rights  of  individuals  to  the  public  rights,  and  will  destroy  all  governing  autho- 
rity in  the  body. 

4thly.  It  is  a  very  bad  precedent  of  most  mischievous  consequence,  which 
may  be  plead  by  others  for  the  division  of  Presbyteries,  and  by  that  means 
congregations  now  united  may  again  be  divided,  and  the  regular  formation  of 
new  societies  prevented  or  greatly  marred. 

William  Tennent,  Charles  McKnight,  John  Blair,  Andrew  Bay,  William 
Tennent,  jun'r.  Azel  Hoe,  John  Carmichael,  Robert  Smith,  Jacob  Kerr^ 
David  Rose,  Nathan  Kerr,  Simon  Horton. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  plan  of  correspondence  with  foreign 
churches,  brought  in  one  which  is  as  follows ; 


356  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1766. 

1.  That  the  committee  during  the  session  of  Synod  bring  in  a  copy  of  a 
letter  or  letters  to  the  churches,  to  be  read  and  approved  of  by  them. 

2.  That  if  there  be  occasion  to  write  to  any  of  the  churches  at  any  other 
time,  three  at  least  of  the  committee  shall  prepare  and  send  letters,  copies  of 
which  shall  be  laid  before  the  Synod  at  their  next  meeting. 

3.  That  letters  received  by  the  committee  from  any  of  the  churches  be  an- 
nually laid  before  the  Synod,  as  well  as  the  answers  given  to  any  of  them. 

4.  That  the  churches  with  whom  we  shall  correspond  be  Holland,  Geneva, 
Switzerland,  the  Greneral  Assembly  of  the  Church  of  Scotland  or  their  commis- 
sion, the  Synods  of  seceding  ministers,  the  ministers  in  and  about  London,  the 
General  Synod  of  Ireland,  and  ministers  of  Dublin,  New  England,  and  the 
churches  in  South  Carolina. 

The  Synod  appoint  Dr.  Alison,  Messrs.  Kichard  Treat,  Rodgers,  Ewing, 
McWhorter,  Joseph  Treat,  Beatty,  and  V.  Livingston,  as  a  committee  to  cor- 
respond with  the  foreign  churches  for  the  ensuing  year,  to  meet  this  evening  at 
seven  o'clock. 

The  address  of  the  lay  elders  and  gentlemen,  proposed  last  year  to  the  Synod, 
was  resumed,  and  a  committee  of  Messrs.  Blair,  Kent,  Caldwell,  Duffield,  and 
Bay,  with  elders,  Messrs.  Scudder,  Ogden,  Jackson,  and  Maxwell,  were  ap- 
pointed to  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  six  o'clock,  to  prepare  some  overture 
relative  to  this  affair. 

From  last  year's  minutes  some  affairs  respecting  Mr.  Brainerd's  mission  to 
the  Indians,  with  some  papers  now  received  from  him,  were  taken  under  con- 
sideration ;  and  it  is  ordered,  that  what  moneys  have  been  collected  last  year 
for  this  mission  be  put  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Treat,  jun'r.  an  account  of  which 
he  is  desired  to  give  the  Synod  to-morrow. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

P.  M.  three  o^cloch,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  jpreces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

A  motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Beard  and  Mr.  Tate,  for  a  review  of  last  year's 
minute  respecting  the  new  modelling  of  the  late  New  Castle  and  Donegall 
Presbyteries,  which  was  taken  under  consideration;  and  after  hearing  some 
reasons  offered  by  these  members. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  1'^th,  A.  M.  nine  o^ clock,  the   Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Montgomery  and  his  elder  have  leave  to  go  home. 

Mr.  Treat  produced  to  Synod  an  account  of  moneys  he  received  according  to 
an  order  of  yesterday,  which  is  deferred  to  further  consideration. 

The  motion  of  Mr.  Beard  and  Mr.  Tate  was  resumed,  and  after  these  mem- 
bers had  been  fully  heard,  as  also  Mr.  Smith  and  Mr.  Duffield,  these  four  mem- 
bers resigned  what  they  thought  was  their  right  to  judge  in  this  affair,  left  it 
to  the  Synod  and  voluntarily  withdrew.  After  some  discourse  on  this  matter, 
it  came  to  be  voted  whether  the  minute  of  last  year  on  that  affair  should  be 
reversed  with  this  limitation,  that  the  Carlisle  Presbytery  should  be  con- 
tinued in  their  present  state :  and  it  was  carried  in  the  negative  by  a  great 
majority. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1766.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  357 

P.  M.   Three  o'clocl-,  the  Si/nod  met  according  to  appointment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  disposal  of  the  money  in  Mr.  Treat's  hands  deferred. 

Mr.  Tate's  and  Mr.  Beard's  motion  resumed,  and  after  some  reasonings  on 
the  subject,  and  some  expedients  proposed,  it  was  voted  whether  Douegall 
Presb3'tery  as  it  existed  before  last  Synod,  (those  members  excepted  who  were 
set  off  to  Carlisle  Presbytery,)  be  erected  into  a  Presbytery  under  the  name  of 
Donegall  Presbytery  or  not ;  it  was  carried  in  the  negative. 

Another  expedient  proposed  was,  whether  they  be  united  to  the  second 
Philadelphia  Presbytery  for  a  year,  until  the  matter  be  further  considered ;  it 
was  voted  in  the  negative  by  a  great  majority. 

Some  members  hereupon  begged  leave  to  dissent  and  others  to  protest  against 
these  votes  and  proceedings,  and  beg  leave  to  bring  in  their  reasons,  which  was 
granted.     Their  reasons  are  as  follow  : 

We  are  obliged,  (though  with  grief,)  to  enter  our  dissent  from,  and  declare 
our  protest  against  the  conduct  and  votes  of  this  judicature,  in  the  affairs  re- 
specting the  late  Donegall  Presbytery,  for  such  reasons  as  these : 

1st.  Because  our  distressed  brethren  always  declared  a  scruple  of  conscience 
as  the  foundation  of  their  petition  and  behaviour,  viz :  That  they  could  not  iu 
conscience  submit  to  the  examination  of  the  hearts  or  experiences  of  candidates 
in  the  way  voted  by  the  Synod,  as  they  esteemed  it  contrary  to  the  word  of  God, 
to  common  sense,  and  the  uniform  practice  of  the  Protestant  churches  :  conse- 
quently whether  well  or  ill  informed,  it  was  a  matter  which  could  not  be  voted 
away. 

2dly.  Because  it  appeared  very  untender  and  unbrotherly  to  deny  that  these 
members  could  be  conscientious  in  the  affair,  when  they  declared  they  were  so  : 
we  cannot  judge  what  matters  will  affect  other  men's  consciences. 

3dly.  Because  even  the  smallest  matter,  if  imposed  against  the  rights  of 
conscience,  obliges  the  injured  to  leave  the  communion.  To  exclude  men  from 
exercising  the  power  of  ordination,  unless  they  submit  to  it  in  a  way  contrary 
to  their  judgment  is  such  an  imposition.  And  therefore  the  schism  in  conse- 
quence hereof,  is  to  be  attributed  to  the  imposers  and  not  to  those  who  are 
obliged  to  withdraw. 

4thly.  Because  by  the  spirit  of  the  plan  of  union.  Presbyteries  were  not  to 
be  joined  unless  for  edification,  but  this  modelling  evidently  tends  to  ruin  and 
destruction. 

5thly.  Because  the  Synod  seem  to  act  too  arbitrary  a  part  by  forcing  mem- 
bers into  any  Presbytery  without  their  own  consent,  and  the  consent  of  their 
congregations. 

Gthly.  Because  these  violent  and  precipitate  votes  have  rent  the  Church  of 
Christ,  (alas  too  much  divided  already,)  to  the  joy  of  our  enemies,  the  grief 
and  distress  of  all  sincere  Christians,  and  the  reproach  of  the  Christian  name ; 
when  only  exchanging  a  member  or  two  in  two  Presbyteries,  might  have  pre- 
vented the  breach. 

These  reasons,  together  with  those  entered  by  two  members  against  a  judg- 
ment of  the  last  Synod,  respecting  the  alteration  of  Presbyteries,  prevail  with 
us  to  enter  this  our  protest,  whereby  we  exonerate  our  consciences  in  order  to 
continue  in  your  communion,  and  declare  before  God  and  the  world,  that  we 
are  free  from  all  blame  in  this  whole  procedure. 

Matthew  Wilson,  John  Ewing,  Patrick  Alison,  Francis  Alison. 

In  consequence  of  the  above  votes,  Mr.  Joseph  Tate  and  Mr.  John  Beard 
brought  in  a  declinature,  which  is  as  follows  ; 


358  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1766. 

To  the  Rev.  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelpliia : 

We,  the  subscribers,  humbly  beg  leave  to  show,  that  though  we  much  de- 
sire to  be  in  union  and  friendship  with  this  reverend  body,  and  would  not 
knowingly  be  the  real  authors  of  any  discord  in  the  church  of  Christ,  yet  the 
determinations  of  the  Synod  consequent  on  our  petition  presented  last  year, 
and  again  to  this  present  meeting,  seem  so  grievous  and  oppressive  to  us,  and 
threatening  to  the  credit  and  interest  of  religion,  that  we  find  ourselves  obliged 
to  declare  to  this  Rev.  Synod,  that  we  cannot  submit  to  them,  that  we  hereby 
decline  all  authority  and  jurisdiction  of  this  body,  and  that  no  judgment  or  deter- 
mination thereof  shall  bind  us,  or  affect  our  persons  or  ministry  until  these 
differences  of  sentiment  be  removed  by  better  light,  and  satisfactory  means  be 
found  to  reconcile  and  unite  us  with  this  reverend  body  again.  And  as  we 
earnestly  desire  and  pray  for  this,  we  reserve  to  ourselves,  and  expect  the 
liberty  at  any  time,  respectfully^  to  offer  such  proposals  as  we  may  think  likely 
to  answer  that  end,  and  upon  our  satisfying  the  Reverend  Synod,  or  they  us, 
to  return  to  our  enjoyment  of  our  privileges  with  them.  And  in  the  mean 
time  we  shall  endeavour  to  carry  respectfully  towards  this  Reverend  Synod, 
avoiding  whatever  might  unnecessarily  inflame  unchristian  passions,  or  tend  to 
hinder  the  influence  of  our  brethren  in  their  labours  in  the  gospel,  and  expect 
to  be  mutually  treated  by  our  brethren  as  ministers  of  Christ. 

The  reasons  inducing  us  to  this  mournful  step  are  principally  such  as 
these : 

1.  That  the  determinations  mentioned  had  not  the  least  apparent  tendency 
to  relieve,  but  seem  rather  calculated  to  increase  our  grievances,  and  only  to 
suppress  our  complaints  and  influence  in  judicatures  together. 

2.  We  petitioned  only  for  a  thing  lawful  and  often  precedented  in  Presbyte- 
rian Synods,  and  which  was  wisely  requested  by  the  Synod  of  New  York,  and 
stipulated  for  in  our  plan  of  union;  and  yet  we  think  ourselves  hereupon 
treated  so  untenderly,  so  arbitrarily,  and  so  contrary  to  the  love  and  friendship 
that  is  expected  by  the  distressed,  that  had  the  matter  denied  us  even  been  of 
little  importance,  yet  it  seems  inconsistent  with  our  duty  and  safety  to  own  and 
be  subject  to  a  jurisdiction  so  exercised. 

3.  We  cannot  but  observe  the  proceedings  of  this  reverend  Synod  in  this 
as  well  as  in  many  other  affairs,  appear  plainly  calculated  to  bear  down  one 
part  of  this  united  Synod,  and  suppress  their  influence  contrary  to  the  equality 
and  right  of  members,  and  to  the  nature  and  whole  professed  design  of  our 
union. 

We  pray  and  crave  that  this  our  declinature,  and  these  our  reasons,  be  en- 
tered in  the  records  of  this  Synod,  earnestly  wishing  that  the  Lord  may  yet 
rectify  all  hurtful  mistakes  and  heal  all  discords  among  us ;  and  in  the  mean 
time,  as  we  cannot  enjoy  the  benefit  of  the  plan  of  union  in  peace,  and  accord- 
ing to  the  true  intent  thereof,  we  declare  ourselves  to  be  the  Presbytery  of 
Donegall,  and  members  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  as  before  the  conjunction 
of  the  two  Synods. 

Signed  by  us,  in  our  own  names  and  in  the  names  of  our  brethren, 

Joseph  Tate, 
John  Beard. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  address  of  the  lay 
elders  was  brought  in  and  is  as  follows : 

The  Synod  taking  into  their  serious  consideration  several  matters  suggested 
to  them  in  an  address  and  representation  from  a  number  of  lay  elders  and 
others  of  the  Presbyterian  denomination,  occasionally  assembled  at  Philadel- 
phia, do,  after  mature  deliberation,  look  upon  said  affairs  to  be  of  much  im- 
portance, and  deserving  the  strictest  regard  as  very  useful,  salutary  measures, 


1766.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  359 

whereby  many  pernicious  evils  may  be  prevented  and  various  great  advantages 
procured ;  and  accordingly  order  said  regulations  as  now  amended  to  be 
entered  in  our  minutes,  and  do  most  earnestly  recommend  to  all  congregations 
under  our  care,  the  strict  observation  of  the  same ;  and  the  Synod  appoint  the 
clerk  to  transmit,  as  soon  as  he  conveniently  can,  a  copy  of  this  minute,  to- 
gether with  a  copy  of  said  regulations,  to  the  moderator  of  each  Presbytery 
in  our  bounds,  to  be  by  said  Presbyteries  communicated  to  the  people  under 
their  care  respectively,  and  that  all  proper  pains  be  taken  by  each  Presbytery 
to  have  said  measures  put  in  execution,  viz  : 

1st.  That  in  every  congregation  a  committee  be  appointed,  who  shall  twice 
in  every  year  collect  the  minister's  stipend,  and  lay  his  receipts  before  the 
Presbytery  preceding  the  Synod ;  and  at  the  same  time,  that  ministers  give  an 
account  of  their  diligence  in  visiting  and  catechizing  their  people. 

2d.  The  Synod  recommends  that  a  glebe,  with  a  convenient  house  and  neces- 
sary improvements,  be  provided  for  every  minister. 

3d.  That  the  church  sessions  and  committees  appointed,  take  special  care  of 
their  poor  and  distressed  widows  and  orphans,  and  administer  to  them  all  the 
relief  and  assistance  they  can. 

4th.  The  Synod  recommend  to  the  church  sessions  and  committees  aforesaid, 
that  they  endeavour  by  their  advice  and  influence  to  prevent  all  unnecessary 
lawsuits,  and  if  possible  to  have  all  differences  of  a  civil  nature  decided  by 
arbitration. 

5th.  The  Synod  enjoin  that  exact  registers  of  births,  baptisms,  marriages, 
and  burials,  be  regularly  kept  in  each  congregation. 

6th.  That  special  care  be  taken  of  the  principles  and  characters  of  school- 
masters, that  they  teach  the  Westminster  Catechism  and  Psalmody ;  and  that 
the  ministers,  church  sessions,  and  foresaid  committees,  (where  they  consist- 
ently can,)  visit  the  schools  and  see  these  things  be  done ;  and  where  schools 
are  composed  of  different  denominations,  that  said  committees  and  sessions 
invite  proper  persons  of  said  denominations,  to  join  with  them  in  such  visi- 
tations. 

7th.  That  as  the  too  great  use  of  spirituous  liquors  at  funerals  in  some  parts 
of  the  country,  is  risen  to  such  an  height  as  greatly  to  endanger  the  morals  of 
many,  and  is  the  cause  of  much  scandal,  the  Synod  earnestly  enjoin,  that  the 
several  sessions  and  committees  shall  take  the  most  effectual  methods  to  cor- 
rect these  mischiefs,  and  discountenance  by  their  example  and  influence  all 
approaches  to  such  practices,  and  all  ostentatious  and  expensive  mrades,  so 
inconsistent  with  such  mortifying  and  distressing  occasions. 

8th.  The  Synod  recommends,  that  every  congregation  endeavour  to  form 
a  society  or  societies,  for  the  reformation  of  manners  witi^  their  respective 
bounds. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow. 

Mot/  29,  A.  M.  nine  o^ clock.     The  Synod  met  according  to  ajypoinfment,  and 
post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  consideration  of  the  disposal  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Treat 
deferred. 

An  overture  in  consequence  of  yesterday's  votes  respecting  last  Synod's 
modelling  Presbyteries,  was  brought  in  by  Mr.  Richard  Treat  and  read :  As 
a  good  expedient  for  the  peace  of  this  body,  and  the  satisfaction  of  the  brethren 
complaining,  that  the  late  Presbytery  of  Donegall  be  restored  to  their  former 
state  as  before  the  last  Synod,  with  the  members  settled  within  their  bounds 
since  that  time. 

The  Synod  agreed  to  this  overture,  and  accordingly  we  revive  and  restore 


360  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1766. 

the  late  Presbytery  of  Donegal!,  and  appoint  that  their  first  meeting  be  at  Car- 
lisle the  fourth  Tuesday  in  June,  1766 ;  and  also,  that  the  Presbytery  of  New 
Castle  be  restored,  with  all  the  members  since  settled  in  their  former  bounds, 
and  to  meet  under  that  name,  according  to  their  last  adjournments  when  under 
the  name  of  Lancaster ;  and  that  such  candidates  as  have  begun  their  trials  in 
the  late  Presbytery  of  Lancaster  finish  their  trials  with  the  Presbytery  of  New 
Castle;  and  the  Synod  likewise  think  it  proper  to  take  this  opportunity  to 
declare,  that  though  the  dissatisfied  brethren  inform  them,  that  from  their  ap- 
prehensions, the  acts  of  the  Synod  complained  of  were  unconstitutional,  and 
that  they  thought  it  would  be  inconsistent  to  sit  as  members  of  their  respective 
Presbyteries,  the  Synod  cannot  see  the  consequence,  yet  as  these  brethren 
appear  to  have  acted  according  to  their  light,  they  pass  no  censure  upon  their 
conduct,  but  still  must  express  their  censure,  that  they  should  have  acted  a  part 
so  liable  to  be  thought  of  an  hurtful  tendency. 

Mr.  Miller  had  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  1^.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

P.  31.,  three  o  clock.     The  Si/nod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  precea 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  New  York  Presbytery  book  made  their 
remarks,  and  the  book  is  approved. 

The  consideration  of  the  disposal  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Treat, 
deferred. 

Ordered,  That  an  attested  copy  of  the  minutes  relative  to  the  request  of 
Messrs.  Tate  and  Beard,  be  transmitted  to  them  by  the  hands  of  Dr.  Alison. 

An  appeal  was  brought  in  by  the  committee  of  overtures  from  a  judgment 
of  the  Suffolk  Presbytery,  and  taken  under  consideration ;  and,  after  hearing 
the  appellant  and  Presbytery,  it  was  ordered  that  Messrs.  Rodgers,  Tennent, 
Horton,  Jones,  McWhorter,  Halt,  Simon  Horton,  and  Smith,  be  a  committee 
to  meet,  with  each  an  elder,  at  Huntingdon,  the  fb'st  Wednesday  in  August, 
to  try  and  issue  the  whole  affair;  and  Mr.  Eodgers  is  appointed  to  open  the 
committee  with  a  sermon. 

Mr.  Samuel  Blair  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner,  sus- 
tained. 

An  overture  was  made  by  Dr.  Alison,  that  an  address  should  be  made  to 
our  Sovereign,  on  the  joyful  occasion  of  the  repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act,  and 
thereby  a  confirmation  of  our  liberties,  at  the  same  time  proposing  the  copy 
of  such  an  address  for  examination ;  which  was  read  and  approved  by  the 
Synod. 

A  call  for  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Kerr  among  them  was  brought  in  from 
Steel  Creek  and  New  Providence,  which  was  read. 

Also  a  supplication  for  supplies  from  Long  Canes,  in  South  Carolina,  was 
read  and  laid  on  the  table. 

Another  call  also  from  Sugar  Creek  and  Rocky  River,  for  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Nathan  Kerr,  was  brought  in  and  read. 

A  petition  was  also  read  from  Bullock  Creek,  Turkey  Creek,  and  Broad 
River,  for  further  supplies. 

Also  a  supplication  from  Little  River  Settlement,  in  South  Carolina;  and 
another  from  Briar  Creek,  in  Georgia,  for  supplies,  were  read. 

Another  call  for  Mr.  Kerr  in  this  settlement  was  presented  and  read,  from 
the  united  congregation  of  Centre  and  Hopewell,  in  Carolina. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1766.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  361 


May  SOtJi,  nine  o'clorJc.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

A  motion  was  made  that  every  member  of  this  judicature  take  subscriptions, 
or  make  collections  as  he  shall  find  most  expedient,  in  his  congregation,  or 
the  neighbouring  vacancies,  to  raise  a  fund  for  the  propagation  and  support  of 
the  gospel  in  such  parts  as  cannot  otherwise  enjoy  it;  which,  after  some  dis- 
course on  the  subject,  was  ordered  accordingly.  The  subscriptions,  or  collec- 
tions for  which  purpose,  are  to  be  laid  before  next  Synod,  by  the  moderator,  or 
clerk  of  each  Presbytery ;  and  the  several  Presbyteries  are  hereby  ordered  to 
see  this  determination  put  into  execution.  # 

The  affair  of  3Ir.  Brainerd's  school  resumed. 

The  Synod  resolve  to  support  the  Indian  school  under  Mr.  Brainerd's  care, 
and  for  that  purpose  order  such  members  as  have  not  this  last  year  made  collec- 
tions, immediately  to  collect  and  transmit  to  the  hands  of  Mr.  Joseph  Treat,  or 
Mr.  Ewiug,  to  be  paid  to  IMr.  Brainerd ;  and  that  the  money  now  in  Mr.  Treat's 
hands  be  paid  Mr.  Brainerd  as  soon  as  possible,  which  sum  appears  to  be  twenty- 
one  pounds,  sixteen  shillings,  and  one  penny. 

Ordered,  The  several  calls  mentioned  last  sederunt  be  presented  to  Mr.  Kerr, 
to  be  by  him  considered  and  answered  as  soon  as  possible,  which  answers  are  to 
be  given  in  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  York. 

A  motion  was  made  that  the  address  to  his  Majesty  be  transcribed  in  two  fair 
copies,  to  be  sent  different  ways,  and  inclosed  in  a  letter  from  this  Synod  to  Dr. 
Chandler,  constituting  him  our  agent  to  present  our  address ;  the  expenses  to 
be  paid  by  this  body. 

A  memorial  was  presented  by  Mr.  C.  T.  Smith,  representing  the  necessity 
and  importance  of  sending  some  suitable  missionaries  to  preach  at  Williams- 
burg ;  as  also  a  supplication  for  supplies  to  be  sent  to  Carolina,  and  that  he 
himself  be  authorized  to  itinerate  again  in  those  parts. 

Also  several  members  verbally  supplicated  that  supplies  be  also  sent  to  Wil- 
mington and  Newbern. 

A  motion  was  made  in  behalf  of  the  second  Philadelphia  congregation,  to 
furnish  them  with  supplies  immediately. 

A  motion  was  also  made  in  favour  of  Bladensburg,  and  Upper  Marlborough, 
in  Maryland,  to  obtain  them  supplies. 

Suffolk  Presbytery  desired  leave  to  ordain  two  candidates,  Mr.  Elam  Potter, 
and  Mr.  Isaac  Lewes,  sine  titulo,  in  order  to  be  sent  to  the  southward  when 
they  shall  think  it  proper,  which  was  granted. 

The  persons  to  be  appointed  to  the  southern  mission,  deferred. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

P.  M.  three  o^ clock.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.    Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

To  comply  with  the  many  earnest  supplications  from  North  and  South  Caro- 
lina, Virginia,  and  Georgia,  the  Synod,  with  their  own  consent,  appoint  Messrs. 
Lewes,  Caldwell,  Chesnutt,  and  Bay,  to  go  into  these  parts,  as  soon  as  possible, 
and  stay  as  long  as  they  can  in  preaching  the  gospel,  and  administering  the 
sacraments  in  all  those  vacancies  that  have  supplicated,  and  in  others  where 
they  may  be  invited,  according  to  their  discretion,  and  that  they  endeavour  to 
supply  at  Upper  Marlborough,  and  Bladensburg,  as  they  go  and  return ;  for 
this  purpose  the  moderator  is  appointed  to  give  those  members  proper  certifi- 
cates. 

The  Synod  gratefully  accepts  Mr.  C.  T.  Smith's  proposal,  and  authorizes  him 

46 


§62  MINUTES  OF  THE   SYNOD  OP  [1766. 

to  itinerate  througli  Virginia,  the  Carolinas,  and  G-eorgia,  and  especially  to 
preach  in  Williamsburg,  if  his  health  permits. 

Mr.  Brush  is  appointed  to  assist  Mr.  Brainerd  in  supplying  the  vacancies  in 
his  neighbourhood. 

Mr.  Kirkpatrick  is  also  appointed  to  go  to  Williamsburg,  and  also  Mr.  Mil- 
lar, to  supply  each  fourth  Sabbath  at  least,  at  their  own  discretion,  and  the  re- 
spective Presbyteries  to  supply  their  pulpits. 

The  supplication  for  supplies  from  second  Philadelphia  congregation  consi- 
dered, and  the  Synod  appoints  Mr.  Roe,  the  two  last  Sabbaths  of  June  and 
first  of  July ;  Mr.  Kerr  the  third  Sabbath  of  July,  and  the  three  Sabbaths  fol- 
lowing ;  Mr.  Mills  the  second  and  third  of  September. 

According  to  a  former  request  of  the  corporation  of  the  widows'  fund  for 
missionaries  to  be  sent  to  the  frontiers  of  the  province,  the  Synod  appoint 
Messrs.  Beatty  and  Duffield  to  go  together,  the  fii'st  of  August  next,  and  preach 
at  least  two  months  in  those  pax'ts,  and  do  what  else  is  best  for  the  advance- 
ment of  religion,  according  to  the  instructions  of  the  incorporation,  as  recorded 
in  the  minutes  of  A.  D.  1763 ;  and  that  Mr.  Duffield's  pulpit  be  supplied  by 
Donegall  Presbytery;  and  Mr.  Beatty's  be  supplied  by  Mr.  Brush,  two  Sab- 
baths, and  by  New  Castle  Presbytery,  three  Sabbaths ;  and  the  first  Philadel- 
phia Presbytery  supply  the  other  Sabbaths. 

A  pastoral  letter  was  proposed,  examined,  and  approved,  and  ordered  to  be 
printed  immediately,  and  to  be  dispersed  among  all  our  societies,  which  is  as 
follows : 

"  Dearly  Beloved : — We  think  it  our  indispensable  duty,  not  only  in  our  par- 
ticular charges,  but  in  this  united  and  more  public  capacity,  to  direct  you  to 
some  suitable  reflections  upon  the  late  remarkable  and  merciful  steps  of  Divine 
Providence,  and  to  inculcate  a  becoming  improvement  of  an  event,  the  most 
interesting  and  important  to  the  people  of  this  continent.  For  not  only  in  the 
word  of  God  should  we  attend  to  his  Divine  will,  but  also  mark  his  hand  in 
that  Providence  by  which  he  directs  the  course  of  human  aff"airs  with  invaria- 
ble wisdom  and  paternal  goodness. 

"  The  faithless  French,  and  their  savage  allies,  were  lately  the  rod  of  Divine 
displeasure  for  our  many  provocations.  Under  the  calamities  of  war,  and  the 
wasting  ravages  of  Indian  cruelty,  we  were  repeatedly  brought  to  approach  the 
throne  of  grace,  with  solemn  fasting  and  prayer ;  and  thereby  openly  professed 
our  resolution  to  forsake  the  ways  of  sin,  and  turn  unto  the  Lord.  But,  alas  ! 
we  rendered  not  to  God  according  to  the  multitude  of  his  tender  mercies ,  for 
no  sooner  was  the  rod  removed,  and  the  blessings  of  peace  restored,  but  we  be- 
came more  vain  and  dissolute  than  before. 

"  The  Almighty  thus  provoked,  permitted  counsels  of  the  most  pernicious 
tendency,  both  to  Great  Britain  and  her  colonies.  The  imposition  of  unusual 
taxes,  a  severe  restriction  of  our  trade,  and  an  almost  total  stagnation  of  busi- 
ness, threatened  us  with  inevitable  ruin.  A  long  suspense,  whether  we  should 
be  deprived  of,  or  restored  to,  the  peaceable  enjoyment  of  the  inestimable  pri- 
vilege of  English  liberty,  filled  every  breast  with  the  most  painful  anxiety.  A 
gloomy  cloud  thickened  over  our  heads,  ready  to  burst  upon  us  in  a  desolating 
storm.  Had  our  gracious  Sovereign,  the  present  ministry,  and  the  British  Par- 
liament been  less  wise,  just,  and  good;  had  they,  instead  of  yielding  to  a  spirit 
of  moderation,  unhappily  recurred  to  force,  we  shudder  at  the  very  thoughts  of 
the  consequences.  We  cannot  look  down  the  precipice  on  the  brink  of  which 
we  stood,  without  horror.  We  were  not  without  reason  apprehensive  that 
the  tumultuous  outrages,  which  in  some  j^laces  attended  a  determined  opposi- 
tion to  the  disrelished  statute,  might  provoke  the  resentment  of  the  British 
legislature. 

"  When  we  reflect  on  the  public  ofiences  of  our  land  against  heaven  ',  when 


1766.]  KEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  363 

we  think  of  the  open  disregard  and  violation  of  the  holy  Sabbath ;  the  neglect 
of  the  ordinances  of  Divine  worship,  the  abuse  of  gospel  light  and  privileges, 
the  profane  swearing  and  cursing,  intemperance  and  luxury,  the  various  scenes 
of  uncleanness  and  lasciviousness,  the  pride  and  vanity,  and  every  other  evil 
so  shamefully  prevalent,  what  less  could  we  expect  than  that  an  offended  Gi-od 
would  have  made  the  gathering  tempest  to  break  upon  us,  and  plunged  us  and 
our  mother  country  in  all  the  rueful  calamities  of  a  civil  war?  But  how 
astonishing  is  the  long-suffering  patience  of  Jehovah !  He  has  inclined  the 
hearts  of  many  powerful  friends  to  espouse  our  cause.  He  has  given  us  to 
experience  the  paternal  tenderness  of  the  best  of  kings,  and  the  moderation  of 
the  British  Parliament.  Our  gracious  God  is  our  deliverer.  He  is  making  a 
further  trial  of  us.     May  his  unmerited  goodness  lead  us  to  repentance. 

"  We,  therefore,  call  upon  you,  who  are  the  dear  people  of  our  charge,  not 
only  to  acknowledge  with  joy  and  gratitude  the  general  Providence  of  God, 
but  also  thankfully  to  adore  that  particular  Providence,  wherein,  upon  special 
occasions,  he  directs  and  controls  the  course  of  events  by  his  immediate  in- 
fluence, and  whereby  he  hath  on  the  late  interesting  occasion,  so  signally  ap- 
peared for  our  protection.  We  call  upon  you  constantly  to  reverence  that 
All-wise  and  Omnipotent  Director  and  Disposer  of  events  on  whom  we  de- 
pend for  every  mercy  we  enjoy,  to  be  thankful  to  him  for  every  instance  of 
prosperity,  patient  under  every  affliction,  submissive  to  his  wise  disposals,  and 
obedient  to  all  his  holy  precepts;  to  awake  to  repentance,  to  consider  your 
ways,  and  to  turn  unto  the  Lord,  through  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  Let  every 
one  beware  of  adding  to  the  common  stock  of  guilt  and  iniquity.  We  beseech 
and  obtest  you  to  be  strict  in  observing  the  laws  and  ordinances  of  Jesus 
Christ,  to  pay  a  sacred  regard  to  his  Sabbath,  to  reverence  his  holy  name, 
and  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  by  good  works.  We  pray  you  to 
seek  earnestly  the  saving  knowledge  of  Christ,  and  the  internal  power  and 
spirit  of  religioa  Thus  may  you  hope  for  the  continued  kindness  of  a  gra- 
cious Providence,  and  this  is  the  way  to  express  your  gratitude  to  the  Father 
of  mercies  for  your  late  glorious  deliverance.  But  persisting  to  grieve  the 
Holy  Spirit,  by  a  neglect  of  vital  religion,  and  a  continuance  in  sin,  you  will 
have  reason  to  dread  that  a  holy  God  will  punish  you  yet  seven  times  more 
for  your  iniquities. 

''  While  we  thus  call  upon  you  to  fear  God,  you  will  not  forget  to  honour 
your  king,  and  pay  a  due  submission  to  his  august  parliament.  Let  this  fresh 
instance  of  royal  clemency  increase  the  ardour  of  your  affection  to  the  person, 
family,  and  government,  of  our  rightful  and  gracious  sovereign.  This  you  will 
manifest  by  a  cheerful  and  ready  obedience  to  civil  authority.  A  spirit  of 
liberty  is  highly  laudable  when  under  proper  regulations,  but  we  hope  you 
will  carefully  distinguish  between  liberty  and  licentiousness. 

"  We  most  earnestly  recommend  it  to  you  to  encourage  and  strengthen  the 
hands  of  government,  to  demonstrate  on  every  proper  occasion  your  undis- 
sembled  love  for  your  mother  country,  and  your  attachment  to  her  true  interest, 
so  inseparably  connected  with  our  own. 

"  That  thus  you  may  become  wise  and  good,  as  well  as  free  and  happy,  and 
that  while  you  enjoy  liberty,  civil  and  religious,  you  may  not  be  the  servants 
of  sin  and  Satan,  is  the  fervent  prayer  of  those  who  watch  for  your  souls,  as 
men  who  must  give  an  account. 

"  Signed  by  order,  Elihu  Spencer,  moderator. 

"Presbyterian  Church,  at  New  YorTc,  3Iay  ZOth,  1766." 

A  memorial  presented  by  sundry  members  recommending  to  every  minister 
and  congregation  to  erect  societies  for  the  reformation  of  manners  and  suppres- 
sion of  vice,  was  brought  in  and  read ;  and  after  some  deliberation,  the  Synod 


364  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1767. 

judge  it  highly  expedient  and  earnestly  recommend  it  to  all  our  members, 
duly  to  attend  to  the  memorial,  (which  we  highly  approve,)  to  explain  the 
necessity  of  such  an  affair  to  all  their  congregations,  and  use  their  utmost 
influence  to  erect  societies,  according  to  the  important  design  of  the  memori- 
alists. 

An  overture  was  brought  in  to  endeavour  to  obtain  some  correspondence 
between  this  Synod  and  the  consociated  churches  in  Connecticut.  A  copy  of 
a  letter  from  this  Synod  to  them  was  also  read  and  approved,  and  the  Kev. 
Messrs.  John  Ewing,  Patrick  Alison,  and  the  moderator,  are  desired  to  pre- 
sent this  letter  and  confer  with  our  brethren  on  this  aifair.  And  in  case  it 
shall  seem  meet  to  our  reverend  brethren  to  attend  to  this  our  proposal,  so  far 
as  to  appoint  commissioners  from  their  body  to  meet  with  commissioners  from 
ours ;  we  appoint  the  Rev.  Dr.  Alison,  and  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Timothy  Jones, 
William  Tenuent,  John  Rodgers,  Elisha  Kent,  John  Smith,  John  Blair,  and 
Samuel  Buel,  to  meet  with  them  at  such  time  and  place  as  the  reverend 
brethren  of  Connecticut  shall  agree. 

Mr.  Rodgers  is  appointed  to  give  the  committee  notice  of  what  the  associated 
brethren  will  do  relating  to  this  affair. 

The  Synod  appoint  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Ramsey,  Hunter,  Kirkpatrick,  and 
Latta,  to  be  a  committee  to  meet  with  the  corporation  of  the  widows'  fund. 

For  want  of  time  fully  to  discuss  the  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to 
consider  the  address  of  the  lay  elders,  it  is  deferred  till  nest  Synod. 

The  Synod  adjourned  to  the  second  Presbyterian  church  in  Philadelphia,  to 
meet  on  the  third  Wednesday  of  May  next,  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

1767. 

Philadelphia,  May  the  20^A,  l'r67. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  at  the  second  Presbyterian 
church  according  to  adjournment.      Uhi post  preces  sederunt 

Ministers :  Messrs.  Azariah  Horton,  John  Rodgers,  Benjamin  Halt,  Ben- 
jamin Woodruff,  Alexander  McWhorter,  James  Caldwell,  William  Mills, 
Israel  Reed,  William  Kirkpatrick,  Enoch  Glreen,  Richard  Treat,  Andrew 
Hunter,  Charles  Beatty,  William  Ramsey,  Benjamin  Chesnutt,  John  Clark, 
John  Ewing,  Patrick  Alison,  John  Blair,  Elihu  Spencer,  Robert  Smith,  John 
Miller,  Matthew  Wilson,  Joseph  Montgomery,  Alexander  Huston,  Andrew 
Bay,  George  Duffield,  Alexander  McDowell,  James  Finley,  William  Mc- 
Kennan,  James  Hunt,  Aaron  Richards,  Thomas  Lewis,  Francis  Peppard, 
Azel  Roe,  .John  Hanna,  John  Rosborough,  John  Slemons,  Robert  Cooper, 
John  Simonton,  James  Latta,  John  Roan.-— 42. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Thomas  Jackson,  Nathaniel  Camp,  Thomas  Bourne,  John 
Reeves,  Lazarus  Pine,  John  Walker,  Dr.  Hugh  Williamson,  John  Smith, 
James  Gilliland,  William  Hamilton,  Mills  Shankland,  John  Maxwell  of  Mary- 
land, James  Jack,  John  Maxwell  of  New  Jersey,  Francis  Campbell,  Benjamin 
Junkin,  John  Greer,  Richard  Walker. — 18. 

Ministers  absent :  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Timothy  Jones,  Joseph  Treat,  Jona- 
than Elmore,  Abner  Brush,  Abner  Reeve,  Simon  Horton,  Jacob  Green,  John 
Darbe,  Moses  Tuttle,  John  Moffiit,  Samuel  Parkhurst,  Nathan  Kerr,  John 
Maltby,  Hugh  Knox,  Ebenezer  Prime,  Sylvanus  White,  James  White,  James 
Brown,  Nehemiah  Barker,  Benjamin  Talmage,  Benjamin  Goldsmith,  David 
Rose,  Sampson  Occam,  Adam  Boyd,  John  Carmichacl,  Charles  Tennent, 
William  Tennent,  James  McCrea,  John  Guild,  Charles  McKnight,  Samuel 
Kennedy,  Thomas  Smith,  Amos  Thompson,  James  Lyon,  Job  Prudden.     The 


1767.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.-  365 

whole  Presbytery  of  Dutchess  county  absent ;  and  the  whole  Presbytery  of 
Hanover  also ;  of  Donegall  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Hogg. — 37. 

Last  year's  moderator  opened  the  Synod  by  a  sermon  from  Rev.  ii.  10. 

Mr.  Hunter  is  chosen  moderator  for  the  ensuing  year,  who,  after  receiving 
the  usual  charge  from  the  last  year's  moderator,  took  the  chair;  and  Messrs. 
Kirkpatrick  and  Ramsey  were  chosen  clerks. 

The  reasons  of  the  absence  of  the  Rev.  IMessrs.  Alexander  McDowell,  James 
Finley,  William  Mckennan,  James  Hunt,  John  Roan,  Aaron  Richards,  Francis 
Peppard,  John  Hanna,  John  Rosborough,  and  John  Siemens,  from  our  last 
Synod,  sustained. 

Theophilus  Alexander,  Mr.  Finley's  elder,  is  now  come. 

New  York  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  Jcdidiah  Chap- 
man to  the  work  of  the  ministry  since  our  last,  who  being  present  took  his 
scat ;  and  also  that  they  have  licensed  Mr.  James  Tuttlc. 

Suffolk  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  Elam  Potter  and  Mr. 
John  Close,  who  being  present  took  their  seats;  also,  that  Mr.  Thomas  Pain  is 
removed  by  death  since  our  last. 

Bethuel  Pierson,  Mr.  Chapman's  elder,  is  now  come. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  report,  that  Dr.  Finley  was  removed  by  death  on 
the  seventeenth  of  July  last;  and  that  they  have  licensed  Mr.  Alexander 
Mitchell. 

The  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  the  Rev.  IMr.  Robert 
Cross  was  removed  by  death  in  the  month  of  August  last. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  Messrs.  John  Mc- 
Crery,  James  Boyd,  John  Craighead,  Joseph  Alexander,  and  William  Forster. 
That  Mr.  Samuel  Blair  was  dismissed  from  their  body,  and  has  removed  to 
Boston  since  our  last.  That  Mr.  Alexander  Hutchinson  was  removed  by  death 
in  the  month  of  October,  1766. 

The  Synod  appoints  for  a  committee  of  overtures,  the  Rev.  Messrs,  Lewis, 
Hait,  Reed,  Beatty,  Simonton,  McKennan,  Roan,  and  Miller ;  and  elders, 
Messrs.  Thomas  Jackson,  Thomas  Bourne,  John  Maxwell  of  Maryland,  and 
Richard  Walker,  to  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  six  o'clock,  and  by  adjourn- 
ments from  time  to  time,  as  occasion  may  require,  during  the  present  session. 

New  York  Presbytery  further  report,  that  they  have  taken  Mr.  Thomas 
Jackson,  a  licensed  candidate  from  Scotland,  under  their  care. 

Mr.  Montgomery  and  Mr.  Duffield,  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine 
New  Brunswick  Presbytery  book. 

Mr.  Robert  Smith  and  Mr.  Azariah  Horton,  are  appointed  a  committee  to 
examine  Philadelphia  first  Presbytery  book. 

Mr.  Caldwell  and  Mr.  Ramsey,  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  Phila- 
delphia second  Presbytery  book. 

Mr.  Rodgers  and  Mr.  Mills  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  Donegall 
Presbytery  book. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.      Concluded  with  prayer. 

21st  dai/,  nine  o'chcJc,  A.  M.,  the  Synod  met  according   to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Dr.  Alison,  and  Messrs.  Nehemiah  G-reenman,  John  Strain,  and  John 
Griffith,  are  now  come,  and  the  reasons  of  their  coming  no  sooner,  sustained ; 
and  their  respective  elders,  John  Johnson,  Joseph  Vanmeter,  Hugh  Whiteford. 
and  Abel  Griffiths,  are  also  come.  Messrs.  Samuel  Buel  and  Jacob  Kerr,  are 
also  come,  and  the  reasons  of  their  coming  no  sooner,  sustained. 

The  committee  appointed  for  the  disposing  of  the  interest  of  the  fund  in  the 
hands  of  the  treasurer  of  the  college  of  New  Jersey,  for  the  education  of  pious 


366  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1767. 

youth,  report,  that  they  disposed  of  the  whole  of  the  interest  due  from  said 
fund  on  the  first  of  October  last. 

And  the  Synod  appoint  as  a  committee  for  disposing  of  said  money  for  the 
present  year,  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Guild,  Brainerd,  Kirkpatrick,  Ewing, 
Beatty,  Caldwell,  and  Reed,  to  meet  for  that  purpose  at  Princeton  on  the  third 
Wednesday  of  August  next,  and  that  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  lay  the  minutes  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  several  committees  appointed  on  that  business,  before  us  at 
our  meeting  next  spring. 

The  Synod  appoint  for  a  commission  for  the  ensuing  year,  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Richard  Treat,  Dr.  Alison,  Buel,  Azariah  Horton,  Jones,  William  Tennent, 
Reed,  Kirkpatrick,  Beatty,  Ewing,  Spencer,  Blair,  Roan,  Robert  Smith,  Miller, 
and  Montgomery,  with  the  moderator;  and  elders,  Messrs.  Thomas  Jackson, 
Richard  Walker,  Dr.  Williamson,  and  John  Smith,  thirteen  of  whom  to  be  a 
quorum ;  but  if  the  moderator  die  or  be  absent,  the  first  on  the  roll  mentioned 
in  the  minute,  shall  have  power  to  call  the  commission  and  preside. 

The  order  of  last  Synod  fijT  transcribing  the  minutes  of  Synod  since  the 
union,  and  sending  them  to  the  respective  Presbyteries,  was  not  complied  with, 
on  account  of  some  difficulties  that  came  in  the  way.  And  the  Synod  now 
order,  that  the  stated  clerk  give  copies  of  the  said  minutes  to  such  Presbyteries 
as  shall  make  application  for  them,  and  recommend  it  to  the  several  Presby- 
teries, each  to  take  care  to  furnish  themselves  with  said  copies. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Brainerd  receive  for  the  current  year,  the  interest  of  the 
fund  for  Indian  affairs,  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  New  Jersey  college. 

The  affiiir  of  Mr.  Rowan's  appeal  deferred. 

The  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  they  have  deposed  Mr,  John 
Murray  since  our  last. 

Adjourned  to  three  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

21   day,   three  o'clock,  P.  M.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  members  of  Donegall  Presbytery  here  present,  report,  that  they  com- 
plied with  the  order  of  Synod,  for  restoring  that  Presbytery  into  its  former 
state,  but  that  the  dissatisfied  brethren,  viz.  Messrs.  Steel,  Tate,  Thompson, 
Sampson  Smith,  McMurdie,  Elder,  and  Beard,  refused  to  meet  with  them, 
though  duly  notified ;  and  that  they  have  been  informed,  that  said  dissatisfied 
brethren  have  proceeded  to  form  themselves  into  a  separate  body,  and  have 
acted  in  a  Presbyterial  capacity  every  since. 

A  letter  was  brought  into  the  Synod,  directed  to  the  moderator,  signed  by 
the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Elder,  and  John  Steel,  as  moderator  and  clerk  of  a 
Presbytery  which  they  call  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  representing  that  they 
had  been  forced  by  sundry  petitions  to  apply  to  Synod  to  be  erected  into  two 
Presbyteries,  which  petitions  not  having  had  desired  success,  they  were  laid 
under  the  disagreeble  necessity  of  entering  a  declinature  from  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  Synod ;  and  declaring  withal  their  readiness  to  return  into  communion 
with  the  Synod,  provided  they  might  be  erected  by  them  into  a  separate  Pres- 
bytery ;  which  letter  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  for  a  second 
reading.  From  all  which  the  Synod  observe  that  the  brethren  of  Donegall 
Presbytery,  who  petitioned  for  being  erected  into  a  separate  Presbytery,  in  the 
year  1765,  adopt  the  declinature  entered  last  year,  by  Messrs.  Beard  and  Tate, 
and  consequently  must  not  now  be  considered  as  members  of  this  body. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  at  Huntingdon  report,  that  they  complied 
with  the  order  of  Synod,  and  issued  the  afiair  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  parties 
concerned. 

Dr.   Williamson  informs  the   Synod  that  the  address  to  his  Majesty  was 


1767.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  367 

presented  by  Mr.  De  Bcrdt,  and  graciously  received.  And  the  Synod  desire 
Dr.  "Williamson  to  present  their"thanks  to  ]Mr.  De  Berdt  for  Lis  kind  services 
in  that  aflair. 

The  Synod  also  order  the  moderator  to  give  Dr.  Williamson  their  thanks  for 
his  services  in  the  care  of  the  same  address. 

Ordered,  That  each  Presljytery  bring  in  to-morrow  morning  an  account  how 
theii"  several  members  have  complied  with  the  order  of  last  Synod  for  taking 
subscriptions,  and  making  collections  in  their  respective  congregations,  and  the 
vacancies  in  their  bounds,  to  raise  a  fund  for  the  propagation  and  support  of  the 
gospel  in  such  places  as  cannot  otherwise  enjoy  it. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Ewing  and  Treat  be  called  upon  to  give  an  account  of 
the  moneys  they  have  received  in  consequence  of  an  order  of  last  Synod  for  con- 
gregations that  had  not  collected  the  year  before,  to  make  collections  for  the 
support  of  the  Indian  school  under  Mr.  Brainerd's  care. 

New  York  Presbytery  report,  that  IMr.  Nathan  Kerr  gave  a  negative  answer 
to  the  calls  from  Carolina,  put  into  his  hands  by  order  of  Synod. 

Messrs.  Lewis  and  Caldwell  complied  with  the  order  of  Synod  in  going  to 
the  southward ;  and  Messrs.  Bay  and  Chesnutt  gave  reasons  for  not  going, 
which  were  sustained. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.      Concluded  with  prayer. 

22c?  dai/,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Ubi  2^ost  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Samuel  Kennedy  is  now  come,  and  he  is  ordered  to  give  at  next  sederunt, 
the  reasons  of  his  absence  from  ovir  Synodical  meetings  since  the  year  1762. 
His  elder,  John  Carl,  is  also  come. 

The  letter  signed  by  Messrs.  Elder  and  Steel,  was  ordered  to  be  read  a  second 
time,  and  the  Synod  agree  to  enter  upon  the  consideration  of  it ;  and  after  much 
time  spent  in  reasoning  on  the  subject,  the  Synod  find  they  cannot  admit  said 
brethren  in  the  manner  they  have  requested ;  but,  as  we  would  gladly  take 
every  step  we  can,  consistent  with  a  good  conscience  and  the  interests  of  reli- 
gion, to  remove  the  uneasiness  of  our  brethren,  and  promote  harmony  and 
peace ;  we  appoint  Messrs.  Bucl,  Rodgers,  Horton,  Kirkpatrick,  Beatty,  Ewing, 
Blair,  and  Miller,  a  committee  to  bring  in  an  overtui-e  to-morrrow  morning 
relative  to  the  aforesaid  petition. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P,  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


Three  d clock,  P.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Ubi  'post 
preces  sederunt  qui  stipra. 

Mr.  Eliphalet  Ball  is  now  come,  and  the  reasons  of  not  coming  sooner  sus- 
tained.    Also,  William  Norcross,  Mr.  Kirkpatrick's  elder,  is  now  come. 

Mr.  Kennedy  gave  the  reasons  of  his  absence  from  Synod  for  five  years  past, 
which  were  sustained. 

In  consequence  of  an  order  of  yesterday,  each  Presbytery  brought  in  an  ac- 
count how  their  respective  members  complied  with  the  order  of  last  Synod  for 
making  a  collection  to  establish  a  fund  for  the  propagation  of  the  gospel  among 
the  poor,  &c. 

And  the  Synod  are  obliged  to  declare  that  it  is  matter  of  real  grief  to  them 
to  find  that  so  many  of  their  members  have  paid  so  little  regard  to  the  authority 
of  Synod,  enjoining  a  liberality  for  so  pious  and  important  a  purpose. 

The  account  of  moneys  collected  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  and  the  persons 
by  whom,  is  as  follows  : 


368  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1767. 


Mr.  Wtite, 
Mr.  Rose, 
Mr.  Brown, 
Mr.  Barker, 
Mr.  Close, 
Mr.  Mills,        . 

Of  Suffolk  Presbytery. 

.   York  currency,  £1  10 

1    9 

5    0 

1  10 

5    0 

4    2 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

Total,          .        .        .  18  11 

0 

Equal  to  Pennsylvania  currency,     .        .      £17  12  7  J 

Of  New  York  Presbytery. 

Mr.  Rodgers, £42    9  2   Yk.  currency. 

Mr.  Richards, 16  2^ 

Mr.  Peppard,  .       \         .  .  10  0 

44  15  4* 


Equal  to £41    4  2    Pennsyl.  cur. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery. 

Mr.  Reed,      .         .         .         .         .         .        £1  10  0 

Mr.  Hanna, 10  0 

Mr.  Kirkpatrick, 2  17  1 

Mr.  Rosborougb,        .        .        .        .        .10  0 

£6    7  1   Pro.  cur. 

Of  Philadelphia  First  Presbytery. 

Mr.  Hunter, £3     7  10 

Mr.  Beatty, 3  17  5 

Mr.  Richard  Treat,          ....  2  10  9 

Mr.  Ramsey, 3    4  0 

Mr.  Clark, 1  16  6 

Philadelphia  Second  Congregation,       .        .     13  11  11 J 

Total,        .        .        .  £28    8  5J 

Of  Philadelphia  Second  Presbytery. 

Mr.  Ewing, £12    0  0 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery. 

Mr.  Blair,      .         .         .         .    *    .         .        £0  16  7 

Mr.  McCarman,  .         .  .         .       1  12  4 


Of  Donegall  Presbytery 
Mr.  Robert  Smith,  .... 

Of  Lewestown  Presbytery, 
Mr.  Montgomery, 
An  unknown  hand,    .... 

Amounting  in  the  whole  to,  .         .    £112     1    3  Pro.  cur. 

The  account  of  moneys  received  by  Messrs.  Ewing  and  Joseph  Treat,  deferred 
till  next  sederunt. 


£2 

8 

11 

£2 

10 

0 

T. 

£1 
0 

0 
10 

0 
0 

1767.]  NEW  YORK  AND  THILADELPHIA.  369 

Mr.  Richard  Treat  reports,  that  he  paid  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Braincrd  the 
sum  of  twenty-one  pounds,  .sixteen  shillings  and  one  penny,  which  appears  to  be 
the  sum  put  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Treat,  jun'r.  last  year,  for  the  support  of 
the  Indian  school  under  Mr.  Brainerd's  care. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

23c?  day,  nine  o'cIocJc,  A.  M.      The  Si/nod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  William  Tennent  is  now  come,  and  the  reasons  of  not  coming  sooner  sus- 
tained. 

Mr.  Elias  Bailey,  Mr.  Mills's  elder,  is  also  come. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Ewing  pay  to  I\Ir.  Brainerd  the  sum  of  two  pounds 
eighteen  shillings,  which  he  reports  is  the  whole  he  has  received  for  the  Indian 
school ;  and  it  is  also  ordered,  that  Mr.  Joseph  Treat  pay  to  Mr.  Brainerd  the 
whole  of  the  money  he  has  in  his  hands  at  the  disposal  of  the  Synod. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  an  overture  this  morning,  relative  to 
the  petition  of  Messrs.  Elder,  Steel,  &c.  report  that  they  have  not  had  time 
to  complete  it,  and  pray  that  they  may  have  till  next  Monday  morning  for  that 
purpose. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Brainerd's  school  deferred. 

The  Synod  order,  that  every  Presbytery  belonging  to  this  body,  be  careful 
that  those  ministers  in  their  bounds,  who  have  not  made  a  collection  for  pious 
uses,  as  it  was  appointed  last  year,  make  a  collection  before  the  first  of  August ; 
and  that  it  be  put  into  the  hands  of  the  moderator  of  the  respective  Presbyte- 
ries, and  sent  without  delay  to  the  treasurer  appointed  by  the  Synod.  But  we 
desire  that  such  ministers,  whose  reasons  for  not  complying  with  the  Synodical 
order,  have  been  sustained,  be  urged  no  further  at  this  time. 

Thomas  Tobin,  Mr.  Spencer's  elder,  is  now  come. 

An  overture  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  relative  to  collections  and 
subscriptions  for  pious  purposes,  was  brought  in  and  read.  The  Synod  appoint 
Dr.  Alison,  and  Messrs.  Duffield  and  Williamson,  to  correct  the  overture,  and 
prepare  an  introduction  to  said  plan,  to  be  submitted  to  the  Synod  at  their  next 
sederunt. 

Mr.  Brush  did  not  fulfil  his  appointments,  either  to  the  vacancies  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Mr.  Brainerd's  congregation,  or  to  Neshaminy,  but  not  being 
present  the  Synod  could  not  inquire  into  the  reasons  of  it. 

Messrs.  Miller's  and  Kirkpatrick's  reasons  for  not  going  to  Virginia,  sus- 
tained. 

The  appointments  of  last  Synod,  for  supplies  to  the  second  Presbyterian 
church  in  Philadelphia,  fulfilled. 

Messrs.  Beatty  and  Duffield  complied  with  the  order  of  last  Synod,  in  going  \ 
on  a  mission  to  the  frontiers.  * 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  Monday  next.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

25^^  day,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Uhi 
post  preces  sederunt  qui  sujjra. 

Mr.  Chauncey  Graham  is  now  come,  and  the  reasons  of  not  coming  sooner, 
sustained. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  an  overture,  relative  to  the  letter  sent 
from  Messrs.  Elder  and  Steel,  have  not  yet  brought  it  in. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  Brainerd's  school  further  deferred. 

The  committee  appointed  to  correct  the  overture  from  New  York  Presbytery, 
47 


370  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1767. 

relative  to  a  collection  for  pious  purposes,  and  to  prepare  an  introduction  to  the 
^ame,  brought  it  in,  which  being  read  and  approved,  is  as  follows,  viz  : 

The  Synod  laying  to  heart  the  unhappy  lot  of  many  people  in  various  parts 
of  our  land,  who  at  present  are  brought  up  in  ignorance,  and  that  they  and  their' 
families  are  perishing  for  lack  of  knowledge,  who,  on  account  of  their  poverty 
or  scattered  habitations,  are  unable  without  some  assistance  to  support  the  gos- 
pel ministry  among  them ;  considering  also,  that  it  is  their  duty  to  send  mis- 
sionaries to  the  frontier  settlements,  who  may  preach  to  the  dispersed  families 
there,  and  form  them  into  societies  for  the  public  worship  of  God,  and  being 
moved  with  compassion  towards  the  Indians,  especially  those  under  our  care, 
who  are  extremely  poor  and  unable  to  teach  their  children  to  read,  or  to  instruct 
them  in  the  knowledge  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  have  resolved  to  attempt  their 
relief,  and  to  instruct  such  as  may  be  willing  to  hear  the  gospel. 

But  as  such  purposes  must  be  carried  on  at  a  considerable  expense,  we,  in 
imitation  of  the  laudable  example  of  many  other  societies,  recommend  a  public 
collection  to  all  the  congregations  under  our  care ;  and  that  such  collection  may 
the  more  effectually  answer  the  above  design,  with  such  other  pious  uses  as 
frequently  occur,  they  have  agreed  on  the  following  regulations : 

1.  That  an  annual  collection  be  made  in  all  the  congregations  under  our  care, 
as  well  in  the  vacant  congregations,  which  the  Presbytery  may  judge  able  to 
contribute,  as  in  the  congregations  that  have  stated  ministers,  which  shall  be 
disposed  of  for  pious  uses  at  the  discretion  of  the  Synod. 

2.  That  each  Presbytery  under  our  care  appoint  a  treasurer,  who  is  to  receive 
the  money  collected  from  the  minister  or  elder  of  each  congregation  within  the 
bounds  of  said  Presbytery,  and  who  shall  keep  a  fair  account  how  much  he  re- 
ceives from  each  congregation  by  name,  with  an  account  of  such  congregations 
as  have  neglected  to  contribute. 

3.  That  there  be  a  general  treasurer  appointed  by  the  Synod,  who  shall  re- 
ceive the  collected  money  from  each  of  the  Presbyterial  treasurers,  which  Sy- 
nodical  treasurer  shall  also  take  a  fair  account  of  all  the  money  received  with 
the  names  of  the  several  congregations,  as  returned  him  by  the  Presbyterial 
treasurers. 

4.  That  the  Synod  every  year  during  their  session,  cause  to  be  printed  a  fair 
account  of  the  money  they  have  received  that  year  from  each  congregation,  also 
of  the  disbursements  of  the  money  received  the  foregoing  year,  with  an  account 
of  the  purposes  to  which  it  was  applied ;  and  that  each  minister  in  the  Synod 
get  one  of  said  printed  accounts  to  communicate  to  his  people  and  to  the  neigh- 
bouring vacant  congregations,  that  so  they  may  have  the  satisfaction  of  know- 
ing to  what  purposes  their  donations  were  applied. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Williamson  take  care  to  get  the  above  regulations  printed. 

Mr.  Richard  Treat  is  appointed  general  treasurer,  to  receive  the  aforesaid  bene- 
factions for  the  present  year. 

The  order  of  last  Synod  respecting  societies  for  the  reformation  of  manners, 
was  not  generally  complied  with,  which  was  occasioned  by  their  not  having 
copies  of  the  order  or  plan.     The  further  consideration  of  this  deferred. 

Also  the  consideration  of  the  correspondence  proposed  with  the  associate 
churches  in  Connecticut,  is  deferred. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  with  the  corporation  of  the  widows'  fund, 
did  not  attend  except  Mr.  Kirkpatrick.  Their  reasons  for  not  attending  were 
sustained.  The  appointment  of  another  committee,  and  the  further  considera- 
tion of  this  matter  deferred. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  address  of  the  lay  elders  and  others, 
brought  in  their  report  last  year,  the  further  consideration  of  which  was  then 
deferred  to  the  present  sessions ;  but  through  mistake  was  transcribed  in  the 


1767.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  371 

minutes  of  last  year.     The  Syuotl  entered  upon  the  consideration  of  the  over- 
ture they  brought  in,  and  have  adopted  it,  as  it  stands  in  our  book. 
Adjourned  till  three  of  the  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer, 

2^th  day,  three  o'cIocJc,  P.   M.      The   Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr,  Brainerd  is  now  come,  and  the  reasons  of  not  coming  sooner  arc  sus- 
tained. 

The  overture  respecting  the  Donegall  brethren,  not  yet  brought  in. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  ]Jrainerd's  school  came  to  be  considered,  and  the  Synod 
agi'ee  to  allow  Mr,  Brainerd  the  sum  of  thirty  pounds  per  year,  for  the  last 
three  years,  for  defraying  the  expenses  of  the  Indian  school,  which  sum  he 
acknowledges  he  has  already  in  his  hands. 

And  it  is  further  agreed,  to  allow  Mr.  Brainerd  the  sum  of  thirty  pounds  for 
the  support  of  the  Indian  school  for  the  current  year,  and  the  sum  of  twenty  ^ 
pounds,  as  an  addition  to  his  salary  for  his  extraordinary  services  in  forming 
societies,  and  laboiiring  among  the  white  people  in  that  large  and  uncultivated 
country. 

The  affair  of  forming  societies  for  the  reformation  of  manners,  came  under 
consideration,  and  a  member  brought  in  a  plan  for  the  purpose,  which  the  Synod 
recommend  to  the  several  members  to  obtain  copies  of,  and  to  adapt  to  their 
particular  circumstances,  and  that  the  several  Presbyteries  use  their  utmost 
influence  to  promote  such  societies  in  their  respective  bounds. 

The  consideration  of  the  correspondence  with  the  associate  churches  of  Con- 
necticut, further  deferred. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Montgomery,  Ramsey,  Latta,  and  Kirkpatrick,  be  a 
committee  to  inspect  into  some  papers  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Beatty,  relative  to  the 
corporation  for  the  widows'  fund ;  that  Mr.  Beatty  attend  with  them,  and  that 
they  bring  in  their  report  to-morrow  afternoon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  book, 
brought  it  in,  and  after  some  remarks  it  was  approved. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  Philadelphia  second  Presbytery  book, 
brought  it  in,  and  after  some  remarks  it  was  also  approved. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

26iA  day,  nine  o'clock,  A.  31.      TTie  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Ubi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  the  Rev,  Mr.  John  Griffith  and  John  Smith ;  Mills  Shankland  and 
Benjamin  Junkin,  elders,  who  are  absent  without  leave,  and  we  are  informed 
are  gone  home,) 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  an  overture  relative  to  the  dissatisfied 
Donegall  brethren,  brought  it  in,  the  substance  of  which  is  as  follows,  viz. 

That  the  Synod  declare  themselves  highly  offended  at  these  brethren,  for  not 
only  abiding  by  their  declinature,  but  acting  in  a  hostile  manner  since,  in 
alienating  the  minds  of  people  under  their  influence,  from  the  Synod,  and  so 
forming  and  prosecuting  a  schism.  That,  though  the  Synod  declare  they  might 
justly  refuse  their  admission  to  membership  until  they  acknowledge  their 
offence,  and  submit  to  censure,  yet  out  of  tenderness  to  the  societies  in  those 
parts,  and  to  put  an  end  to  this  schism,  it  is  humbly  overtured,  that  the  Synod 
consent  that  Messrs,  Steel,  Elder,  Tate,  McMordie,  Sampson  Smith,  and  Beard, 
be  a  Presbytery,  by  the  name  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  bounded  on  the 
west  by  the  river  Susquehannah,  including  Mr.  Steel's  congregation  while  he 
is  their  minister :  provided,  nevertheless,  that  when  any  of  these  brethren 
shall  remove  out  of  the  bounds  of  said  Presbytery,  they  shall  become  members 


372  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1767. 

of  the  Presbytery  into  whose  bounds  they  shall  remove.  And  that  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Carlisle  shall  be  revived,  to  which  Messrs.  Roan,  Thompson,  and 
Lang,  shall  belong. 

And  after  much  reasoning,  whether  the  Synod  should  adopt  the  overture  or 
not,  the  further  consideration  of  it  was  deferred  to  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three   o'clock,  P.  31.      The  Synod  met  according  to   adjournment.      Post 
preees  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Huston  had  leave  to  go  home. 

The  consideration  of  the  overture  respecting  the  dissatisfied  Donegal!  breth- 
ren, resumed,  and  after  all  the  members  that  desired  to  speak,  had  been  fully 
heard,  and  the  matter  maturely  considered,  it  was  put  to  vote,  whether  the 
overture  should  be  admitted  or  cot,  and  it  was  carried  in  the  negative  by  a  con- 
siderable majority. 

In  the  mean  time,  though  the  Synod  cannot  grant  the  request  of  said  breth- 
ren, to  be  formed  into  a  distinct  Presbytery,  yet  we  declare,  that  upon  their 
avoiding  divisive  and  hostile  measures,  and  acting  in  a  peaceable  and  Christian 
manner,  we  shall  stand  ready  to  hear  any  reasonable  proposal  for  their  return- 
ing into  membership  with  us. 

The  committee  appointed  to  inspect  some  papers  in  the  hands  of  the  corpo- 
ration for  the  widows'  fund,  brought  in  their  report,  which  is  as  follows,  viz : 

That  agreeable  to  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church  of  Scot- 
land, passed  in  the  year ,  the  money  raised  by  collections  in  the  several 

congregations  of  that  church,  shall  be  disposed  of  by  the  charitable  corporation 
in  conjunction  with  a  committee  of  the  united  Synod  of  New  York  and  Phila- 
delphia, for  the  support  and  relief  of  such  ministers  as  are,  or  may  hereafter  be 
called  to  preach  the  everlasting  gospel  among  the  benighted  Indians,  or  to  such 
congregations  as  cannot  afibrd  them  sufficient  maintenance,  and  that  the  com- 
mittee cannot  ascertain  the  sum. 

The  Synod  appoint  the  same  committee,  with  the  addition  of  Messrs. 
Spencer  and  McWhorter,  to  wait  on  the  corporation  aforesaid,  to-morrow 
morning  at  nine  o'clock,  in  order  to  have  the  aforesaid  sum  ascertained,  and 
the  power  of  the  committee  in  disposing  of  it,  and  all  other  matters  relating 
to  it. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,   to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

27tli  day,  nine   o'clock,  A.  M.,   the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment- 
Post  preees  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  consideration  of  the  correspondence  with  the  associate  churches  of  Con- 
necticut further  deferred. 

Having  gone  through  the  business  upon  our  minutes,  ordered,  to  proceed  to 
consider  those  matters  brought  in  by  the  committee  of  overtures. 

A  supplication  was  brought  in  from  Albany,  respecting  some  difficulties  in 
the  congregation  in  that  city,  which  was  read ;  and  upon  finding  that  the  mat- 
ter had  not  been  laid  before  the  Presbytery,  wo  refer  it  to  them,  and  order  them 
to  meet  and  consider  it  as  soon  as  possible. 

But  as  it  is  represented  to  the  Synod,  that  there  are  many  vacancies  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Albany,  where,  it  is  probable,  sundry  important  congrega- 
tions may  be  formed,  we  do  appoint  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kennedy  as  a  missionary 
through  those  parts,  and  that  he  take  as  particular  account  as  he  can  of  the 
state  of  that  country,  and  lay  it  before  our  next  Synod ;  and  that  he  supply 
also  some  time  at  the  direction  of  Dutchess  Presbytery,  if  it  may  be  convenient, 


1767.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  373 

aud  that  New  York  Presbytery  supply  Mr.  Kennedy's  pulpit  seven  Sabbaths 
in  his  absence. 

An  appeal  was  brought  in  by  Mr.  John  Lawrence,  from  a  judgment  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Dutchess  respecting  Mr.  13all,  and  the  said  Mr.  Lawrence  re- 
quested that  the  Synod  would  appoint  a  committee  to  meet  at  Bedford  to  hear 
his  appeal,  as  he  could  not  prosecute  it  at  this  distance. 

In  order  that  the  Synod  might  be  able  to  judge  whether  the  matter  com- 
plained of  to  the  Presbytery,  from  which  the  appeal  was  brought,  is  an  object 
of  sufficient  importance  to  induce  the  Synod  to  send  a  committee  there,  agree- 
abl}'  to  the  prayer  of  the  appellant,  it  was  agreed  that  Mr.  Lawrence  should  lay 
before  the  Synod  his  complaint,  aud  that  Mr.  Ball  should  be  heard  in  what  he 
had  to  say  by  way  of  defence ;  and  that  the  Presbytery  of  Dutchess  should  give 
all  the  light  they  could  in  the  affair,  by  producing  the  minutes  of  their  Presby- 
tery on  that  head,  &c. 

And  after  hearing  all  that  the  several  parties  had  to  offer,  the  Synod  judge, 
that  it  is  by  no  means  worthy  of  so  much  notice  as  to  appoint  a  committee  to  go 
there  to  determine  it ;  because  if  there  were  evidences  present  to  prove  all  the 
matters  alleged  against  Mr.  Ball  by  Mr.  Lawrence,  yet  they  are  of  so  trivial  a 
nature,  that  they  could  not  be  the  foundation  of  any  judicial  censure,  and  eon- 
sequently  that  the  conduct  of  Mr.  Lawrence  and  others  in  the  society,  in  ab- 
senting themselves  from  public  worship,  on  so  slender  a  foundation,  can  by  no 
means  be  justified. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'cloclc,  P.  31.,  (lie  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  j^reces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  Mr.  Slemmous,  who  we  are  informed  has  gone  home,  though  liberty 
for  that  purpose  was  denied  him  when  he  asked  it.) 

The  consideration  of  the  correspondence  with  the  associate  churches  of  Con- 
necticut further  deferred. 

An  appeal  from  a  judgment  of  the  Pi-esbytery  of  Suffolk,  respecting  Mr. 
Mills's  removal  from  Jamaica  on  Long  Island  to  the  second  Presbyterian  church 
in  Philadelphia,  was  brought  in  and  read. 

After  reading  of  which,  a  supplication  from  the  second  Presbyterian  church 
in  Philadelphia  prosecuting  the  appeal,  and  urging  Mr.  Mills's  removal ;  like- 
wise a  long  remonstrance  from  the  congregation  of  Jamaica,  together  with  an 
address  from  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk,  and  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Prime, 
remonstrating  against  Mr.  Mills's  removal,  were  brought  in  and  read. 

The  Synod  then  proceeded  fully  to  hear  what  the  respective  commissioners 
and  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk  had  further  to  say,  for  and  against  Mr.  Mills's 
removal,  and  having  heard  Mr.  Mills  himself  on  the  affair,  the  Synod  not  hav- 
ing time  now  to  issue  it,  refer  the  further  consideration  of  it  till  to-morrow 
morning. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

28^^   day,  nine  o'clock,  A.  31.,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  consideration  of  JMr.  Mills's  removal  resumed.  The  Synod  having 
carefully  considered  all  the  arguments  that  were  offered  against  Mr.  Mills's 
removal  from  Jamaica,  together  with  the  arguments  on  the  other  hand,  for 
bringing  him  to  this  city,  having  also  heard  Mr.  Mills's  own  judgment  on  this 
subject,  that  he  esteems  it  his  duty  to  remain  in  Jamaica;  upon  the  whole, 
the  Synod  do  confirm  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk  on  that  head, 


374  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1767. 

beinf  fully  of  opinion  that  it  will  not  be  for  the  edification  of  the  church  to 
remove  him. 

The  consideration  of  the  correspondence  with  the  associate  churches  of  Con- 
necticut resumed. 

The  minutes  of  a  convention  held  at  Elizabethtown,  the  fifth  of  November 
last,  by  delegates  from  the  consociated  churches  in  Connecticut  and  from  this 
Synod,  were  read,  and  a  plan  of  union  proposed  between  the  Congregational, 
consociated  and  Presbyterian  churches  formed  at  that  convention,  was  seriously 
considered  and  amended;  and  the  following  gentlemen,  with  any  other  minis- 
ters of  this  reverend  body  that  please  to  attend,  are  appointed  to  meet  with 
the  delegates  or  commissioners  from  the  Congregational  and  consociated 
or  any  Presbyterial  bodies,  at  New  Haven  the  tenth  day  of  next  Septem- 
ber, and  there  finally,  on  the  part  of  this  body,  to  complete  the  plan  of  union, 
and  transact  all  other  business  that  shall  be  found  necessary  in  consequence 
thereof. 

The  gentlemen  appointed  are  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Lewis,  Buel,  Mills,  Mc- 
Whorter,  Ptodgers,  Halt,  Kirkpatrick,  Reed,  Ramsey,  Beatty,  Dr.  Alison, 
Ewing,  Blair,  Spencer,  Wilson,  Miller,  Duffield,  Robert  Smith,  Graham,  and 
Ball. 

Mr.  Rosborough  and  his  elder,  John  Maxwell,  had  leave  to  go  home. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  Philadelphia  Presbytery  book  brought 
it  in,  and  after  a  few  remarks  it  was  approved. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Williamson  get  the  address  and  representation  of  the 
ruling  elders  and  others,  of  the  Presbyterian  denomination  in  Philadelphia,  as 
corrected  and  approved  by  this  Synod,  printed.  That  the  clerk  furnish  him 
with  a  copy  for  that  purpose. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

3   ddock,    P.   M.,  the  Synod  met   according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  consideration  of  the  correspondence  with  foreign  churches  further  de- 
ferred. 

Application  was  made  by  the  second  Presbyterian  church  in  Philadelphia  for 
supplies,  and  especially  for  settled  ministers. 

The  following  congregations  in  North  Carolina,  viz  :  Sugar  Creek,  Fishing 
Creek,  Bethel,  the  Jersey  settlement.  Centre  Congregation,  Poplar  Tent,  and 
Rocky  River,  united  in  a  petition  for  one  or  more,  of  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Spencer, 
Lewis,  McWhorter,  and  James  Caldwell,  to  be  sent  there,  promising  for  their 
encouragement  that  the  sum  of  eighty  pounds  be  paid  by  any  of  these  con- 
gregations in  which  he  shall  choose  to  spend  half  of  his  time,  and  another 
eighty  pounds  by  the  vacant  congregations  he  shall  supply ;  this  petition  being 
read,  the  several  gentlemen  mentioned  in  it  were  interrogated  whether  they 
would  comply  with  this  request,  to  which  each  of  them  retui-ned  a  negative 
answer. 

Petitions  for  supplies  were  likewise  brought  in  and  read  from  Orange  and 
Culpepper  counties,  and  the  south  branch  of  Potomac  in  Virginia ;  and  from 
the  Long  Canes,  Cathy's  Settlement,  Indian  Creek,  and  Duncan's  Creek,  in 
North  Carolina. 

Motions  for  supplies  were  also  made  in  behalf  of  Williamsburg  and  places 
adjacent,  Hanover,  and  Cub  Creek,  in  Virginia ;  Newbern,  Edenton,  Fourth 
Creek,  Upper  Hico,  Haw  River,  Goshen  in  the  forks  of  Catawba,  the  south 
fork  of  Catawba,  the  forks  of  Yadkin,  and  Salisbury,  in  North  Carolina ; 
Little  River  in  South  Cai'olina ;  and  Briar  Ci'eek  in  Georgia. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  Donegall  Presbytery  book,  brought  it 


1767.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  375 

in,  and  informed  the  Synod  that  it  did  not  contain  the  minutes  of  that  Presby- 
tery since  last  Synod,  -when  it  was  restored  to  its  former  state,  and  f(ucried 
whether  they  should  go  any  further  back  in  examination  of  it,  to  which  the 
Synod  gave  an  answer  in  the  negative,  and  therefore  it  was  returned  without 
any  remarks. 

The  committee  appointed  to  wait  on  the  corporation  for  the  widows'  fund, 
report,  that  they  have  not  yet  received  their  answer. 

In  compliance  with  the  request  from  Albany,  the  Synod  appoint  Mr.  Rod- 
gers  to  take  a  journey  to  Albany  and  the  places  adjacent,  as  soon  as  he  con- 
veniently can,  and  supply  in  that  country  where  he  may  judge  most  necessary, 
at  least  six  Sabbaths,  and  that  Suffolk  Presbytery  supply  Mr.  llodgers's 
pulpit  three  Sabbaths,  and  New  York  Presbytery  the  remaining  Sabbaths  in 
his  absence. 

In  order  to  answer  the  earnest  and  pressing  supplications  from  Virginia, 
Carolina,  &c.  the  Synod  appoint  Messrs.  Bay,  Potter,  McCrery,  Alexander, 
Latta,  jun'r.  Anderson,  and  Jackson,  to  take  a  journey  as  soon  as  the  circum- 
stances of  their  affairs  will  admit,  through  Virginia,  the  Carolinas,  (and 
Georgia  if  they  can,)  and  that  each  tarry  half  a  year,  and  as  much  longer  as  he 
shall  think  proper. 

And  it  is  recommended  to  Mr.  Bay  to  visit  the  South  Branch  of  Potomac  in 
going  out,  and  Wilmington,  Newborn,  Edenton,  and  Williamsburg,  and  the 
places  along  the  sea  shore  in  his  return.  And  that  Mr.  Jacob  Kerr  pay  a  visit 
to  Williamsburg,  and  tarry  there  at  discretion. 

And  it  is  ordered,  that  proper  testimonials  be  given  to  these  gentlemen  for 
their  journey,  signed  by  the  moderator  and  clerk,  together  with  a  list  of  the 
vacancies  that  have  now  supplicated  for  supplies^ 

The  Synod  took  into  consideration  supplies  for  the  second  Presbyterian 
congregation  in  Philadelphia,  and  appoint  as  follows,  viz  : 

That  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  supply  there  the  fii'st  Sabbath  of  June,  Mr.  Rodgers 
the  second,  Mr.  Ramsey  the  third,  Mr.  Treat,  jun'r.  the  foui-th  and  first  of 
July,  Mr.  Richard  Treat  the  second,  Mr.  Duffield  the  third  and  fourth ;  Mr. 
Robert  Smith  the  first  Sabbath  of  August,  Mr.  Richard  Treat  the  second,  Mr. 
Spencer  the  third  and  foui-th,  Mr.  Finley  the  fifth;  Mr.  Richard  Treat  the 
first  Sabbath  of  September,  Mr.  Horton  the  second  and  third,  Mr.  Blair  the 
fourth;  Mr.  Roe  the  first  and  second  Sabbaths  of  October,  Mr.  McWhorter 
the  third  and  fourth ;  Mr.  Latta  the  first  Sabbath  of  November,  Mr.  Hunter 
the  second  and  third,  Mr.  Richard  Treat  the  fourth,  Mr.  Close  the  fifth  and 
fii-st  of  December,  Mr.  Woodruff  the  second  and  third,  Mr.  Richard  Treat  the 
fourth,  Mr.  Forster  the  fifth  and  first  of  February,  Mr.  Montgomery  the 
second  and  third,  Mr.  Miller  the  fourth;  Mr.  R.  Treat  the  first  Sabbath 
of  March,  Mr.  Robert  Smith  the  second,  Mr.  Hunter  the  third,  Mr.  Ramsey 
the  fourth ;  Mr.  Halt  the  first  and  second  Sabbaths  of  April,  Mr.  Blair  the 
thkd  and  fourth ;  Mr.  Treat  the  first  Sabbath  of  May,  and  Mr.  Chesnutt  the 
second. 

Adjourned  to  eight  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

29^A  day,  eight  o'clock,  A.  31,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Blair  and  Finley  review  the  Donegall  Presbytery 
book  before  our  next  Synod,  and  for  that  purpose  order,  that  it  be  put  into 
their  hands  at  least  a  month  before  the  Synod.  ^    -^ 

Messrs.  Beatty  and  Duffield's  mission  among  the  Indians  and  frontiers,  I 
came  under  consideration.  And  they  report  that  they  performed  their  mis-  I 
sion  to  the  frontiers  and  among  the  Indians.     That  they  found  on  the  fron-  I 


376  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1767. 

tiers  numbers  of  people  earnestly  desirous  of  forming  themselves  into  con- 
gregations, and  declaring  their  willingness  to  exert  their  utmost  in  order^  to 
have  the  gospel  among  them,  but  iu  circumstances  exceedingly  distressing 
and  necessitous  from  the  late  calamities  of  the  war  in  these  parts.  And  also, 
that  they  visited  the  Indians  at  the  chief  town  of  the  Delaware  Nation,  on  the 
Muskingum,  about  one  hundred  and  thirty  miles  beyond  Fort  Pitt,  and  were 
received  much  more  cheerfully  than  they  could  have  expected.  That  a  con- 
siderable number  of  them  waited  on  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  with  peculiar 
attention,  many  of  them  appearing  solemnly  concerned  about  the  great  matters 
of  religion,  that  they  expressed  an  earnest  desire  of  having  further  opportuni- 
ties of  hearing  those  things;  that  they  informed  them,  that  several  other  tribes 
of  Indians  around  them  were  ready  to  join  with  them  in  receiving  the  gospel, 
and  earnestly  desiring  an  opportunity.  Upon  the  whole,  that  there  does  ap- 
pear a  very  agreeable  prospect  of  a  door  opening  for  the  gospel  being  spread 
among  those  poor  benighted  savaige  tribes. 

The  Synod  appoint  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Brainerd  and  Cooper  to  pay  a  visit  to 
our  frontier  settlements  and  the  Indians  on  Muskingum  and  other  places,  and 
tarry  with  them  at  least  three  months  this  summer,  provided  the  report 
brought  back  by  the  Indian  interpreter,  Joseph,  from  them  and  delivered  to 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Alison,  and  Messrs.  Treat,  Beatty,  and  Ewing,  proves  encour- 
aging, which  gentlemen  are  hereby  appointed  a  committee  to  receive  and  judge 
of  said  report. 

Ordered  also,  That  Messrs.  Brainerd  and  Cooper  take  no  money  from  the 
frontier  settlements  for  their  ministerial  labours  among  them. 
"^Ordered,    That   Mr.    McKnight   supply   Mr.    Brainerd's   place   among  the 
Indians,  and  at  Mount  Holly  the  second,  third,  and  fourth  Sabbaths  of  July,  and 
that  Mr.  Williani  Tennent  serve  Mr.  McKnight  with  a  copy  of  this  minute. 

Ordered,  That  the  Lewestown  Presbytery  send  a  supply  to  Egg  Harbour 
and  the  vacancies  in  those  parts,  five  Sabbaths  in  the  month  of  August  and  one 
in  the  month  of  September.  And  that  Mr.  Alexander  supply  in  these  parts  the 
three  last  Sabbaths  of  September. 

And  the  Synod  do  agree  to  pay  out  of  the  fund  in  their  hands,  raised  for 
pious  uses,  to  the  young  men  sent  by  Lewestown  Presbytery,  and  to  Mr.  Alex- 
ander for  their  labours  in  those  parts,  at  the  usual  rates  for  supplies. 

The  consideration  of  the  correspondence  with  foreign  churches  resumed ;  and 
the  committee  appointed  at  our  last  Synod  for  that  purpose,  report,  that  for 
some  prudential  reasons  they  did  not  comply  with  the  order.  The  Synod  do, 
therefore,  appoint  the  Rev.  Dr.  Alison,  Messrs.  Treat,  Rodgers,  Ewing,  Treat, 
junior,  Beatty,  McWhorter,  and  Dr.  Williamson,  to  be  a  committee  for  the 
said  purpose,  and  that  they  be  punctual  in  preparing  letters  to  the  foreign 
churches,  to  be  laid  before  our  next  Synod. 

An  overture  was  made  by  Mr.  Robert  Smith,  that  he  might  be  set  off  from 
Donegall  Presbytery,  and  have  leave  to  join  New  Castle,  as  it  is  much  more 
convenient,  which  was  granted. 

The  Synod  do  appoint  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Spencer,  McWhorter,  Kirkpatrick, 
Ramsey,  and  Montgomery,  to  be  a  committee  to  wait  further  on  the  corpora- 
tion for  the  widows'  fund,  and  get  an  answer  to  the  queries  proposed,  and 
transact  all  afitiirs  with  said  corporation  for  the  present  year,  and  that  the  com- 
mittee make  a  full  report  of  the  whole  to  the  Synod  next  year. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Treat  pay  out  of  the  fund  for  pious  uses,  the  printer  for 
two  hundred  and  fifty  copies  of  the  ruling  elders'  plan. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Roan  drops  his  appeal  from  a  judgment  of  a  committee  of 
the  Synod,  appointed  at  Hanover,  two  years  ago,  provided  that  it  shall  not  be 
understood  that  he  acquiesces  in  said  judgment. 


1768.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  377 

Ordered,  That  the  stated  clerk  of  Synod  give  Messrs.  Brainerd  and  Cooper  \ 
proper  certificates  for  their  journey.  '^ 

Adjourned  to  the  third  VVednesday  of  May  next,  to  meet  at  the  first  Presby- 
terian Church  in  Philadelphia,  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 


1768. 

PMladelphia,  the  \%th  day  of  May,  1768. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  at  the  first  Presbyterian 
Church,  according  to  adjournment. 

Of  Dutchess :  Rev.  Messrs.  Wheeler  Chase,  Thomas  Lewis. 

Of  New  York :  Rev.  IMessrs.  Azariah  Horton,  Aaron  Richards,  John  Rod- 
gers,  Benjamin  Woodruff,  Abner  Brush,  Alexander  McWhorter,  James  Cald- 
well, Azel  Roe,  Joseph  Treat,  Nathan  Kerr,  Francis  Peppard,  Jedediah 
Chapman. 

Of  New  Brunswick :  Rev.  IMessrs.  William  Tennent,  Israel  Reed,  Thomas 
Smith,  John  Rosborough,  William  Kirkpatrick,  John  Blair. 

Of  Philadelphia  fii'st  Presbytery:  Rev.  Messrs.  Richard  Treat,  Andrew 
Hunter,  William  Ramsey. 

Second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Ewing,  Patrick 
Alison. 

Of  New  Castle :  Rev.  Messrs.  Alexander  McDowell,  Elihu  Spencer,  Robert 
Smith,  William  McKennan,  John  Carmichael. 

Of  Lewestown :  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Millar,  Matthew  Wilson,  Joseph  Mont- 
gomery. 

Of  Donegall :  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Roan,  John  Hogg,  James  Hunt,  John 
Strain,  John  Slemmons,  Robert  Cooper,  Amos  Thomson. 

Elders  :  John  Moore,  Nathaniel  McKinley,  Dr.  Burnet,  Dr.  Bloomfield, 
Bethuel  Pierson,  Aaron  Mattison,  Jacob  Reeder,  Philip  Wynkoop,  Joseph 
Pithian,  Dr.  Williamson,  Dr.  Lyon,  Manasseh  Logue,  John  Whitehill,  Samuel 
Culbertson,  John  Voorhees,  James  Ramsey,  Isaiah  Potter. 

Absent,  Dutchess  County  Presbytery :  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Smith,  Elisha 
Kent,  Eliphalet  Ball,  Solomon  Mead,  James  Peck,  Samuel  Dunlop. 

Suffolk  Presbytery :  Rev.  Messrs.  Ebenezer  Prime,  Silvanus  White,  Samuel 
Buel,  James  Brown,  Nehemiah  Barker,  Benjamin  Tallmage,  Benjamin  Gould- 
smith,  David  Rose,  William  Mills,  John  Close,  Elam  Potter,  Samson  Oc- 
cum. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  Rev.  Messrs.  James  McCrea,  John  Guild, 
Charles  McKnight,  Samuel  Kennedy,  Amos  Thomson,  Job  Prudden,  James 
Lyon,  John  Hanna. 

New  York  Presbytery :  Rev.  Messrs.  Simon  Horton,  Abner  Reeve,  Jonathan 
Elmer,  Benjamin  Hait,  Jacob  Green,  James  Tuttle,  Hugh  Knox,  John  Malby, 
Moses  Tuttle,  John  Moffat. 

First  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Rev.  Messrs.  Charles  Beatty,  John  Brainerd, 
Nehemiah  Greenman. 

Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery:  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Simonton,  James 
Latta. 

Lewes  Presbytery:  Rev.  Messrs.  Charles  Tennent,  Jacob  Kerr,  Alexander 
Huston,  John  Harris. 

Donegall  Presbytery:  Rev.  Messrs.  Adam  Boyd,  Andrew  Bay,  James 
Finley. 

All  Hanover  Presbytery  absent, 
48 


378  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1768. 

The  Kev.  Mr.  Hunter,  last  year's  moderator,  opened  tte  Synod  by  a  sermon 
from  Gal.  i.  8. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Blair  was  chosen  moderator  for  the  ensuing  year ;  who,  after 
receiving  the  usual  charge  from  the  last  year's  moderator,  took  the  chair.  And 
Messrs.  Montgomery  and  Ramsey  were  chosen  clerks. 

The  reasons  offered  by  Messrs.  Joseph  Treat,  Abner  Brush,  Nathan  Kerr, 
John  Carmichael,  Thomas  Smith,  Amos  Thomson,  for  non-attendance  last 
year,  are  sustained;  and  John  Hogg's  absence  for  this  several  years  past,  ex- 
cused. 

Mr.  Chauncey  Graham  is  now  come,  and  his  elder,  Mr.  Potter. 

The  Rev.  John  Clark  is  also  come. 

New  York  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel 
since  our  last,  Alexander  Miller ;  and  that  Mr.  Samuel  Parkhurst  was  removed 
by  death,  the  11th  of  March,  1768. 

Suffolk  Presbytery  report,  th^t  they  have  licensed  William  Woodhull  to 
preach  the  gospel. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  to  the  work  of 
the  ministry,  Mr.  Jeremiah  Halsey. 

Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  Messrs  Tho- 
mas Reed  and  John  King ;  and  that  Mr.  James  Latta,  a  licensed  candidate, 
who  was  sent  by  the  Synod  to  the  southern  parts,  informs  them  by  letter,  that 
he  is  joined  with  the  Presbytery  in  South  Carolina. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  Mr.  Joseph  Smith  to 
preach  the  gospel. 

Dutchess  County  Presbytery  report,  that  Mr.  Samuel  Sacket  has  declined 
their  jurisdiction,  and  that  they  have  suspended  from  the  work  of  the  ministry 
Mr.  William  Hanah. 

The  Lewes  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  Mr.  Thomas  McCrakin,  who,  being  present,  took  his  seat;  and  that 
they  have  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel,  Messrs.  James  Watt,  Samuel  Eakin, 
and  John  Bacon. 

Donegall  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  Mr.  John  Craighead,  who,  being  present,  took  his  seat;  and  that 
they  have  licensed  Hezekiah  James  Balch  to  preach  the  gospel :  and  a  mem- 
ber reports,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Robert  Henry  departed  this  life  the  8  th  of 
May,  1767. 

The  Synod  appoint,  for  a  committee  of  overtures,  Messrs.  Lewis  Woodruflf, 
Thomas  Smith,  Hunter,  Patrick  Alison,  Robert  Smith,  Hunt,  Miller,  Case, 
Elders,  Dr.  Bloomfield,  Dr.  Burnet,  John  Voorhees,  and  Dr.  Lyon,  to  meet  to- 
morrow morning,  at  six  o'clock,  in  this  place,  and  by  adjournment  from  time  to 
time,  as  occasion  may  require,  during  the  session. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  of  the  clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

19th,  at  nine  o'cloch,  A.  M.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  jpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Green,  Simonton,  Griffith,  are  now  come,  and  their  reasons 
for  non-attendance  yesterday,  sustained. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Jones,  Halsey,  and  Chesnutt,  are  also  now  come,  and  Mr. 
Jones'  elder,  Col.  Jacob  Ford ;  their  reasons  for  not  attending  yesterday,  sus- 
tained. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Duffield  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons  for  non-attendance  yes- 
terday, sustained ;  his  elder,  John  McBride,  is  also  come. 

Messrs.  Treat  and  Caldwell  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  New  Bruns- 
wick Presbytery  book. 


1768.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  379 

Messrs.  Eced  and  Roan  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the  first  Phi- 
ladelphia Presbytery  book. 

Messrs.  Eodgers  and  Wilson  arc  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  Donegall 
Presbytery  book. 

Messrs.  Kirkpatrick  and  Ewing  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  New 
York  Presbytery  book. 

Messrs.  Duffield  and  Cooper  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  Lewes- 
town  Presbytery  book. 

Messrs.  llobert  Smith  and  Spencer  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine 
Dutchess  County  Presbytery  book. 

The  Presbytery  books  of  Suifolk,  New  Castle,  Hanover,  and  the  second 
Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  are  not  present. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  dispose  of  the  money  in  the  hands 
of  the  treasurer  of  New  Jersey  College,  belonging  to  the  Synod  for  the  educa- 
tion of  poor  and  pious  youth,  deferred. 

And  the  Synod  appoint  for  a  commission  for  the  ensuing  year,  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  Richard  Treat,  Dr.  Alison,  Lewis,  Mills,  Azariah  Hortou,  Jones, 
William  Tennent,  Reed,  Kirkpatrick,  Hunter,  Ewing,  Spencer,  Roan,  Robert 
Smith,  Miller,  Montgomery,  Duffield,  Graham,  Case,  with  the  moderator;  and 
elders  Col.  Ford,  Dr.  Williamson,  Dr.  Bloomfield,  Dr.  Burnet,  Dr.  Lyon,  and 
Mr.  Voorhees.  Thirteen  of  whom  to  be  a  quorum ;  but  if  the  moderator  die, 
or  is  absent,  the  first  mentioned  on  the  roll  in  the  minutes,  shall  have  power  to 
call  the  commission  and  preside. 

Mr.  Brush's  reasons  for  not  fulfilling  his  appointments  to  Mr.  Brainerd's 
congregation,  and  Neshaminy,  as  ordered  in  the  year  1766,  are  sustained. 

Mr.  Kennedy  did  not  fulfil  his  appointment  in  going  to  Albany,  on  the  ac- 
count of  sickness  in  his  family,  and  other  reasons  satisfactory  to  the  Synod. 

Mr.  Slemmons,  who  went  home  last  year  without  obtaining  leave,  is  ex- 
cused. 

Mr.  Rodgers  complied  with  his  appointment  to  Albany. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  York  fulfilled  their  appointment  in  supplying  the 
New  York  congregation  in  Mr.  Rodgers'  absence. 

The  only  members  of  Sufiblk  Presbytery  that  could  safely  go  to  New  York, 
agreed  to  supply  there ;  but  some  of  them  were  disappointed. 

All  the  appointments  to  the  southward  were  complied  with,  except  by  Mr. 
Anderson,  who  is  not  present ;  and  by  Mr.  Bay,  who,  not  being  here,  it  is  not 
known  whether  he  complied  or  not. 

All  the  members  appointed  to  supply  Philadelphia  second  congregation  com- 
plied, except  Mr.  Roe,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Montgomery,  Mr.  Chesnutt,  whose 
reasons  for  not  complying  are  sustained. 

The  Donegall  Presbytery  book  not  being  sent,  on  the  account  of  Mr.  Blair's 
removal,  the  committee  did  not  review  it. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  d'cloch,   P.  M.      The   Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Dr.  Alison  is  now  come,  and  his  elder,  Charles  Thomson.  The  Doctor's 
reasons  for  non-attendance  sooner,  sustained. 

Mr.  Bay  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner,  are  sustained. 

The  committee  appointed  to  dispose  of  the  interest  of  the  money  in  the 
hands  of  the  treasurer  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  for  the  support  of  poor 
and  pious  youth  at  said  college,  report,  that  there  will  remain  on  hands,  of  the 
interest  of  the  fund  aforesaid,  not  disposed  of,  against  the  first  of  October  next, 
the  sum  of  fifty  two  pounds  proclamation  money  of  New  Jersey.     And  the 


380  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1768. 

Synod  appoint  as  a  committee  for  disposing  of  said  money  for  the  present  year, 
the  llev.  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Guild,  Brainerd,  Kirkpatrick,  Ewing, 
Blair,  Caldwell,  and  Reed,  to  meet  for  that  purpose  at  Princeton,  on  the  third 
Wednesday  of  August  next. 

Mr.  Brainerd  is  now  come,  and  the  reasons  of  his  not  coming  sooner,  sus- 
tained. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

20th  day,  nine  o'clock.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  James  Finley  is  now  come,  and  his  elder,  Mr.  Robert  Maeky. 
Mr.  Finley  is  excused  for  not  attending  sooner. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  consider  the  affair  of  the  Indian  school  under  the 
inspection  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Braiaerd ;  and  it  appears  from  Mr.  Brainerd's  re- 
port, that  there  is  still  a  school  existing  among  the  Indians  under  his  care ; 
and  the  Synod  do  agree  to  continue  to  support  said  school,  and  do  appoint  the 
usual  salary  of  thirty  pounds  to  be  paid  to  Mr.  Brainerd  for  the  ensuing  year ; 
and  do  order  the  clerk  of  the  Synod  to  give  an  order  for  that  sum  on  the 
Synodical  treasurer.  It  is  further  agreed  to  allow  Mr.  Brainerd  the  sum  of 
twenty  pounds  as  an  addition  to  his  salary,  for  his  extensive  services  and 
labour  in  those  uncultivated  parts ;  and  that  the  clerk  also  give  an  order  to  Mr. 
Brainerd  on  the  Synodical  treasurer  for  this  purpose. 

The  Synod  do  also  order  Mr.  Brainerd  to  receive  for  the  current  year  the 
sum  of  eighteen  pounds,  being  the  interest  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of  the 
treasurer  of  New  Jersey  College,  appointed  to  support  an  Indian  mission. 

Messrs.  Brainerd  and  Cooper  report,  that  they  did  not  execute  their  mission 
among  the  Indians  on  the  Muskingum,  and  other  parts,  as  ordered  at  last 
Synod,  by  reason  of  the  discouraging  accounts  brought  in  by  the  interpreter, 
Joseph,  sent  out  as  mentioned  in  our  last  year's  minutes,  and  other  discour- 
aging circumstances.  And  as  it  appears  that  Mr.  Brainerd  had  occasion  to  be 
at  the  expense  of  sending  an  Indian  to  prepare  the  way  for  his  intended  mis- 
sion, therefore  the  Synod  do  agree  to  pay  the  sum  of  five  pounds  to  discharge 
said  expense.     Ordered,  that  the  Synodical  treasurer  pay  said  sum. 

The  Synod  taking  under  consideration  the  deplorable  condition  of  the  Indian 
tribes,  the  natives  of  this  land,  who  sit  in  heathenish  darkness,  and  are  perish- 
ing for  lack  of  knowledge,  do  appoint  the  following  persons  to  be  a  committee 
to  draw  up  and  concert  a  general  plan,  to  be  laid  before  this  Synod  at  their  next 
meeting,  to  be  approved  by  them  in  order  to  prepare  the  way  to  propagate  the 
gospel  among  these  benighted  people,  viz.  Dr.  Alison,  Messrs.  Read,  Treat, 
Ewing,  William  Tennent,  Rogers,  Brainerd,  McWhorter,  Caldwell,  Dr.  Wil- 
liamson, Charles  Thomson,  and  the  moderator,  to  meet  at  Elizabethtown,  the 
first  AVednesday  of  October  next. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  consider  how  far  each  Presbytery  had  complied  with 
the  order  of  last  Synod,  in  respect  of  the  plan  laid  by  some  lay  elders  some 
time  ago  and  adopted  by  this  Synod;  and  a  satisfactory  account  not  being 
given,  the  Synod  do  appoint  that  each  Presbytery  do  order  one  of  their  mem- 
bers to  bring  in  a  particular  account  in  writing  how  far  each  congregation  in 
their  bounds  have  complied  with  said  regulations,  against  the  next  Synod. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three   o'clock,  P.   M.       The  Synod  met   according  to  adjournment.      Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  members  of  this  Synod,  appointed  to  meet  the  convention  at  New  Ha- 
ven last  year,  report,  that  many  of  them  did  meet  according  to  order,  and  the 


f- 


1768.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  381 

plan  laid  before  the  Synod  last  year  was  accepted ;  and  that  they  have  ap- 
pointed another  convention  the  first  Wednesday  of  October,  at  Elizabethtown, 
and  the  following  gentlemen  are  now  appointed  by  this  Synod  to  be  delegates 
from  this  body  to  meet  at  said  convention,  viz.  Messrs.  Case,  Kent,  Lewis, 
Mills,  llodgers,  Jones,  Jacob  Green,  Caldwell,  William  Tcnueut,  Kirkpatrick, 
Blair,  SiJcncer,  Robert  Smith,  Miller,  Montgomery,  Duffield,  Hunt,  llichard 
Treat,  Hunter,  Ewing,  Joseph  Treat,  Dr.  Alison,  Mead,  Close,  Brainerd,  Alison, 
Finley,  James  Kerr,  and  Cooper. 

The  Synod  do  order  Dr.  Alison  to  write  to  the  General  Association  of  the 
Consociated  Churches  in  Connecticut,  to  appoint  one  of  their  members  to  open 
the  convention  with  a  sermon  at  Elizabethtown.  And  the  Synod  order,  that 
the  minutes  of  said  convention  be  laid  before  this  body  every  y-ear. 

Mr.  Thompson  has  obtained  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

21st  day,  at  nine  o'docJc,  A.  31.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  stipra. 

(Except  Mr.  Voorhees,  who  is  gone  home  without  leave.) 

Mr.  Huston  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons   for  not  coming  sooner,  sustained. 

A  question  was  proposed  by  a  member  of  the  Synod,  which  is,  whether  the 
committee  of  overtures  are  to  be  considered  as  agents  and  coun.sels,  or  shall 
they  be  considered  as  judges  ?  The  consideration  of  which  is  deferred  to  next 
Synod. 

A  proposal  was  brought  in  desiring  the  Synod  to  fall  upon  some  general  plan 
to  prevent  irregularities  in  respect  of  marriage,  and  it  is  recommended  to  every 
member  of  this  Synod  carefully  to  consider  the  said  afiair,  and  be  ready  to 
deliver  their  sentiments  on  the  subject  next  Synod. 

An  address  from  several  gentlemen  who  call  themselves  members  of  Donegall 
Presbytery,  was  brought  in  and  read ;  the  consideration  of  which  is  deferred 
till  Monday  afternoon. 

Adjourned  to  ten  o'clock  on  Monday  next,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

23c?  day,  ten  dclock,  A.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  consideration  of  an  address  of  a  number  of  gentlemen  who  call  them- 
selves the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  deferred  till  the  afternoon. 

Some  members  made  a  motion  that  the  afi'air  of  Mr.  Tennent's  request  be 
reconsidered,  which  was  agreed  to,  but  deferred  till  next  sederunt. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  book  is  now  brought  in,  and  Mr.  Jones  and  Mr. 
Richards  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  it. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  with  the  corporation  for  the  relief  of  poor 
and  distressed  Presbyterian  ministers,  and  of  their  widows  and  children,  &c. 
report,  that  they  waited  on  said  corporation  and  proposed  the  following  que- 
ries, viz  : 

1st.  What  power  the  committee  of  the  Synod  have  in  the  distribution  of 
some  money  raised  by  virtue  of  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church 
of  Scotland,  and  by  them  put  into  the  hands  of  the  corporation  aforesaid  ? 

2d.  What  was  the  total  sum  put  into  the  hands  of  said  corporation  by  the 
General  Assembly  aforesaid,  to  be  disposed  of  in  conjunction  with  the  com- 
mittee of  the  Synod  ? 

3d.  What  part  of  said  money  the  corporation  have  allotted  for  the  committee 
to  have  any  concern  with  ? 

4th.  Whether  there  ia  any  of  said  money  to  be  disposed  of  this  year  for  the 


382  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1768. 

purposes  mentioned  in  the  act  of  the  Greneral  Assembly  of  the  Church  of 
Scotland  ? 

To  which  queries  the  committee  further  report,  that  they  have  received  the 
following  answer  from  the  corporation  aforesaid,  viz  : 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  corporation  for  the  relief  of  poor  and  distressed  Pres- 
byterian ministers,  and  of  their  widows  and  children,  held  at  the  second  Pres- 
byterian church  in  Philadelphia,  May  the  27th,  1767.  There  is  inserted  in 
their  minutes  the  following  resolution  : 

"The  answer  to  the  questions  proposed  by  the  committee  of  the  Synod  came 
under  consideration. 

"  In  answer,  the  corporation  declare  that  it  is  the  sense  of  this  board,  that 
though  a  corporate  body  may  not  in  the  management  of  their  affairs,  legally 
associate  with  persons  not  in  membership;  yet  in  regard  to  the  limitation  of 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church  of  Scotland,  we  judge  it  incumbent  on  us 
to  consult  with  the  committee,  aiM  mutually  to  propose  and  to  agree  with  one 
another  in  the  uses  to  which  the  money  is  to  be  applied ;  provided  always,  that 
if  the  Synod  do  not  appoint  a  committee,  or  if  that  committee  do  not  attend 
the  corporation,  it  shall  not  be  hindered  to  proceed  to  do  business. 

May  the  \^ih,  1767. 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  corporation  at  the  first  Presbyterian  church  in  this 
city,  it  was  determined, 

"  That  the  interest  of  seven  hundred  pounds  sterling  is  to  be  disposed  of 
yearly  for  the  time  to  come,  if  there  be  occasion  for  it,  with  the  advice  and  con- 
sent of  the  Synod's  committee. 

"Ordered,  That  the  secretary  give  a  copy  of  this  our  answer  to  the  questions 
proposed  by  the  committee. 

"  A  true  copy,  by  Francis  Alison,  Secretary." 

The  further  consideration  of  this  affair  deferred. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'cloclc,  P.  M.,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  consideration  of  the  request  of  several  gentlemen  who  call  themselves 
the  Presbytery  of  Donegall  was  resumed,  and  after  much  conversation  and  rea- 
soning on  the  head,  it  was  agreed  to  defer  it  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

24;7t  day,  nine  of  the  o^chch,  A.  M.  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment.    Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  Mrs.  Tennent  further  deferred. 

The  Synod  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  their  committee  ap- 
pointed last  year  to  examine  the  state  of  the  accounts  of  some  money  put  into 
the  hands  of  the  corporation,  for  the  relief  of  poor  and  distressed  Presbyterian 
ministers,  &c.  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  church  of  Scotland,  to  be  dis- 
posed of  by  said  corporation  in  conjunctien  with  a  committee  of  the  Synod, 
and  do  approve  of  the  above  queries  put  to  said  corporation  by  their  commit- 
tee ;  but  judge  that  the  answers  given  by  the  corporation  are  not  fully  satis- 
factory in  these  following  points,  viz :  That  the  total  sum  of  the  money  col- 
lected by  the  Church  of  Scotland  is  not  specified,  and  secondly,  that  no 
account  is  given  how  this  money  has  been  disposed  of  since  it  came  into  their 
hands;  and  also,  that  the  corporation  seem  to  insinuate  that  they  have  a  power 
to  dispose  of  said  money  if  the  committee  of  the  Synod  neglect  or  otherwise 


1768.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  383 

do  not  attend  them ;  and  therefore  do  appoint  the  following  gentlemen  a  com- 
mittee to  attend  upon  said  corporation  this  year,  to  transact  all  affairs  relative 
to  said  money,  viz  :  ]Messrs.  Spencer,  McWhorter,  Eamsey,  Kirkpatrick,  and 
Montgomery,  three  of  whom  are  to  be  a  quorum. 

The  Synod  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  request  of  the  gentlemen  who 
call  themselves  the  Donegall  Presbytery,  and  after  much  reasoning  on  the  sub- 
ject the  further  consideration  of  it  is  deferred  till  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  dcloclc,  P.  M.  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Philip  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Richard  Treat's  elder,  having  gone  home  on 
Saturday,  and  not  being  able  to  return,  Mr.  Thomas  13ourne,  another  elder  of 
the  same  congregation,  is  permitted  to  take  his  place. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Huston  and  Samuel  Culbertson  are  gone  home  without  leave. 

The  request  of  the  gentlemen  who  call  themselves  the  Presbytery  of  Done- 
gall,  was  resumed,  and  after  much  time  spent  in  hearing  all  that  was  said  upon 
the  subject,  it  was  voted  whether  their  request  should  be  granted  or  not,  and 
it  was  carried  in  the  negative  by  a  great  majority.  There  being  nothing  in 
their  petition  but  what  was  requested  by  them  last  year  and  then  denied,  and 
there  now  appearing  no  new  light  upon  the  subject,  the  Synod  judge  that  the 
door  is  still  open  for  them  to  return  in  a  regular  manner  by  becoming  members 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  and  as  such  taking  their  seats  in  this  house, 
which  if  they  will  do,  the  Synod  hereby  declare  that  they  are  still  willing  to 
receive  them,  and  upon  their  becoming  members,  to  hear  all  complaints  and  as 
far  as  in  their  power  to  redress  all  grievances,  and  to  attend  to  all  proposals 
that  may  be  made  to  heal  differences  and  promote  the  Mediator's  kingdom, 
and  then  to  new  model  Presbyteries  if  it  should  be  judged  necessary  by  this 
Synod. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1f)th  day,  at  nine  o'cloc/c,  A.  M.,   the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournm,ent. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supi-a. 

(Except  Mr.  Sparks,  Mr.  Chesnutt's  elder,  who  is  gone  home  without 
leave.) 

Mr.  Fithian  has  leave  to  go  home. 

Mrs.  Tennent's  complaint  came  under  consideration,  which  the  Synod  remit 
to  the  Presbytery  of  Lewes,  and  at  their  particular  request  appoint  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  Spencer,  Finley,  McKennan,  Enoch  Green,  and  Ramsey,  to  meet 
with  said  Presbytery  as  correspondents,  and  assist  them  in  all  their  determina- 
tions on  said  affair,  to  meet  at  Buckingham  on  the  third  Wednesday  of  Novem- 
ber next. 

Upon  reading  the  minute  of  yesterday  concerning  the  brethren  who  call 
themselves  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  Mr.  Tate  said,  that  he  and  his  brethren 
with  him  were  not  authorized  to  make  any  other  proposals  to  the  Synod  beside 
those  mentioned  in  their  petition,  yet  he  believed  that  if  the  Synod  would  allow 
the  Rev.  Messrs.  Sampson  Smith  and  Beard  to  join  the  Presbytery  of  New 
Castle,  Mr.  Thomson  that  of  Donegall,  and  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Steel,  Elder,  and 
McMordie,  the  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  it  might  heal  the  breach ; 
in  the  mean  time  he  desired  liberty  to  join  the  second  Presbytery  of  Philadel- 
phia. The  Rev.  Mr.  Lang  being  present,  being  asked  whether  he  was  willing 
to  be  joined  to  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  answered,  that  he  rather  chose  to 
belong  to  the  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  but  if  the  Synod  judged  it  the 


384  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1768. 

best  expedient  for  peace,  and  the  rest  of  his  dissatisfied  brethren  would  come 
into  the  general  plan,  he  would  consent.  Therefore,  after  due  deliberation  the 
Synod  came  to  this  conlusion,  viz :  That  although  they  highly  disapprove  of 
the  conduct  of  these  brethren  since  their  departure  from  the  Synod,  yet  for  the 
sake  of  peace  they  authorize  the  above  mentioned  Presbyteries  to  receive  them 
in  the  following  manner,  viz :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Thompson  and  Lang  into  the 
Presbytery  of  Donegall,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Beard  and  S.  Smith  into  the  Presby- 
tery of  New  Castle,  and  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Steel,  Elder,  Tate,  and  McMordie, 
into  the  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  provided  that  they  apply  for  admis- 
sion the  fii-st  convenient  opportunity.  But  the  Synod  agree  that  this  regulation 
is  not  intended  to  subject  these  vacancies  that  now  are  or  hereafter  shall  be  in 
the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall  to  any  other  Presbytery,  nor  shall 
they  apply  at  any  time  to  any  other  without  express  leave  obtained  from  that 
Presbytery.  And  it  is  further  agreed,  that  if  any  of  said  brethren  comply  with 
said  regulations,  they  shall  previously  and  expressly  withdraw  their  declinature 
entered  at  New  York,  1766,  and  without  this  they  shall  not  be  admitted  as 
members  of  this  Synod  or  any  of  its  Presbyteries. 

Ordered,  That  the  clerk  give  Mr.  Tate  a  copy  of  this  minute. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o^lock,  P.  M.  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.  Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Peppard  had  leave  to  go  home,  and  Mr.  John  Whitehill,  Mr.  Robert 
Smith's  elder. 

Mr.  Strain  brought  in  a  protest  against  the  above  determination  of  the  Synod 
in  these  words,  viz  : 

I  enter  my  protest  against  the  above  written  determination  of  Synod  for  the 
following  reasons. 

1.  Because  I  look  upon  said  determination  to  be  the  erecting  a  monument  of 
the  former  division  of  this  church. 

2.  I  apprehend  that  the  foresaid  determination,  affecting  the  state  of  those 
three  Presbyteries,  in  the  bounds  of  which  the  people  have  been  most  divided 
formerly,  will  have  nearly  the  same  effect  in  reviving  and  confirming  the  preju- 
dices of  the  people,  that  a  division  of  this  Synod  would  have.     Therefore, 

3.  I  apprehend  it  will  have  a  tendency  greatly  to  obstruct  the  success  of  the 
gospel  of  our  dear  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

4.  The  foresaid  determination  appears  to  me  too  much  to  approve  the  schis- 
matical  conduct  of  those  gentlemen  who  declined,  and  so  far  as  it  does  so,  the 
Synod  adopts  their  schismatical  practices  and  lies  under  the  heavy  guilt  of  the 
same. 

5.  Although  I  am  persuaded,  that  the  Synod  does  in  this  act  seek  the  peace 
of  the  church,  yet  the  act  itself  tends  to  make  the  true  peace  of  the  church,  and 
in  some  measure  the  success  of  the  gospel,  a  sacrifice  to  appease  the  wrath  of  a 
few,  and  so  it  opens  the  door  for  unrestrained  passion  to  demand  from  this  body 
whatever  satisfaction  it  chooses. 

And  as  I  think  the  exoneration  of  conscience,  a  freedom  from  the  Synod's 
guilt  in  this  affair,  and  bearing  a  testimony  for  the  cause  of  Christ,  are  the 
motives  which  excite  me  to  my  present  conduct ;  that  these  ends  may  be  an- 
swered I  humbly  pray  this  Synod  to  insert  this  my  protest  and  reasons  in  their 
minutes.  Signed  by 

John  Strain. 

The  dissent  of  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Roan,  Cooper,  Slemmons,  and  Duffield,  from 
the  same  determination  of  Synod,  was  brought  in  and  read  in  the  following 
words,  viz : 


1768.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  385 

To  the  Eeverend  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadclpliia : 

It  is  with  much  real  concern  and  distress  of  mind  wc  find  ourselves  obliged 
to  inform  this  body  that  we  can  by  no  means  approve  the  determination  of  this 
Synod  disposing  of  a  number  of  members  formerly  belonging  to  the  Donegall 
Presbytery,  as  expressed  in  said  determination.     Our  reasons  are, 

1.  The  only  reason  ever  offered  by  the  gentlemen  now  new  modelled,  for  any 
such  step  being  taken,  was  bad  temper  and  want  of  brotherly  love,  which  tem- 
per they  prayed  the  Synod  to  indulge,  and  the  Synod  have  in  our  opinion,  con- 
trary to  the  spirit  of  the  Christian  religion,  granted  them  that  indulgence. 

2.  The  petition  of  those  gentlemen  for  separation  from  their  brethren  of  Do- 
negall, did  contain  by  necessary  implication  very  heavy  charges  against  their 
brethren;  and  the  Synod  have,  by  allowing  them  separation,  confirmed  those 
charges  without  ever  allowing  their  brethren  so  charged,  the  privilege  of  a  fair 
hearing,  but  positively  refusing  it,  though  repeatedly  and  earnestly  prayed  for  by 
the  brethren  thus  charged. 

3.  The  Synod  have  for  three  several  years  insisted  that  these  gentlemen  should 
return  and  sit  with  their  brethren ;  this  they  have  loudly  complained  of  and 
represented  the  Synod's  conduct  as  tyrannical,  and  on  this  entered  a  declina- 
ture in  the  year  176G,  and  have  adhered  to  it  ever  since.  The  Synod  have,  by 
their  present  act,  declared  that  charge  to  have  been  well  founded,  and  have 
therefore  themselves  proposed  as  the  very  foundation  of  having  that  declina- 
ture withdrawn,  their  renunciation  of  that  sentiment,  and  approached  to  an  ex- 
pedient proposed  by  some  of  those  gentlemen. 

4.  Those  gentlemen  have  been  in  the  judgment  of  this  Synod  and  in  the  face 
of  the  world,  most  zealously  engaged  in  spreading  schism,  rending  congrega- 
tions as  far  as  in  their  power,  and  openly  reproaching  the  Synod  as  arbitrary 
and  cruel ;  all  which  conduct,  we  apprehend  the  Synod  does  patronize  by  this 
determination  of  admitting  them  to  membership  without  any  proper  acknow- 
ledgment of  their  having  acted  wrong  herein. 

5.  This  determination,  in  our  opinion,  is  a  departing  from  and  counteracting 
the  very  spirit  and  design  of  the  plan  of  union,  as  it  is  in  a  great  part  built  on 
the  very  footing  of  party,  and  instead  of  demolishing  a  Presbytery,  which  in 
the  judgment  of  many  members  of  this  house,  ought  not  to  be  allowed  an  ex- 
istence, it  is  increased  and  strengthened. 

6.  This  determination  is,  in  our  opinion,  formed  also  on  the  subversion  of 
discipline  in  the  church,  as  it  respects  ministers,  inasmuch  as,  according  to  this 
determination,  those  gentlemen  are  as  we  apprehend  covered  over  from  being 
called  to  account  for  any  past  mal-conduct,  and  brought  into  good  standing 
under  the  bare  mention  in  the  minute  of  synodical  disapprobation  for  their 
irregularity. 

7.  It  is,  in  our  opinion,  setting  a  most  pernicious  precedent,  as  what  has  been 
granted  to  them  cannot  consistently  be  refused  to  any  others  who  may  at  any 
time  request  it.  But  a  request  of  disunion  from  their  brethren  thrice  con- 
demned by  the  Synod,  and  yet  obstinately  persisted  in  though  never  supported 
by  any  one  approved  reason,  has,  in  this  determination,  been  granted  them,  and 
consequently  any  other  repeatedly  denied  and  unsupported  request  must  here- 
after be  granted  also. 

8.  This  determination  manifestly  erects  a  monument  of  division,  in  the  body, 
as  a  number  of  those  brethren  are  not  only  granted  separation  from  their  breth- 
ren of  Donegall,  but  brought  through  another  Presbytery  and  joined  to  a  third 
at  the  distance  of  more  than  one  hundred  miles  from  some  of  the  members,  to 
the  great  abuse  of  much  precious  time  which  might  be  better  employed  in  some 
other  service. 

On  the  whole,  the  step  taken  by  the  Synod,  however  specious  it  may  at  first 
view  appear,  is,  in  our  opinion,  subversive  of  good  order,  derogatory  to  this 
49 


386  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1768. 

reverend  body,  prejudicial  to  the  interests  of  religion,  and  evidently  tending  to 
division,  anarchy,  and  confusion,  and  as  such  we  bear  our  open  testimony  against 
it,  and  solemnly  declare  our  dissent  from  it,  and  pray  that  this  our  dissent,  and 
the  reasons  of  it,  be  entered  in  the  records  of  this  Synod. 

John  Roan, 
John  Slemmons, 
Robert  Cooper, 
George  Duffield. 
Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

26    dayy  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  31.      Tlie  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(^xcept  Mr.  McKinley,  Mr.  Rodgers'  elder,  who  is  gone  home  without 
lea^e.)  *■ 

/trhe  Synod  proceeded  to  hear  and  consider  a  Latin  letter  to  the  Church  of 
Geneva,  which  was  approved,  and  ordered  to  be  transcribed,  and  signed  by  the 
moderator. 

A  letter  directed  to  the  Synod  of  North  Holland  was  also  read  and  approved; 
and  the  Synod  do  appoint  the  following  gentlemen  to  prepare  letters  to  the  fol- 
lowing churches,  viz.  Mr.  Rodgers,  a  letter  to  the  Church  of  Holland;  and 
Mr.  Ewing,  to  the  Church  of  Geneva ;  Mr.  Joseph  Treat,  to  the  Church  of 
Switzerland ;  the  moderator  to  the  Church  of  Scotland ;  Mr.  Robert  Smith,  to 
the  Synod  of  seceding  ministers  in  Scotland ;  Dr.  Williamson,  to  the  ministers 
in  and  about  London ;  Dr.  Alison,  to  the  Synod  of  Ireland ;  Mr.  McWhorter, 
to  the  Churches  in  South  Carolina;  and  Mr.  Kirkpatrick,  to  the  ministers  in 
and  about  Dublin.  And  these  letters  are  ordered  to  be  prepared  and  ready  to 
be  laid  before  the  Synod  early  in  their  session  next  year. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  to  meet  at  the  second  Presbyterian  Church. 
Concluded  with  prayer. 

Second  Presbyterian    Church,  three  d clock,  P.  M.      The  Synod  met  accord- 
ing to  adjournment.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

A  supplication  was  brought  in  from  the  honourable  board  of  trustees  of  the 
New  Jersey  College,  praying  assistance  in  supporting  a  Professor  of  Divinity 
from  the  last  year's  collection,  and  was  fully  considered,  and  the  Synod  judge, 
that  they  cannot  give  any  part  of  the  money  collected  last  year  towards  the 
support  of  a  professor  of  Divinity  in  the  said  college,  but  do  agree,  and  hereby 
order,  a  general  collection  to  be  made  for  this  purpose,  in  all  our  congregations ; 
and  that  the  money  raised  by  this  separate  collection  be  applied  particularly 
by  this  Synod  yearly,  for  this  purpose,  till  expended ;  and  in  the  mean  time,  in 
order  to  assist  in  supporting  a  Professor  of  Divinity  in  said  college,  the  Synod 
do  agree  to  give  the  present  Professor  the  sum  of  fifty  pounds  out  of  the  money 
now  in  the  hands  of  our  treasurer,  to  be  refunded  next  year. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Treat,  our  treasurer,  pay  this  sum  to  the  trustees  of  New 
Jersey  College.     Mr.  McWhorter  obtained  leave  to  go  home. 

A  supplication  from  Sussex,  on  Delaware,  for  missionaries,  was  brought  in 
and  read. 

An  application  on  the  behalf  of  several  distressed  societies  on  the  frontiers 
of  Pennsylvania,  and  the  South  Branch  of  Potomac,  was  made  by  a  member, 
for  missionaries  to  be  sent  among  them. 

Application  was  also  made  by  a  member  on  the  behalf  of  Great  Egg  Har- 
bour, and  parts  adjacent,  for  missionaries  to  be  sent  among  them. 


1768.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  387 

Ordered,  That  Lewostown  Presbytery  appoint  their  candidates  to  supply 
the  Forest,  in  Sussex,  on  Delaware,  eight  Sabbaths,  at  the  uiDst  convenient 
places,  for  which  the  Synod  order  that  their  treasurer  pay  said  candidates  eight 
pounds. 

Application  was  made  by  a  member  on  the  behalf  of  the  back  parts  of  Balti- 
more and  Frederick  counties,  in  Maryland,  requesting  a  missionary  to  be  sent 
among  them.  The  Synod  order  that  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  supply 
said  parts  by  some  of  their  candidates,  or  members,  four  Sabbaths,  for  which 
the  Synod  allow  four  pounds. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  ]]oyd  supply  at  Great  Egg  Harbour,  and  parts  adjacent, 
four  Sabbaths,  viz.  the  three  last  Sabbaths  of  October,  and  the  first  of  Novem- 
ber, for  which,  together  with  his  expenses  in  going  there,  the  Synod  allow  him 
five  pounds.  Also,  that  Mr.  Thomas  Smith  supply  them  three  Sabbaths  at 
discretion,  taking  care  to  notify  them  in  due  time,  for  which  the  Synod  allow 
him  three  pounds. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Eoan  supply  at  the  South  Branch  of  Potomac,  three 
Sabbaths  at  discretion,  for  which  the  Synod  allow  him  four  pounds  ten  shil- 
lings. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Halsey  supply  two  Sabbaths  in  Sherman's  Valley,  and 
one  at  Bullskin,  at  discretion,  for  which  the  Synod  allow  him  three  pounds. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jackson  supply  four  Sabbaths  north  of  the  Kittatiuning 
Hills,  for  which  the  Synod  allow  him  four  pounds;  and  that  Mr.  Balch  supply 
four  Sabbaths  north  of  the  Kittatinning  Hills,  for  which  the  Synod  allow  him 
four  pounds. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hunt  supply  the  vacancies  north  of  the  city  of  Albany, 
five  Sabbaths,  at  discretion,  for  which  he  is  allowed  five  pounds. 

A  call  for  Mr.  McCreary,  a  candidate  under  the  care  of  the  New  Castle  Pres- 
bytery from  the  inhabitants  of  Long  Canes  Settlement,  in  South  Carolina,  was 
brought  in  and  read ;  as  also  a  supplication  to  the  Reverend  Synod,  requesting 
their  concurrence  in  presenting  said  call,  and  urging  his  acceptance  thereof. 
Also,  another  supplication  from  said  place,  requesting,  (providing  Mr.  McCreary 
should  reject  their  call,)  to  grant  them  a  stated  supply  for  six  months,  of  some 
skilful  minister.  The  Synod  gave  said  call  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  McCreary, 
requiring  his  answer  to  it,  who  replied,  that  he  had  not  clearness  at  present  to 
determine  either  in  favour  or  against  the  said  call,  and  requested  time  to  deli- 
berate on  it,  which  is  granted,  and  the  Synod  recommend  it  to  Mr.  McCreary 
to  determine  the  matter  as  soon  as  conveniently  he  can,  and  give  his  answer  to 
New  Castle  Presbytery,  who  are  desired  in  case  of  his  accepting  the  said  call, 
to  ordain  him  as  soon  as  they  can. 

A  supplication  from  Cathey's  Settlement,  and  Fourth  Creek,  North  Caro- 
lina, requesting  supplies,  especially  by  Mr.  McCreary,  was  brought  in  and 
read. 

A  supplication  also  from  Coddle  -Creek  for  supplies,  especially  by  Mr. 
McCreary,  was  brought  in  and  read. 

A  supplication  also  from  the  Three  Creeks,  and  upper  part  of  Catawba  River, 
for  supplies,  especially  for  Mr.  Bay,  was  brought  in  and  read;  also,  an  appli- 
cation by  Mr.  Bay,  for  supplies  in  behalf  of  Spotsylvania,  in  Virginia,  Upper 
Haw  River,  Deep  River,  Anson  County,  Bush  River,  Fair  Forest,  Indian  Creek, 
the  forks  of  Tiger  River,  Union  congi-egation,  Bullock's  Creek,  Clark's  Forest, 
Bethel  congregation,  Fishing  Creek,  Hitchcock  Creek,'  upon  Pee  Dee  River, 
Pine  Tree  Hill,  and  Stephen's  Creek. 

A  supplication  from  Steel  Creek  and  Providence,  in  Mecklenburg  county. 
North  Carolina,  for  supplies,  was  brought  in  and  read,  especially  for  Mr. 
Lewis,  Mr.  McCreary,  or  Mr.  Potter,  to  continue  some  time  with  them  in  order 
to  settlement. 


388  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1768. 

A  supplication  also  from  Timber  Ridge,  in  Virginia,  for  supplies. 

A  memorial  from  Col.  Alexander  McNatt,  in  Nova  Scotia,  setting  forth  the 
deplorable  state  of  that  new  part  of  the  Church,  and  earnestly  requesting  two 
ordained  ministers,  to  continue  some  time  to  ordain  elders  and  organize  the 
churches. 

Also  an  application  by  Mr.  Jackson,  on  the  behalf  of  several  congregations 
in  Augusta  county,  Virginia,  for  supplies. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  eight  o'clock,  to  meet  at  Market-street 
meeting-house.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

27  day,  eight  ddoch,   A.  M.      The   Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  they  have  received  Mr. 
Joseph  Tate,  having  withdra'\yn  his  declinature,  and  promising  subjection  to 
the  jurisdiction  of  this  Synod,  and  he  being  present,  took  his  seat. 

A  letter  was  read  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sacket,  praying  that  the  Synod  would 
take  under  their  consideration  the  unhappy  diiference  betwixt  him  and  the 
Presbytery  of  Dutchess  county. 

A  supplication  was  also  brought  in  and  read  from  Bedford,  in  West  Ches- 
ter county,  praying  that  a  committee  of  this  Synod  may  be  appointed  to  meet 
at  said  place  to  settle  all  differences  in  the  congregation,  and  after  due  delibe- 
ration, the  Synod  do  appoint  the  following  gentlemen  to  be  a  committee  of 
this  Synod  to  meet  at  Bedford  the  last  Wednesday  of  August,  to  hear  all  affairs 
relative  to  both  the  above  petitions,  and  finally  settle  all  differences,  viz. 
Messrs.  John  Rodgers,  Caldwell,  McWhorter,  William  Tennent,  Lewis,  Mills, 
Close,  Kerr,  Reeve,  Jones,  Hait,  and  Joseph  Treat. 

A  supplication  was  brought  in  and  read  from  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
the  city  of  Albany,  setting  forth  their  distressed  condition  on  the  account  of  a 
heavy  debt  contracted  by  building  their  church,  praying  assistance.  The  Synod 
do  sincerely  pity  their  distressed  condition,  but  find  it  is  not  in  their  power  at 
present  to  help  them. 

A  petition  was  brought  in  by  Messrs.  Robert  Knox  and  Anthony  Pearson, 
in  behalf  of  themselves  and  fifty-one  other  persons,  complaining  of  the  second 
Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  as  Dr.  Alison,  Mr.  Ewing,  Mr.  Patrick  Alison, 
they  judge,  are  not  competent  judges  in  the  afiair  of  presenting  a  call  to  the 
Rev.  Patrick  Alison,  to  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  first  Presbyterian  Church  in 
this  city,  and  was  read,  and  fully  considered,  and  the  Synod  judge  that  the 
afiair  does  not  regularly  come  before  this  judicature,  as  there  is  now  a  sufiicient 
number  of  members  to  constitute  a  Presbytery,  if  these  gentlemen,  before  men- 
tioned, should  be  set  aside  as  improper  to  judge  in  this  afiair. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  d clock,  P.  M.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  siqjra. 

Mr.  Horton,  Mr.  Kerr,  Mr.  Kirkpatrick,  Mr.  Spencer,  obtained  leave  to  go 
home. 

Ordered,  That  the  treasurer  of  the  Synod  pay  to  the  janitor  who  attended 
us  last  year,  the  sum  of  three  pounds,  and  the  same  sum  to  the  janitor  for 
this  year. 

Mr.  Montgomery  has  leave  to  join  the  New  Castle  Presbytery,  obtaining  a 
regular  dismission  from  Lewes,  but  it  is  ordered  he  attend  with  the  Lewes 
Presbytery  at  Buckingham,  the  third  Wednesday  of  November. 

The  Synod  do  appoint  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bay  to  pay  a  visit  to  the  vacancies 


1769.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA,  389 

above  the  city  of  Albany,  for  six  Sabbaths,  as  soon  as  convenient,  for  which  hu 
is  to  receive  six  pounds. 

The  Synod  do  appoint  Mr.  Jackson,  a  licensed  candidate  in  the  Presbytery 
of  New  York,  to  take  a  journey  to  the  southern  provinces;  and  in  order  more 
fully  to  answer  the  end  of  his  mission,  the  Synod  do  recommend  it  to  either 
the  Presbyteries  of  Doncgall  or  Hanover,  to  ordain  the  said  Mr.  Jackson  as 
soon  as  possible. 

Mr.  Halsey  is  also  appointed  to  take  a  journey  to  the  southern  provinces. 

Mr.  Tate  is  appointed  also  to  take  a  journey  to  the  western  parts  of  Virginia, 
and  to  North  Carolina,  in  the  fall  of  this  year,  if  the  state  of  his  congregation 
will  permit. 

And  the  moderator  and  clerk  are  ordered  to  give  the  above  gentlemen  proper 
credentials ;  and  also  to  Mr.  Lewis,  if  he  should  think  proper  to  go  to  North 
Carolina  next  fall ;  also  to  jMr.  Bay. 

The  Synod  can  send  no  missionaries  to  Nova  Scotia  this  year,  but  determine 
to  consider  it  next  Synod. 

Mr.  Anderson  is  appointed  to  take  a  tour  on  the  Western  frontiers  of  this 
Province,  to  set  off"  as  soon  as  possible,  and  preach  in  the  vacancies  on  these 
frontiers  at  least  twelve  Sabbaths,  for  which  he  is  to  receive  twenty  shillings  for 
every  Sabbath  that  he  preaches  on  the  other  side  of  the  Kittatinning  Moun- 
tains, and  to  take  his  directions  from  the  Donegall  Presbytery. 

Mr.  McCreary  is  also  appointed  to  preach  over  these  mountains  four  Sab- 
baths, at  the  directions  of  the  Donegall  Presbytery,  for  which  he  is  to  receive 
four  pounds. 

The  Synod  order  Mr.  Strain  to  supply  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church  in 
Philadelphia  the  first  Sabbath  of  June ;  Mr.  Green,  the  second ;  Mr.  Eakin, 
the  third  and  fourth  Sabbaths ;  Mr.  Carmichael,  first  Sabbath  of  July ;  Mr. 
Hunt,  the  third  of  July;  Mr.  Chapman,  the  last  of  July  and  fii-st  of  Au- 
gust; Mr.  Hunter,  the  second  Sabbath;  Mr.  Richards,  third  and  fourth  of 
August;  Mr.  Bay,  first  and  second  September;  Mr.  Carmichael,  third  Sep- 
tember; Mr.  Robert  Smith,  fourth  of  September  and  first  of  October;  Mr. 
IMontgomery,  second  and  third  of  October ;  Mr.  WoodrufiP,  fourth  and  fifth  of 
October. 

Ordered,  That  the  moderator  sign  all  letters  to  the  foreign  churches. 

Adjourned  to  the  third  Wednesday  of  May  next,  10  of  the  clock,  A.  M.  to 
meet  at  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church  in  Philadelphia. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 


1769. 

Philadelphia,  May  17th,  1769. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment, 
at  the  second  Presbyterian  church  in  this  city.      Uhi post  jweces  sederunt 

From  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall :  the  Rev.  George  Duffield,  John  Strain, 
Robert  Cooper,  John  Slemmons,  John  Craighead. 

Of  Lcwestown  Presbytery :  the  Rev  John  Miller,  Matthew  Wilson. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Alexander  McDowel,  Robert  Smith, 
William  McKennan,  John  Montgomery,  James  Finley,  John  Carmichael. 

Of  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Richard  Treat,  Andrew  Hunter, 
John  Brainerd,  Benjamin  Chesnutt,  William  Ramsey,  John  Clark,  Enoch 
Green. 

Of  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Dr.  Alison,  John  Simonton, 
John  Ewing,  James  Latta,  Patrick  Alison. 


390  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1769. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  tte  Eev.  John  Blair,  William  Kirkpatrick, 
John  Eosborough. 

Of  Suffolk  Presbytery :  the  Bev.  John  Close. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery  :  the  Bev.  Azariah  Horton,  Dr.  Bodgers,  Aaron 
Eichards,  Benjamin  Hait,  James  Caldwell. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Benjamin  Blaith,  Thomas  Conary,  Bobert  Macky,  William 
Brown,  Maskel  Ewing,  Isaac  Abraham,  James  Sterret,  James  Eolston,  John 
Brooks,  William  P.  Smith,  Christopher  Hughs,  John  Maxwell,  Az.  McClane, 
Dr.  Williamson. 

Absent  of  Hanover  Presbytery :  the  Bev.  Messrs.  Blaith,  Craig,  Zaneky, 
Brown,  Todd,  McCadden,  Eice,  Patillo,  Criswell,  D.  Caldwell,  Cummins,  Wad- 
dle, Alexander,  Leak. 

Donegall  Presbytery :  the  Eev.  Mr.  Samuel  Thomson,  John  Eowan,  John 
Hogg,  James  Hunt,  James  Lang. 

Lewestown  Presbytery  :  th^Eev.  Charles  Tennent,  John  Harris,  Alexander 
Huston,  James  McCrakin,  John  Bacon. 

New  Castle  Presbytery :  the  Eev.  Elihu  Spencer,  Andrew  Bay,  John  Mc- 
Creary. 

First  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  the  Eev.  Charles  Beatty,  Nehemiah  Green- 
man. 

Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  the  Eev.  John  Elder,  John  Steel,  Robert 
McMordie. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  :  the  Eev.  Charles  McKnight,  James  Bead,  John 
Hannah,  Samuel  Kennedy,  Jer.  Halsey,  James  Lyon,  Job  Prudden. 

Suffolk  Presbytery :  the  Eev.  Messrs.  Prime,  Buel,  White,  Brown,  Barker, 
Goldsmith,  Talmage,  Eose,  Lewis,  Mills,  Potter,  Occum. 

The  whole  Presbytery  of  Dutchess  County. 

New  York  Presbytery  :  the  Eev.  Messrs.  John  Pierson,  Jacob  Green,  John 
Moffat,  John  Elmer,  John  Darby,  Abner  Eeeve,  Nathan  Kerr,  Benjamin 
Woodruff,  Azariah  Eoe,  Francis  Peppard,  John  Maltby,  Hugh  Knox,  Simon 
Horton,  Abner  Brush,  Alexander  McWhorter,  Joseph  Treat,  J.  Chapman, 
James  Tuttle,  Timothy  Jones. 

Mr.  John  Blair,  the  last  year's  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  by  a  sermon 
from  Eev.  iii.  2,  last  clause. 

Mr.  Kirkpatrick  was  chosen  moderator. 

Mr.  Caldwell  and  Mr.  Patrick  Alison  were  chosen  clerks. 

Mr.  Halt's  and  Mr.  Latta's  reasons  for  being  absent  last  year,  sustained. 

Donegall  Presbytery  report,  that  Mr.  Samuel  Thompson  and  Mr.  James 
Lang  have  joined  them,  according  to  the  minutes  of  the  last  Synod. 

Lewestown  Presbytery  report,  they  have  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  gospel 
ministry  Mr.  John  Brown. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  report,  the  Eev.  Mr.  Adam  Boyd  was  removed  by 
death,  Nov.  20,  1768.  That  they  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry, 
Mr.  John  MeCreary,  William  Forster,  and  Mr.  Joseph  Smith,  the  two  last  of 
whom  being  present  took  their  seats  with  Mr.  James  Huston,  Mr.  Smith's 
elder.  And  they  further  report,  they  have  licensed  to  preach  as  candidates, 
Mr.  John  WoodhuU,  ]Mr.  Josiah  Lewis,  Mr.  Hezekiah  ]3alch ;  that  Mr.  Samp- 
son Smith  and  Mr.  John  Baird  had  joined  their  Presbytery,  according  to  the 
minutes  of  the  last  Synod ;  and  that  they  have  suspended  from  the  exercise 
of  the  gospel  ministry,  Mr.  Sampson  Smith,  and  that  they  have  received  the 
Eev.  Daniel  McClelland  as  a  member  of  their  Presbytery,  who  being  present 
took  his  seat. 

The  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery  report,  they  have  ordained  to  the  work 
of  the  gospel  ministry,  Mr.  Alexander  Mitchell,  and  received  the  Eev.  Mr. 
James  Sproat,  late  a  member  of  the  association  of  New  Haven,  in  Connecticut 


1769.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  391 

who  being  present  took  their  seats  with  their  elders,  Mr.  Robert  Patterson  and 
Mr.  Gunning  ]?edforil. 

The  second  Pbihidelphia  Presbytery  report,  that  Mr.  John  Elder,  Mr.  John 
Steel,  and  Mr.  Robert  McMordie,  joined  them,  according  to  the  minute  of  the 
last  Synod. 

New  Rninswick  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  received  the  Rev.  Dr. 
John  Witherspoon,  late  member  of  the  I'resbytery  of  Paisley,  in  Scotland,  who 
being  present  took  his  scat.  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  James  JMcCrea  was  removed 
by  death  the  tenth  day  of  this  instant,  and  that  they  have  licensed  Mr.  Jacob 
Van  Arsdalen  to  preach  as  a  candidate. 

New  York  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  to  the  gospel  ministry, 
Mr.  James  Tuttle,  and  that  Mr.  Moses  Tuttle  has  withdrawn  himself  from  our 
jurisdiction. 

By  a  minute  laid  before  us,  signed  by  the  moderator  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Hanover,  we  arc  informed  that  ]Mr.  Thomas  Jackson  and  Mr.  Samuel  Leak  were 
ordained  by  that  Presbytery  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry.  Mr.  Jackson 
being  present  took  his  seat. 

The  Synod  appoint  for  a  committee  of  overtures,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cooper,  Mr. 
Wilson,  Mr.  Fiuley,  Mr.  Ramsey,  Mr.  Latta,  Mr.  Blair,  Mr.  Hait,  Mr.  Close, 
and  Mr.  Jackson,  with  Mr.  Maxwell,  Mr.  Sterret,  and  Maskel  Ewing,  elders, 
to  meet  here  to-morrow  morning  at  six  o'clock,  and  as  often  afterwards  as  busi- 
ness may  require. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.      Concluded  with  prayer. 

18^^  day^  nine  o'clock,  A.  31.,  the  Synod  met  according   to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  sujjra. 

With  the  Rev.  William  Tennent,  John  Hogg,  and  Alexander  McWhorter, 
who  gave  sufficient  reasons  for  not  attending  yesterday.  Also,  Dr.  Burnet,  Jo- 
seph Cowen,  and  Hugh  Whiteford,  elders,  are  now  present. 

Mr.  Miller  and  Mr.  Brainerd  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the  Pres- 
bytery book  of  Donegall. 

Mr.  Wilson  and  Mr.  Montgomery  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the 
first  Philadelphia  Presbytery  book. 

Dr.  Rodgers  and  Mr.  McWhorter  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the 
Presbytery  book  of  New  Brunswick. 

Mr.  Robert  Smith  and  Mr.  Duffield  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine 
the  Presbytery  book  of  New  York. 

The  Presbytery  books  of  Hanover,  Lewestown,  New  Castle,  the  second  Pres- 
bytery of  Philadelphia,  Suffolk  and  Dutchess  County,  are  not  present. 

Ordered,  That  those  books  be  brought  next  Synod. 

Mr.  Tate  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner  are  sustained. 

The  committee  appointed  last  year  to  pi'epare  a  plan  for  propagating  the  gos- 
pel among  the  Indians,  report,  that  it  appeared  to  them  as  yet  inexpedient  to 
enter  on  that  important  work. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Alison,  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Mr.  Brainerd, 
and  Mr.  Ewing,  be  a  committee  to  consult  whether  any  plan  can  yet  be  de- 
vised for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  and  make  report  to  the  Synod  next  Tuesday 
morning. 

The  Synod  appoint  for  their  commission  for  the  ensuing  year,  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  Richard  Treat,  Dr.  Alison,  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Sproat,  Blair,  Lewis, 
Mills,  Azariah  Horton,  Jones,  William  Tennent,  Reed,  Hunter,  Ewing,  Spen- 
cer, Roan,  Robert  Smith,  Miller,  Montgomery,  Duffield,  and  Close,  with  the 
moderator;  with  elders,  Dr.  Burnet,  Dr.  Williamson,  Gunning  Bedford,  Wil- 
liam P.  Smith,  and  Maskel  Ewing,  thirteen  of  whom  to  be  a  quorum ;  but  if 


892  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1769. 

the  moderator  die  or  be  absent,  the  first  mentioned  on  the  roll  in  the  minute 
shall  have  power  to  call  the  commission  and  preside. 

Mr.  Spencer  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner,  sustained;  his 
elder,  Valentine  Duchene,  is  also  present. 

Mr.  Richard  Treat  is  appointed  treasurer  for  the  Synod,  and  the  several 
Presbyterial  treasurers  are  desired  to  give  him  in  their  accounts  by  Saturday 
morning. 

Mr.  Jackson  and  Mr.  Joseph  Tate  complied  with  the  appointment  of  last 
Synod  to  supply  to  the  southward. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra.     (With  Mr.  Steel.) 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  at  Bedford,  report,  they  accordingly  met 
and  their  minutes  being  produced  were  read,  and  the  Synod  approve  of  what 
they  did  except  that  part  of  their  judgment  which  disunited  Mr.  Sacket  from 
the  Presbytery  of  Dutchess  and  annexed  him  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  York, 
the  propriety  of  which  being  debated,  the  question  was  put  approve  or  not  ? 
which  was  carried  in  the  negative  by  a  great  majority  3  and  Mr.  Sacket  is  there- 
fore returned  to  the  Presbytery  of  Dutchess  county. 

From  Mr.  Brainerd's  report  respecting  the  school  under  his  inspection,  which 
the  Synod  agreed  to  support,  we  find  it  hath  not  been  kept  up  more  than  half 
the  last  year,  for  which  we  therefore  allow  him  fifteen  pounds,  which  is  half  of 
what  was  voted  last  year.  But  as  he  expects  he  shall  be  able  to  continue  that 
school  the  current  year,  having  provided  a  master  for  that  purpose,  voted  that 
he  be  allowed  thirty  pounds  for  the  support  of  it. 

Ordered  also.  That  Mr.  Brainerd  shall  receive  for  the  current  year  the  sum 
of  eighteen  pounds,  being  the  interest  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of  the  trea- 
surer of  the  college  of  New  Jersey  for  the  support  of  an  Indian  mission,  and 
that  he  also  have  twenty  pounds  from  the  Synodical  treasurer  for  the  continu- 
ance of  his  labours  in  the  year  past,  in  those  desolate  parts  where  he  has  been 
usefully  employed,  and  the  Synod  desire  Mr.  Brainerd  to  supply  in  these  parts 
as  formerly. 

The  delegates  appointed  to  meet  the  Rev.  Greneral  Convention  at  Elizabeth- 
town  last  October,  laid  before  the  Synod  the  minutes  of  the  convention  agree- 
able to  a  standing  order  for  that  purpose. 

As  the  next  general  convention  is  to  meet  the  fourteenth  of  September  at 
New  Haven,  the  Synod  appoint  to  attend  on  that  occasion  the  following  mem- 
bers, viz  :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Strain,  Richard  Treat,  James  Sproat,  John 
Brainerd,  Joseph  Montgomery,  John  Craighead,  Jacob  Kerr,  Elihu  Spence, 
John  Ewing,  Patrick  Alison,  Dr.  Witherspoon,  William  Tennent,  Dr.  Rodgers, 
Alexander  McWhorter,  James  Caldwell,  John  Close,  Samuel  Buel,  Solomon 
Mead,  and  Wheeler  Case ;  Dr.  Witherspoon  is  appointed  to  open  the  conven- 
tion, or  in  case  of  his  absence  Dr.  Rodgers. 

Mr.  Azariah  Horton  has  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

19  day,  nine  o'clock,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  2»'eces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Carmichael,  elder,  has  leave  to  go  home. 

The  committee  appointed  to  dispose  of  the  interest  of  the  money  in  the 
hands  of  the  treasurer  of  the  New  Jersey  College,  for  support  of  poor  and 
pious  youth  in  said  college,  laid  their  proceedings  before  us,  and  it  appears 


1769.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  393 

that  they  have  disposed  of  twenty  pouuds  for  the  purpose  mentioned.  There 
•will  be  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  to  be  disbursed  next  October,  sixty-two 
pounds,  and  the  Synod  appoint  as  a  comuiittee  for  the  present  year  to  attend 
at  the  New  Jersey  college  the  third  Wednesday  of  August,  and  dispose  of  said 
sum,  the  Ivev.  Messrs.  Dr.  AVitherspoon,  William  Tenneut,  Urainerd,  Guild, 
Ewing,  Blair,  Caldwell,  Heed,  and  the  moderator. 

The  order  of  Synod  respecting  a  plan  laid  down  by  some  lay  elders  at  a  for- 
mer session  and  adopted  by  this  Synod,  came  under  consideration,  and  it  appears 
from  the  report  of  several  Presbyteries,  that  only  a  few  of  them  have  en- 
deavoured to  execute  this  plan ;  the  Synod  renew  their  last  year's  order  with 
relation  to  so  useful  an  overture,  and  earnestly  recommend  to  all  their  Presby- 
teries to  use  their  utmost  endeavours  to  secure  the  success  of  it  before  our 
meeting  in  May  next. 

To  the  question  concerning  the  business  and  power  of  the  committee  of  over- 
tures proposed  last  year,  the  Synod  answer,  that  committee  is  intended  to 
introduce  business  into  the  Synod  in  an  orderly  manner,  that  they  may  give 
advice  concerning  either  the  matter  or  manner  of  overtures  brought  to  them, 
but  have  not  power  to  suppress  any  thing  that  comes  regularly  before  them 
from  inferior  judicatures  according  to  our  Known  rules,  or  such  overtures  and 
petitions  as  inferior  judicatures  or  particular  persons  desire  to  have  laid  before 
this  Synod. 

A  proposal  was  made  last  Synod  and  the  consideration  of  it  deferred  to  this, 
that  we  should  endeavour  to  agree  upon  some  plan  to  prevent  irregularities  in 
respect  of  marriage.  And  after  some  conversation  on  said  proposal,  agreed  to 
defer  it  to  the  next  Synod,  and  it  is  expected  every  member  will  be  prepared  to 
give  his  sentiments  on  said  proposal  at  that  time,  stating  what  irregularities  he 
imagines  prevail,  and  what  method  he  would  propose  to  prevent  them. 

From  the  representations  that  have  been  made  to  us  concerning  the  situation 
of  Nova  Scotia,  we  are  of  opinion  that  it  is  not  expedient  to  appoint  any  mis- 
sionaries to  that  province  at  this  time. 

A  petition  from  the  congregation  of  Little  Britain  was  brought  in  and  read, 
requesting  to  be  set  off  from  the  Donegall  Presbytery  and  put  under  the  care 
of  the  New  Castle  Presbytery,  which  is  more  convenient  to  them.  The  Synod 
gi-ant  their  petition,  but  as  there  are  some  matters  depending  between  Mr. 
Hunt  and  said  congregation  now  before  the  Donegall  Presbytery,  the  Synod 
order,  that  these  be  there  judged  and  determined  notwithstanding  this  regu- 
lation. 

Adjourned  till  three  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'docJc,  P.  M.  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Postpreces  ^ 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Joseph  Cowan,  Mr.  Horton's  elder,  has  leave  to  go  home. 

A  motion  was  introduced  from  the  committee  of  overtures,  that  the  Synod 
should  consider  what  they  would  do  in  case  of  persons  who,  breaking  off  from 
their  body,  are  not  subject  to  the  inspection  of  any  Presbytery,  and  yet  may 
by  their  conduct  bring  a  reproach  on  them,  as  being  supposed  to  continue 
still  in  connexion  with  them.  It  was  particularly  represented  that  Mr.  Kin- 
kaid  is  by  many  given  out  to  be  a  Presbyterian  minister,  though  his  conduct 
is  no  way  cognizable  by  us.  The  Synod,  after  inquiring  into  the  fects,  find 
that  he  had  not  only  gone  off  of  himself,  but  was  publicly  disowned  by  the 
Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  and  has  never  been  a  member  of  any  Presbytery 
of  this  Synod  since  the  union  of  the  Synods  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia, 
and  therefore  they  are  persuaded  that  this  conduct  cannot,  by  any  candid  per- 
son, be  considered  as  having  any  influence  on  them  whether  good  or  bad. 
50 


394  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1769. 

On  this  account  they  see  no  necessity  of  either  inquiry  or  vindication  as  to 
him,  but  recommend  it  to  Presbyteries  to  be  precise  and  accurate  in  making 
the  dates  of  the  desertion  or  separation  of  any  of  their  members,  and  to  give 
sentence  definitely  as  to  the  continuance  or  dissolution  of  their  relation. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

20iA  day,  nine  ddoch,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  sujjra. 

("With  Mr.  John  Montgomery,  Mr.  Steel's  elder.) 

Mr.  Maxwell,  Mr.  Montgomery's  elder,  has  leave  to  go  home. 

Mr.  Halsey  is  now  come,  and  the  reasons  given  by  him  for  his  not  coming 
sooner  are  sustained. 

Mr.  McClelland  has  leave  to  go  home. 

Mr.  Thomas  McCrakin  and  Mr.  John  Creary  are  now  come,  and  their 
reasons  for  not  coming  sooner  are  sustained. 

The  committee  of  overtures  have  brought  in  an  appeal  of  Mrs.  Jane  Ten- 
nent,  from  a  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  of  Lewestown  upon  several  com- 
plaints prosecuted  by  her  before  them,  against  her  husband  the  Rev.  Mr.  Charles 
Tennent,  but  as  the  minutes  of  the  Presbytery  are  not  here,  the  Synod  cannot 
proceed  to  hear  the  appeal  now,  but  order  it  to  lie  over  till  next  year,  when  both 
parties  are  required  to  be  ready  for  trial. 

Mr.  Robert  Patterson  has  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  Monday  morning  ten  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Monday,  ten  o'chch,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  James  Long,  together  with  his  elder,  Mr.  William  Alison,  are 
now  come ;  Mr.  Long's  absence  from  Synod  till  this  time,  excused. 

The  supplies  ordered  at  our  last  session  were  fulfilled  as  follows,  Mr.  Boyd 
complied  with  his  appointment  to  Egg  Harbour.  Mr.  Roan  complied  with  his 
to  the  branches  of  Potomac,  and  communicated  in  a  letter  to  Mr.  Duffield,  which 
was  read,  a  circumstantial  account  of  the  situation  of  that  desolate  country  and 
his  itinerating  there.  The  Synod  agree  to  give  Mr.  Roan  for  his  great  labours 
in  that  part  eight  pounds  ten  shillings,  in  addition  to  what  they  voted  him  last 
year.  Messrs.  Halsey,  Hezekiah  James  Balch,  and  McCreary,  have  complied 
with  theirs ;  in  consideration  of  Mr.  McCreary's  great  services  on  his  mission 
to  the  western  frontiers  of  this  province,  the  Synod  vote  him  an  additional 
allowance  of  five  pounds. 

A  paper  signed  by  Alexander  Miller,  containing  various  matters  of  complaint 
against  the  Presbytery  of  Hanover,  who  deposed  him  May  8d,  1765,  was 
brought  in  and  read,  he  being  present,  which  is  as  follows : 

To  the  Rev.  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia : 

Rev.  Gentlemen — Be  pleased  to  attend  to  the  case  and  redress  the  grievances 
of  a  member  injured  by  some  members  of  Hanover  Presbytery.  The  case  is  as 
follows : 

Mr.  Rice  brought  an  aflidavit  (in  what  manner  proved  I  know  not)  to  a  cer- 
tain meeting  of  Hanover  Presbytery,  insinuating  some  reflections  on  my  conduct 
at  a  certain  place. 

Though  the  paper  was  formed  extra-judicially,  yet  I  was  willing,  and  even 
urged,  for  an  appointment  to  be  made  to  go  and  inquire  into  the  rise  and  ground 
of  said  report,  which  was  granted  and  made.     In  consequence  hereof  I  rode 


1769.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  395 

four  hundred  miles  to  tlic  place,  but  found  no  Presbytery,  and  that  Mr.  Todd, 
by  bis  solo  autliority,  prcveutod  the  same. 

Sometime  afterwtud.s,  and  on  the  very  day  our  Presbytery  was  judicially 
appointed  to  meet  at  another  place,  at  a  very  considerable  distance,  Mr.  Todd 
with  two  other  members  went  to  this,  (without  judicial  appointment)  assumed 
the  name  and  authority  of  Hanover  Presbytery,  and  even  ordained  a  man,  re- 
ceived charges  against  me,  and  judged  me  in  my  absence,  and  appointed  the 
time  and  place  of  the  next  meeting  :  but  incapacitated  and  prevented  by  their 
conduct  the  meeting  of  the  I'resbytery  according  to  appointment. 

At  the  time  appointed  for  next  meeting  I  attended,  and,  after  reasoning  on 
their  conduct,  it  was  mutually  agreed,  on  certain  conditions,  to  nullify  what  was 
past,  and  that  the  Presbytery  be  full  at  the  trial. 

I  attended  at  the  time  and  place,  but  that  Presbytery  having  failed  in  the 
performing  the  conditions  stipulated  on  their  part,  and  finding  them  resolved  to 
proceed  to  judgment,  contrary  to  their  engagements,  I  gave  in  a  declinature 
and  appealed  to  the  Synod,  and  gave  them  the  reasons,  and  left  them. 

After  which,  as  appears  by  their  minutes,  they  judged  the  validity  of  my 
reasons  of  appeal,  examined  witnesses  against  me,  formed,  published,  and  or- 
dered a  libel  to  be  publicly  read  against  me,  and  assumed  a  power  to  depose 
me  from  the  ministerial  office  in  my  absence,  and  after  I  had  appealed  to  the 
Synod. 

The  next  meeting  of  Presbytery  I  applied  to  the  moderator  and  clerk  to  have 
a  testimonial  of  my  declinature,  reasons  of  appeal,  and  a  copy  of  their  minutes, 
but  was  refused. 

This  prevented  me  from  applying  to  you  in  a  way  I  thought  orderly  until 
the  third  instant,  I  got  a  copy  of  some  of  their  proceedings,  of  which  I  com- 
plain of  the  following  things,  viz  : 

1.  That  the  Presbytery  did  not  meet  to  do  me  justice,  according  to  appoint- 
ment, Mr.  Todd  preventing  the  first,  and  many  of  the  members  not  attending  or 
fulfilling  their  engagements  at  the  last,  and  that  they  have  acted  presbyterially 
without  appointment. 

2.  That  they  received  accusations,  administered  oaths  to  persons  against  me, 
and  condemned  me  in  my  absence,  and  made  themselves  judges  and  parties  in 
some  cases. 

3.  That  they  judged  my  reasons  of  appeal,  and  appear  to  blame  me  for  ap- 
pealing. In  this  I  complain  they  have  acted  contrary  to  the  fifth  article  of  the 
plan  of  union. 

4.  That  their  minutes  are  dark  and  imperfect,  containing,  &c.  &c.  &c.,  in- 
stead of  facts  and  full  history. 

5.  For  saying  that  the  evidences  were  of  unblamable  reputation  when  they 
knew,  or  might  have  known,  the  contrary,  by  inspecting  their  oaths  and  various 
representations  they  have  given. 

6.  That  they  assumed  a  power  not  granted  them  by  warrant  from  Christ,  or 
ceded  to  them  in  the  plan  of  union. 

These  are  some  of  my  complaints,  to  which  I  can  add  many  more,  and  will 
make  it  apparent  to  impartial  judges  that  they  are  not  without  foundation;  and 
if  you  please  to  do  me  justice  and  redress  my  grievances  occasioned  by  these 
men,  it  will  very  much  redound  to  your  credit  in  the  world,  the  honour  of  this 
judicatory,  and  oblige  a  sufi"erer. 

(Signed  by)  Alex.  Miller,  M.  A. 

As  also  an  attested  copy  of  the  Presbytery's  minutes  relating  to  his  trial  and 
deposition. 

After  some  time  spent  on  this  business  the  farther  examination  of  it  is  de- 
ferred till  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


396  MINUTES  OF  THE   SYNOD  OP  [1769. 

Three  d clock,  P.  M.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  pre- 
ces  sederunt  qui  siq)i'a- 

The  consideration  of  Mr.  Miller's  case  resumed.  Mr.  Miller  was  asked, 
whether  he  was  a  member  of  this  Synod  and  subject  to  its  authority  and  juris- 
diction. He  answered  he  was,  and  referred  to  the  introduction  of  the  paper  he 
laid  before  the  Synod,  signed  with  his  name,  which  is  in  these  words,  "  Be 
pleased  to  attend  to  the  case  and  redress  the  grievances  of  a  member  injured  by 
some  members  of  Hanover  Presbytery.'' 

After  Mr.  Alexander  Miller's  complaint  was  heard,  it  was  deferred  till  to- 
morrow morning.     Mr.  Hart  has  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

23c?  day,  at  nine  o'clock.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  suprh. 

The  consideration  of  !Mr.  Alexander  Miller's  complaint  resumed,  and  upon 
full  inquiry  the  Synod  conclude,  that  as  the  Presbytery  of  Hanover  are  not 
present,  and  it  has  not  been  made  appear  before  us  that  they  were  cited  to  be 
present,  or  informed  that  Mr.  Alexander  Miller  intended  to  lodge  a  complaint 
against  them  before  the  Synod,  at  this  time,  we  cannot  now  enter  upon  the  con- 
sideration of  the  merits  of  the  complaint,  but  order  both  the  Presbytery  and 
Mr.  Alexander  Miller  to  attend  our  next  Synod  prepared  for  a  full  hearing, 
and,  in  the  mean  time,  on  account  of  Mr.  Miller's  unjustifiable  delay  for  some 
years  to  enter  his  complaint  before  us,  the  irregularity  of  his  proceedings  dur- 
ing that  time,  and  the  atrocious  nature  of  the  crimes  laid  to  his  charge,  we  do 
hereby  declare  him  suspended  from  the  exercise  of  the  ministerial  office  till  his 
complaint  can  be  fully  heard. 

Mr.  Alexander  Miller  was  called  in,  and  the  above  determination  of  the  Sy- 
nod read  in  his  hearing,  whereupon  he  gave  in  a  paper,  renouncing  the  authority 
of  the  Synod.  Upon  which  the  Synod  find,  that  as  Mr.  Miller  was  deposed  by 
the  Presbytery  of  Hanover  he  declined  the  judgment  of  that  Presbytery  and 
appealed  to  this  Synod :  and  while  we  were  taking  measures  to  try  and  issue 
his  complaint,  he,  in  the  paper  aforesaid,  hath  renounced  our  authority.  The 
Synod  therefore  declare  he  is  not  a  member  of  this  body,  and  forbid  all  their 
Presbyteries  and  congregations  to  employ  him. 

An  application  from  the  Trustees  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey  was  brought 
in  and  read,  requesting  the  assistance  of  the  Synod  to  raise  money  for  the  ne- 
cessary support  of  the  said  College.  The  Synod  looking  upon  this  as  a  matter 
of  great  importance,  appoint  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Mr.  Blair,  and  Mr.  William  P. 
Smith,  a  committee  to  make  a  suitable  representation  of  the  state  of  the  col- 
lege to  lay  before  this  Synod,  which  we  may  recommend  for  the  information  of 
our  several  congregations.  And  the  Synod  agree,  that  certain  particular  per- 
sons be  appointed  to  go  through  our  bounds  and  use  their  utmost  endeavours 
to  obtain  subscriptions,  in  part,  and  after  they  have  done  all  they  can  they  shall 
leave  the  several  subscriptions  opened  by  them  with  the  most  convenient  minis- 
ters, or  other  proper  persons,  to  have  them  filled  up  where  any  thing  more  can 
be  done;  and  each  Presbytery  is  enjoined  to  take  care  that  every  member  be 
active  and  diligent  to  forward  and  complete  those  subscriptions,  of  which  they 
are  to  give  an  account  at  our  next  Synod ;  and  the  persons  appointed  to  this 
business,  and  the  bounds  assigned  them,  are  as  follows,  viz : 

Mr.  Duffield  and  Mr.  11.  Smith  to  York  and  Cumberland  and  parts  of  Lan- 
caster county  above  the  town ;  Mr.  Spencer  and  Mr.  McDowell  to  Chester 
county,  and  the  lower  parts  of  Lancaster  county ;  Mr.  Ramsey  and  Mr.  John 
Miller  to  Kent,  Sussex,  and  the  Eastern  Shore  of  Maryland;  Mr.  Montgomery 


1769.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  397 

to  New  Castle  county;  Pr.  Witherspoon,  Mr.  Ewing,  and  Mr.  Sproat  to 
Bucks  county  and  rh'iladolpbia  ;  Mr.  Brainord  to  Burlington,  Gloucester,  and 
Cape  May  counties ;  Mr.  Tennent,  Mr.  Bead,  and  the  moderator,  to  Middle- 
sex, Monmoutb,  Hunterdon,  Somerset  and  parts  adjacent ;  Dr.  Bodgers  to 
Essex,  3Iorris,  and  Sussex  counties,  and  Mr.  McWhorter  to  the  bounds  of 
Dutchess  Presbytery,  provided  there  appears  proper  encouragement  for  an  ap- 
plication there ;  ^Ir.  Blair  and  Mr.  Kerr  to  Goshen,  and  parts  adjacent ;  Mr. 
Craig  and  3Ir.  Jackson  to  the  upper  parts  of  Virginia  ;  ^Ir.  "Waddle  to  the 
lower  parts  of  Virginia;  Mr.  Patrick  Alison  and  jMr.  3Iontgomery  to  the  "West- 
ern Shore  of  Maryland ;  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  to  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  and 
such  other  places  as  may  be  expedient  for  him  to  apply  to ;  and  we  appoint  to 
supply  his  pulpit.  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  the  month  of  December  ;  Mr. 
"VN'att  the  month  of  January ;  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  the  month  of  Febru- 
ary ;  Mr.  Latta  the  two  first  Sabbaths  in  March,  and  the  fii-st  Philadelphia 
Presbytery  the  rest  of  the  month  of  3Iarch ;  Mr.  Close  the  two  first  Sabbaths 
of  April ;'  Mr.  Mills  the  third  and  fourth,  and  ]Mr.  Lewis  the  fifth  Sabbath  of 
April.  Dr.  "Witherspoon  and  3Ir.  Caldwell  are  appointed  to  go  and  endeavour 
to  obtain  subscriptions  for  the  college  in  the  lower  parts  of  Virginia,  and  their 
respective  Presbyteries  are  required  to  supply  their  pulpits  iu  their  absence, 
and  the  Synod  order,  that  the  above-mentioned  persons  to  make  collections  for 
the  college,  do  make  report  of  their  success  to  the  trustees  of  said  college  at  next 
commencement,  except  those  who  ai-e  sent  upon  such  distant  missions  that  they 
cannot  finish  them  before  that  time. 

Adjoui-ned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clocl;  P.  M.      Tlie  Synod  met  according  to   adjournment.      Post 
preces  scdo-unt  qui  supra. 

Agreeable  to  a  former  resolution  of  this  Synod  to  correspond  with  foreign 
churches,  the  following  letters  were  brought  in  by  the  gentlemen  appointed  for 
tliat  purpose,  viz  :  one"  by  Dr.  Bodgers  to  the  Synod  of  New  Holland,  another 
by  Mr.  Ewiug  to  the  church  of  Geneva,  another  by  Mr.  Blair  to  the  church  of 
Scotland,  another  by  Mr.  Wilson  (who  was  appointed  instead  of  31  r.  Joseph 
Treat)  to  the  church  of  Switzerland,  another  by  3Ir.  McWhorter  to  the 
churches  in  South  Carolina,  another  by  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  to  the  churches  in 
and  about  Dublin,  another  by  Mr.  Bobert  Smith  to  the  Synod  of  seceding  min- 
isters iu  Scotland. 

Dr.  Witherspoon,  Mr.  Duflield,  Mr.  Halsey,  and  ]\Ir.  IMontgomory,  with 
the  aforesaid  gentlemen  who  have  made  the  drafts  of  those  letters,  arc  appointed 
a  committee  for  correction,  that  a  fair  draft  of  them  may  be  laid  before  us  to- 
morrow. 

jMessrs.  Mitchell  and  Foster  have  leave  of  absence. 

A  petition  from  the  congregation  of  Allentown,  in  the  forks  of  Delaware,  to 
be  taken  from  under  the  care  of  the  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  and  to  be 
put  under  the  eai-e  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick,  was  brought  in  and 
read.  After  the  committee  on  behalf  of  the  congregation  and  both  l^resbyte- 
ries  concerned  were  he:u-d,  it  appeared  not  expedient  for  the  present  to  grant 
the  prayer  of  the  petition.  But  the  Synod  order  the  first  Presbytery  of  I'hila- 
delphia  to  inquire  more  particularly  into  the  state  and  connection  of  that  con- 
gregation, and  empower  said  Presbytery  to  set  them  oft'  to  the  Presbytery  of 
New  Brunswick  if  it  should  appear  expedient;  or  if  it  should  appear  more  ex- 
pedient to  set  oft"  the  congregation  of  Greenwich  to  the  first  I'resbytery  of  Phil- 
adelphia, the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  are  empowered  to  set  them  oft'. 

Mr.  Conary  and  Mr.  Maskell  Ewiug  have  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


398  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1769. 

2^th  dai/,  nine  o'clock.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  Donegall  was  revised  and  approved,  except  their 
meddling  with  matters  of  divorce 

The  fii-st  Philadelphia  Presbytery  book  was  revised  and  approved. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  New  York  was  revised  and  approved. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  representation  of  the  college,  brought 
it  in,  which,  after  it  was  read,  amended,  and  approved,  was  committed  to  Dr. 
Witherspoon,  to  take  care  that  five  hundred  copies  be  printed  for  the  use  of  the 
Synod. 

At  the  request  of  Seceding  ministers,  Dr.  Witherspoon  moved  to  have  a  com- 
mittee appointed  to  converse  with  them,  with  a  view  to  bring  about  an  union 
betwixt  them  and  this  Synod. 

Also  a  petition  from  several  inhabitants  about  Marsh  Creek  was  brought  in, 
praying  this  Synod  would  us*  their  endeavours  to  form  an  union  with  the 
Seceders,  upon  which  ordered,  that  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Mr.  Blair, 
Mr.  William  Tennent,  Mr.  McDowell,  Mr.  Eobert  Smith,  Mr.  McWhorter,  and 
Mr.  Caldwell,  three  of  whom  to  be  a  quorum,  be  a  committee  for  said  purpose, 
and  that  Dr.  Witherspoon  be  empowered  to  call  the  committee  at  such  time- 
and  place  as  may  be  convenient,  and  that  they  have  power  to  adjourn  themselves 
from  time  to  time. 

A  petition  was  introduced  requesting  supplies  for  Great  Egg  Harbour,  to 
which  place  Mr.  Clark  is  appointed  the  two  first  Sabbaths  of  July,  and  as 
much  longer  as  he  can,  and  Mr.  Van  Arsdalen  the  month  of  September,  and  as 
much  longer  as  he  can. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clocTc,  P.  M.,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  congregation  of  Chesnut  Level,  formerly  under  the  care  of  the  Done- 
gall  Presbytery,  are,  at  their  own  request,  put  under  the  care  of  the  New  Cas- 
tle Presbytery. 

The  committee  of  the  Synod  appointed  to  attend  the  corporation  for  the  re- 
lief of  poor  Presbyterian  ministers,  &c.  to  dispose  of  a  certain  sum  of  money 
in  the  hands  of  that  corporation,  which  was  raised  in  Scotland,  and  to  be  laid 
out  by  the  corporation,  in  conjunction  with  the  Synod's  committee,  laid  a  re- 
gular account  of  their  proceedings  before  the  Synod,  which  was  approved. 

The  Synod  agree  to  continue  the  same  committee  the  present  year. 

The  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  book  was  received  and  approved,  except  the 
recording  some  letters  wrote  to  a  distant  member. 

Mr.  Amos  Thompson,  a  minister  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick,  liv- 
ing in  Virginia,  is  joined  to  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall. 

The  Synod  taking  into  their  serious  consideration  the  prevalence  of  irreli- 
gion  and  immorality,  the  lamentable  decay  of  vital  piety,  and  the  threatening 
aspect  of  our  public  afiiiirs,  appoint  the  last  Thursday  of  June  to  be  observed 
as  a  day  of  fasting,  humiliation,  and  prayer.  Should  this  day  be  found  incon- 
venient for  any  of  our  ministers,  they  are  allowed  to  fix  on  any  other  day  that 
may  suit  them  better. 

As  Mr.  Oliver  Demming,  a  licensed  candidate  from  an  association  in  Con- 
necticut, and  inclining  to  supply  some  time  in  our  vacancies,  proposes  taking 
a  ride  to  Connecticut,  where  he  informs  us  it  is  probable  he  may  stay  till  he 
receives  ordination,  the  Synod  order  should  he  return  ordained,  or  recom- 
mended by  any  association  in  that  colony,  and  prosecuting  his  intention  of 


1769.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  399 

visiting  the  Carolinas,  that  Mr.  Calilwell,  one  of  our  clerks,  furnish  him  with 
properly  authenticated  testimonials  as  a  missionary  from  the  Synod.  Or  should 
Mr.  Demming  choose  to  put  himself  under  the  care  of  one  of  our  Presbyteries 
for  ordination,  such  Presbytery  finding  him  qualified  upon  trial,  are  hereby  au- 
thorized to  ordain  him,  provided  he  undertakes  this  mission. 

Mr.  Caldwell  had  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

25th  dai/,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  2>reces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  order  their  treasurer  to  pay  the  sexton  of  the  second  Presbyte- 
rian church  in  this  city  three  pounds,  for  his  attendance  during  the  present 
session. 

The  Synod  vote  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Blair  moderator,  pro  tempore,  in  order 
to  his  signing  a  certificate  for  the  present  moderator,  who  is  appointed  on  a 
mission  to  Charleston.  This  being  done  the  former  moderator  resumed  the 
chair. 

The  persons  appointed  to  write  to  the  several  churches,  as  mentioned  in  a 
former  minute,  brought  in  letters  which  were  read,  approved,  and  some  of  them 
signed  by  the  moderator,  who  is  authorized  to  sign  the  others  before  he  leaves 
town,  they  yet  being  not  fairly  transcribed.  Dr.  Rodgers  is  appointed  to  trans- 
mit the  letters  to  the  churches  of  Holland,  Geneva,  and  Switzerland ;  and  Dr. 
Alison,  Dr.  Witherspoon,  and  the  moderator,  to  transmit  the  rest. 

The  Synod  agree  to  give  the  honourable  board  of  trustees  of  the  New  Jersey 
College,  towards  supporting  a  Professor  of  Divinity  in  that  institution,  sixty 
pounds  for  the  last  year,  and  sixty  pounds  for  the  current  year,  out  of  the 
collections  made  in  our  congregations  for  this  purpose,  agreeable  to  an  order 
of  last  session.  The  fifty  pounds  lent  that  honourable  board  last  year  is 
refunded. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  supplies,  but  deferred  making 
any  appointments  till  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three   o'clocTc,  P.   M.      The  Synod  met   according  to  adjournment.      Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  consideration  of  supplies  was  resumed,  and  the  following  appointments 
made  for  the  present  year. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Harris,  John  Clark,  Jeremiah  Halsey,  James  Latta, 
Jonathan  Elmore,  Thomas  Lewis,  and  Josiah  Lewis,  a  licensed  candidate,  are 
appointed  to  supply  in  the  vacancies  of  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  and  those 
parts  of  South  Carolina  under  our  care,  to  set  off  as  soon,  and  spend  as  much 
tune  among  them  as  they  conveniently  can  on  this  important  mission. 

Mr.  Hezekiah  James  Balch,  a  licensed  candidate  under  the  care  of  Donegall 
Presbytery,  is  appointed  on  the  same  mission,  and  the  Presbytery  to  which  he 
belongs  are  authorized  to  ordain  him,  if  upon  trial  he  acquits  himself  accord- 
ing to  their  satisfaction,  and  accepts  a  call  from  Carolina. 

Ordered,  That  our  stated  clerk  give  these  missionaries  proper  testimonials. 

Mr.  James  Anderson,  a  licensed  candidate,  is  appointed  to  supply  at  discre- 
tion in  N.  Virginia. 

As  it  is  probable  that  ministers,  or  licensed  candidates  from  New  England, 
or  other  parts,  may  offer  themselves  to  undertake  a  southern  mission,  the  Synod 
hereby  appoint,  should  any  such  offer,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Alison,  Messrs.  Treat, 


400  MINUTES  or  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1770. 

Ewing,  and  Sproat,  to  be  a  committee  to  examine  their  testimonials,  and  upon 
obtaining  sufficient  satisfaction  respecting  their  character  and  qualifications,  to 
furnish  them  with  proper  certificates  as  missionaries  from  the  Synod  to  the 
southward. 

The  Synod  agree  to  pay  those  missionaries  who  supply  in  poor  congregations, 
thirty  shillings  each  Sabbath  they  preach. 

Ordered,  That  the  New  York  Presbytery  supply  the  poor  vacancies  on  the 
frontiers  of  New  Jersey  and  New  York,  ten  Sabbaths ',  that  Donegall  Presby- 
tery supply  the  western  frontier  of  this  province,  ten  Sabbaths ;  that  Mr.  Car- 
michael  supply  four  Sabbaths  on  the  South  Branch  of  Potomac,  and  parts  ad- 
jacent, and  Mr.  Long  three. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  in  May,  ten  of  the  clock,  A.  M.,  to  meet 
at  the  first  Presbyterian  Church  in  New  York.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

V      1770. 

Mw  York,  May  \Wh,  1770. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment. 
JJhi  post  preces  sederunt 

From  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Richard  Treat,  Benjamin 
Chesnutt,  James  Sproat,  Charles  Beatty,  John  Clark. 

From  the  Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  John  Ewing,  Patrick 
Alison. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  :  The  Rev.  Joseph  Montgomery. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  Lewestown :  The  Rev.  John  Bacon. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall :  The  Rev.  Robert  Cooper. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  Hanover :  The  Rev.  Joseph  Alexander. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick :  The  Rev.  Israel  Reed,  Jeremiah 
Halsey,  William  Tennent. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  New  York :  The  Rev.  John  Blair,  Dr.  Rodgers, 
Azariah  Horton,  Benjamin  Hait,  Benjamin  Woodruff,  Alexander  McWhorter, 
Joseph  Treat,  Aaron  Richards,  Azel  Roe,  Nathan  Kerr,  Abner  Brush,  James 
Caldwell. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  Sufi"olk :  The  Rev.  William  Mills,  John  Close,  Elam 
Potter. 

Elders  :  Messrs.  John  McCalley,  Garrett  Noel,  Samuel  Allen,  Peter  V.  B. 
Livingston,  James  Manning,  Robert  Ogden,  Elias  Bailey,  Aaron  Mattison. 

Absent :  Of  the  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  The  Rev.  Andrew  Hun- 
ter, William  Ramsey,  Enoch  Green,  Nehemiah  Greenman,  John  Brainerd,  Alex- 
ander Mitchell,  John  Griffiths. 

Of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  John  Steel,  John  Elder, 
Joseph  Tate,  John  Simonton,  Robert  McMordie,  James  Latta. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Alexander  McDowell,  James  Finley, 
William  McKennan,  Robert  Smith,  John  Beard,  John  Carmichael,  William 
Forster,  Andrew  Bay,  John  McCreary,  Joseph  Smith,  Elihu  Spencer. 

Of  Lewestown  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  John  Miller,  Matthew  Wilson,  Jacob 
Kerr,  Alexander  Huston,  John  Harris,  Thomas  McCracken. 

Of  Donegall  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Samuel  Thompson,  John  Roan,  George 
Duffield,  John  Hogg,  John  Strain,  Amos  Thompson,  John  Slemmons,  John 
Craighead,  James  Long,  James  Hunt. 

Of  Hanover  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  John  Todd,  James  Waddel,  David  Rice, 

Richard  Zanchy,  James  Black,  John  Brown,  Charles  Cummings, Craig, 

Thomas  Jackson,  Henry  Patillo,  Thomas  McCadden,  James  Crisswell,  David 
Caldwell,  Samuel  Leak. 


1770.]  NE"W  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  401 

Of  New  Brunswick  rrosbytcry :  The  Rev.  Dr.  John  Witherspoon,  Charles 
McKnight,  John  Guild,  John  Ilanua,  Thomas  Smith,  John  llosborough, 
James  Lyou,  Job  Prudden. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  John  Pierson,  Simon  Ilorton,  John 
Moffat,  John  Darby,  Timothy  Jones,  Jonathan  Elmer,  Hugh  Knox,  Jedediah 
Chapman,  Jacob  Green,  James  Tuttle,  Thomas  Lewis,  Francis  Peppard. 

Of  Dutchess  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  John  Smith,  Chauncey  Graham,  Wheeler 
Case,  Samuel  Sacket,  Eliphalet  Ball,  Elihu  Kent,  Solomon  Mead,  Samuel  Dun- 
lop,  and  Joseph  Peck. 

Of  Suffolk  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Ebenezer  Prime,  Sylvanus  White,  Samuel 
Buel,  James  Brown,  Nehemiah  Barker,  Benjamin  Talmage,  Samson  Occum, 
David  Rose,  Benjamin  Goldsmith. 

By  reason  of  the  death  of  IMr.  Kirkpatrick,  our  last  year's  moderator,  the 
Synod  was  opened  by  Mr.  John  Blair,  who  was  moderator  the  year  before,  with 
a  sermon  from  2  Cor.  iv.  2. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Alexander  McWhortev  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Messrs. 
Joseph  Treat  and  Jeremiah  Halsey  clerks. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

nth  day,  nine   o'clock,  ilie  Synod  met   accordinfj   to   adjournment.      Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  siqyra. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Alison  and  Samuel  Kennedy  are  now  come,  and  their  reasons 
for  not  attending  yesterday  were  sustained.  Mr.  William  Arman,  Mr.  Ken- 
nedy's elder,  is  also  come. 

The  reasons  which  were  given  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Joseph  Alexander,  John 
Bacon,  Charles  Beatty,  Israel  Reed,  Samuel  Kennedy,  Nathan  Kerr,  Benjamin 
Woodruff,  Azel  Roe,  Abner  Brush,  Joseph  Treat,  and  William  Mills,  for  their 
absence  from  the  last  session  of  the  Synod,  were  sustained. 

The  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery  report,  since  our  last  Synod  they  have 
ordained  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry  Mr.  James  Boyd  and  Mr.  James 
Watt.     3Ir.  Boyd  being  present  took  his  seat. 

Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  report,  they  have  ordained  Mr.  Samuel 
Eakin. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  report,  they  have  licensed  to  preach  as  candidates 
Messrs.  James  Wilson  and  Daniel  Jones ;  and  Mr.  Daniel  McCleland  was  dis- 
missed from  them  to  go  into  New  England. 

Lewestown  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  to  preach  as  a  candi- 
date Mr.  William  Mackey  Tennent ;  and  have  suspended  from  the  work  of  the 
gospel  ministry  Mr.  Charles  Tennent. 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegall  report,  they  have  ordained  Messrs.  Hezekiah 
James  Balch  and  John  King ;  and  have  licensed  to  preach  as  a  candidate  Mr. 
Hugh  Vance. 

Hanover  Presbytery  report,  they  have  ordained  Mr.  Hezekiah  Balch. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  report,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  William  Kirkpatrick 
was  removed  by  death  September  8, 1769. 

New  I'^ork  Presbytery  report,  they  have  ordained  Mr.  William  Woodhull ; 
and  that  Mr.  Abner  Reeve  has  withdrawn  himself  from  their  Presbytery,  and 
declared  himself  an  Independent;  and  that  Mr.  John  Maltby  is  dismissed  to 
join  the  Presbytery  of  South  Carolina;  and  that  they  have  received  Mr.  A. 
Lewis,  a  candidate  from  the  Association  of  New  Haven  in  Connecticut. 

The  Synod  appoint  for  a  committee  of  overtures  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Sproat, 
Beatty,  Patrick  Alison,  Montgomery,  Bacon,  Alexander,  Kennedy,  Cooper, 
Richards,  Roe,  and  Mills ;  with  elders,  Messrs.  Allen  and  Mattison,  to  meet 
51 


402  MINUTES  OP  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1770. 

to-morrow  morning  here,  at  six  o'clock,  and  afterwards  as  business  may  re- 
quire. 

Mr.  Thomas  Smith  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner,  and 
also  for  his  absence  from  the  last  Synod,  sustained;  his  elder  is  Mr.  Lucas 
Covenhoven. 

Dr.  Rodgers  and  Mr.  Blair  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the  second 
Philadelphia  Presbytery  book. 

Messrs.  Ewing  and  Patrick  Alison,  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine 
the  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  book. 

The  Presbytery  books  of  Hanover,  Lewestown,  Donegall,  New  Castle,  first 
Philadelphia,  New  York,  Suffolk,  and  Dutchess,  are  not  present. 

Ordered,  That  these  Presbyteries  take  care  that  their  books  be  brought  in 
next  Synod. 

The  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  last  year  report,  that  they  have  met 
and  will  lay  their  minutes  before  the  Synod  as  soon  as  the  Synod  shall  call  for 
them. 

The  Synod  appoint  for  a  commission  for  the  ensuing  year,  the  E,ev.  Messrs. 
Richard  Treat,  Dr.  Alison,  John  Ewing,  Dr.  Witherspoon,  James  Sproat, 
John  Blair,  Thomas  Lewis,  William  Mills,  Azariah  Horton,  Timothy  tTones, 
William  Tennent,  Israel  Reed,  Andrew  Hunter,  John  Roan,  Robert  Smith, 
John  Miller,  Joseph  Montgomery,  George  Duffield,  Wheeler  Case,  and  Charles 
Beatty,  with  the  moderator;  with  elders,  Messrs.  Robert  Ogden,  Peter  V. 
B.  Livingston,  Samuel  Allen,  and  Aaron  Mattison,  thirteen  of  whom  to 
be  a  quorum;  but  if  the  moderator  should  die  or  be  absent,  the  first  men- 
tioned on  the  roll  in  the  minute  shall  have  power  to  call  the  commission  and 
preside. 

Dr.  Witherspoon  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner  sus- 
tained. 

The  Synod  agrees  to  enter  on  the  consideration  of  supplying  the  distant 
vacancies,  to-morrow  in  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,   P.  M.      The   Synod  met  according  to   adjournment.      Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  treasurer  for  the  Synod  is  continued,  and  he  is  ordered  at  some  conve- 
nient time  to  lay  before  the  present  Synod  his  accounts  for  the  last  year. 

The  order  of  Synod  respecting  the  execution  of  the  plan  laid  by  some  lay- 
elders,  at  the  session  in  1766,  and  adopted  by  the  Synod,  came  again  under 
consideration ;  and  it  appears  from  the  reports  of  the  several  Presbyteries,  that 
some  of  them  have  been  considerably  successful  in  endeavouring  to  carry  the 
said  plan  into  execution,  and  others  have  been  deficient  in  their  endeavours  to 
execute  the  same.  The  Synod  orders,  that  the  several  Presbyteries  take  care 
once  every  year  to  make  a  particular  inquiry  of  their  members  respecting  the 
execution  of  every  article  contained  in  this  so  useful  a  plan,  and  make  report 
to  the  next  Synod  of  the  same. 

The  proposal  that  was  made  to  the  Synod  of  1766,  that  we  should  endea- 
vour to  agree  upon  some  plan  to  prevent  irregularities  that  occur  in  marriage, 
which  was  deferred  to  this  session,  came  under  consideration.  The  members 
according  to  an  order  gave  their  sentiments  on  this  subject,  and  Messrs.  Blair 
and  Halsey  are  appointed  to  bring  in  a  minute  respecting  this  afiair  at  our  next 
sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1770.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPIIIA.  403 

ISth   day,  nine  o'ducic,  the  Synod  viet   according  to   adjournment.      Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  Woodhull  and  8pencer  are  now  come,  and  their  reasons  for  not 
coming  sooner  are  sustained. 

Dr.  Williamson,  Mr.  Ewing's  elder,  and  Dr.  Boyd,  Mr.  Alison's  elder,  are 
also  come. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  minute  respecting  the  irregularities 
that  occur  in  marriages,  brought  in  the  same,  which  being  read  and  maturely- 
examined,  it  appears  that  the  difficulties  that  will  probably  attend  the  execution 
of  any  general  plan  for  the  prevention  of  said  irregularities,  were  so  great  and 
numerous  that  they  maybe  expected  to  render  it  abortive;  it  was  therefore  con- 
cluded by  a  great  majority  to  dismiss  the  whole  affair. 

Mr.  McKnight  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner,  and  also  for 
his  absence  from  the  last  Synod  sustained. 

The  commission  of  the  Synod  for  the  last  year  reported  that  they  had  met, 
and  they  laid  before  the  Synod  the  minutes  of  their  proceedings;  after  the 
reading  of  said  minutes,  Mr.  Montgomery,  one  of  the  members  of  the  com- 
mission who  dissented  from  their  first  judgment,  prayed  leave  to  bring  in  his 
complaint  against  said  judgment,  which,  after  mature  consideration,  was  carried 
in  the  negative. 

Messrs.  Tennent's  and  Read's  reasons  for  not  attending  the  commission,  sus- 
tained. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Thi'ee  o'clock,   P.  M.      The  Synod  met   according  to  adjournment.      Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Treat,  the  treasurer  of  the  Synod,  pay  Mr.  Montgomery 
twenty  shillings  for  copying  the  minutes  of  the  commission  of  Synod,  which 
met  in  Philadelphia. 

The  treasurer  is  ordered  to  pay  the  expenses  for  bringing  the  Synod's  book 
fi-om  Woodbridge  to  New  York. 

The  Synod  entered  on  the  consideration  of  supplies  for  the  distant  va- 
cancies in  the  Carolinas  and  Georgia.  Inquiry  was  made  whether  the  last 
year's  appointments  of  supplies  for  the  southern  colonies  were  fulfilled,  and 
it  appears  that  Mr.  Josiah  Lewis  had  complied  with  said  appointment,  but 
that  none  of  the  others  had  complied  with  the  same.  The  reasons  of  Messrs. 
Clark  and  Halsey,  (who  were  the  only  members  of  those  appointed  last  year 
that  were  present,)  for  not  complying  with  the  said  appointments  were  sus- 
tained. 

A  supplication  was  brought  in  from  Long  Cane,  in  South  Carolina,  that  Mr. 
Josiah  Lewis,  or  some  other,  may  be  appointed  to  supply  them  a  twelve-month, 
in  order  to  a  settlement  among  them. 

A  call  for  Mr.  Josiah  Lewis  from  Centre  congregation  and  Hopewell,  in 
North  Carolina,  was  brought  in  and  read. 

A  supplication  for  supplies  from  Hitchcock  and  Cartridge  Creeks,  in  Anson 
county.  North  Carolina,  was  also  brought  in  and  read. 

A  supplication  from  Briery  River,  in  Virginia,  for  supplies,  was  also  read. 

A  supplication  from  Carthy's  Settlement  and  Fourth  Creek,  in  North  Caro- 
lina, was  also  read. 

A  supplication  to  the  Synod  for  stated  supplies  from  Briar  Creek,  in  Geor- 
gia, was  read. 

Mr.  Josiah  Lewis,  a  licensed  candidate,  of  New  Castle  Presbytery,  is  ap- 
pointed to  supply  at  Long  Cane  settlements  six  months;  three   months  at 


404  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1770. 

Briar  Creek,  in  Georgia ;  and  three  months  at  discretion  in  North  and  South 
Carolina;  and  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  is  ordered  to  ordain  him,  if  the 
way  is  clear,  as  soon  as  convenient. 

Mr.  Azel  Roe  is  appointed  to  itinerate  in  Virginia  and  the  Carolinas ;  to 
preach  the  gospel,  ordain  elders,  and  administer  the  sacraments  of  baptism, 
and  the  Lord's  Supper;  and  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  is  ordered  to  supply 
his  pulpit  during  his  absence. 

Mr.  John  Close  is  also  appointed  to  itinerate  in  Virginia  and  the  Carolinas, 
for  the  same  purposes,  and  the  Synod  order  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk  to  sup- 
ply his  pulpit  during  his  absence. 

Mr.  Manning,  Mr.  Roe's  elder,  has  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  until  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

19th  day,  nine  o^clocJc,   A.  M.,  the  Synod  met  according   to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qw^supra. 

Mr.  Hunter,  Mr.  Blair's  elder,  is  now  come. 

Mr.  Chauncy  Graham  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner 
are  sustained. 

The  Presbytery  of  Dutchess  report,  that  they  have  ordained  the  Ptev. 
Messrs.  Ichabod  Lewis,  and  Samuel  Mills,  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  minis- 
try since  our  last,  and  have  dismissed  the  Rev.  Mr.  Joseph  Pec-k  from  their 
body. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbytery  of  Dutchess  call  upon  Mr.  Bay,  now  residing 
within  their  bounds,  to  produce  a  regular  dismission  from  New  Castle  Presby- 
tery, and  to  join  their  Presbytery. 

Ordered,  That  the  call  from  Centre  congregation  and  Hopewell,  in  North 
Carolina,  to  Mr.  Josiah  Lewis,  be  put  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Montgomery,  in 
order  to  be  presented  by  New  Castle  Presbytery  to  Mr.  Lewis. 

Dr.  Rodgers  is  desired  by  the  Synod  to  write  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Prime,  at 
Huntingdon,  giving  him  an  account  of  the  distressed  state  of  the  churches  to 
the  southward,  and  pray  him  to  supply  the  congregation  as  much  as  he  can  in 
Mr.  Close's  absence. 

Mr.  Bay  is  now  come ;  his  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner,  and  also  for  his 
absence  last  year,  sustained. 

Mr.  Robert  Henry,  Mr.  Bay's  elder,  is  also  come. 

Mr.  McCreary  is  appointed  to  supply  in  the  Carolinas  for  six  months,  to  set 
off  as  soon  as  possible ;  and  it  is  recommended  that  he  spend  a  considerable 
part  of  his  time  at  Carthy's  Settlement,  and  Fourth  Creek ;  and  the  Presbytery 
of  New  Castle  is  ordered  to  supply  his  pulpit  during  his  absence. 

And  inasmuch  as  appointments  in  times  past  have  been  too  frequently  not 
fulfilled  according  to  expectation,  it  is  enjoined  on  each  of  these  gentlemen, 
who  are  appointed  to  supply  to  the  southward,  that  they  fulfil  said  appoint- 
ments on  pain  of  the  Synod's  censure. 

And  if  Mr.  Josiah  Lewis  should  not  fulfil  his  appointment  to  Long  Cane, 
Messrs.  Roe  and  Close  are  ordered  to  supply  at  Long  Cane,  each  of  them  three 
months. 

Mr.  Beatty  is  ordered  to  supply  Mr.  McCreary's  pulpit  two  Sabbaths;  Mr. 
Chesnutt  two;  Mr.  Hunter  two;  and  Mr.  Ramsey  one  Sabbath. 

JMr.  Thomas  Smith  is  also  appointed  to  supply  Mr.  Close's  pulpit  the  fii'st 
and  second  Sabbaths  in  September. 

Mr.  William  Tennent  is  also  appointed  to  supply  Mr.  Roe's  pulpit  two 
Sabbaths ;  Dr.  Rodgers  the  first  Sabbath  in  July ;  and  Mr.  Joseph  Treat  the 
first  Sabbath  in  August ;  and  Mr.  Simon  Horton  three  Sabbaths  between  this 
and  our  next  Synod ;  and  Dr.  Witherspoon  the  second  Sabbath  in  August. 


1770.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PIIILADELPHIA.  405 

Mr.  Patrick  Alison  is  appointed  to  supply  in  Virginia  and  the  Caroliuas,  if 
circumstances  admit,  and  to  go  out  upon  bis  mission  in  the  fall. 

Mr.  Nathaniel  Niles,  a  candidate  licensed  by  Berkshire  association,  in  New 
England,  who  proposes  to  put  himself  under  the  care  of  the  Now  York  Pres- 
bytery, is  appointed  to  spend  the  summer  and  fall  seasons  in  the  western 
frontiers  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  and  Pennsylvania,  and  the  winter  in  the 
Carolinas ;  and  he  is  ordered  to  keep  an  exact  account  of  what  moneys  he  re- 
ceives from  the  several  vacancies  that  he  may  supply  in  said  western  frontiers, 
and  if  the  said  moneys  should  not  amount  to  thirty  shillings  provincial  currency, 
per  Sabbath,  the  Synod  agree  to  make  up  the  deficiency  out  of  the  moneys  in 
the  hands  of  their  treasurer. 

Messrs.  Elder,  Tate,  and  Steel  are  appointed  to  supply  between  Augusta 
Fort  and  Juniata,  and  places  adjacent,  each  two  Sabbaths  before  next  Synod. 

Mr.  Covcnhoven  has  leave  to  go  home. 

The  moderator  is  ordered  to  furnish  the  members  appointed  to  supply  to  the 
southward  the  necessary  credentials. 

Adjourned  to  ten  o'clock,  on  Monday  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


Mar/  2\st.     Ten  o^cloch,  A.  If.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  reported,  that  in  compliance  with  an 
order  of  Synod  last  year,  they  had,  in  conjunction  with  the  Presbytery  of  New 
Brunswick,  inquired  particularly  into  the  state  and  connections  of  the  congrega- 
tion of  Allentown,  in  the  forks  of  Delaware,  and  it  is  the  unanimous  opinion 
of  both  Presbyteries  that  it  is  at  present  most  subservient  to  the  interests  of 
religion  in  those  parts,  for  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  to  take  under 
their  care,  not  only  the  congregation  of  Allentown,  but  also  the  congregation 
of  Mount  Bethel,  both  which  are  in  the  forks  of  Delaware,  and  both  which 
have  been  under  the  care  of  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery.  The  Synod 
therefore  order  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  to  take  both  the  said  con- 
gregations under  their  care  for  the  future. 

The  consideration  of  supplies  resumed. 

Mr.  Harris  is  ordered  to  supply  at  Hitchcock  and  Cartridge  Creek,  in  An- 
son county.  North  Carolina,  three  months ;  in  Virginia,  and  other  parts  of  the 
Carolinas,  at  discretion,  as  much  as  he  conveniently  can. 

The  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  Synod's  commission  deferred  till  three 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Sacket  is  disunited  from  the  Presbytery  of  Dutchess 
county  and  annexed  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  York. 

Mr.  Ogden,  Mr.  Caldwell's  elder,  not  being  able  to  attend,  Mr.  Cornelius 
Netfield  takes  his  seat,  who  was  chosen  by  the  session  in  his  place. 

Doctor  Alison,  Messrs.  Ewing,  Sproat,  Richard  Treat,  and  Beatty,  are  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  visit  Mr.  Brainerd's  school  next  fall,  and  Mr.  Brainerd 
is  desired  to  meet  the  committee  on  the  second  Wednesday  of  June  in  Phila- 
delphia, and  are  impowered  to  draw  upon  the  treasurer  for  such  moneys  as  they 
shall  judge  the  exigencies  of  the  school  shall  require,  and  make  report  to  our 
next  Synod. 

It  is  ordered,  that  Mr.  Brainerd  receive  for  the  ensuing  year,  the  sum  of 
eighteen  pounds,  being  the  interest  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer 
of  the  college  of  New  Jersey  for  the  support  of  the  Indian  mission,  and  that  he 
have  also  twenty  pounds  from  the  Synodical  treasurer  for  the  continuance  of 
his  labours  the  ensuing  year,  in  those  desolate  parts  where  he  has  been  so  use- 
fully employed. 


406  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1770. 

Doctor  Witherspoon  reports,  that  the  committee  appointed  at  our  last  Synod 
to  converse  with  the  Seceders,  in  order  to  an  union  betwixt  them  and  us,  by 
reason  of  several  disappointments  have  not  met.  The  Synod  therefore  appoint 
Dr.  Witherspoon,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Messrs.  Blair,  Tennent,  R.  Smith,  McWhorter, 
Caldwell,  Mills,  and  Joseph  Treat,  three  of  whom  to  be  a  quorum,  to  be  a 
committee  for  the  same  purpose,  to  meet  on  the  second  Wednesday  in 
August  at  New  York,  and  that  they  have  power  to  adjourn  themselves  from 
time  to  time. 

The  delegates  appointed  to  meet  the  Rev.  General  Convention  at  New 
Haven  in  September  last,  laid  before  the  Synod  the  minutes  of  the  con- 
vention. 

As  the  nest  general  convention  is  to  meet  at  Elizabethtown,  the  first  Wed- 
nesday of  October,  at  eleven  o'clock,  the  Synod  appoint  to  attend  on  that  occa- 
sion, the  Rev.  Messrs.  Beatty,  Sproat,  Brainerd,  Ewing,  Montgomery,  William 
Foster,  Bacon,  Spencer,  Millex,  Duffield,  King,  William  Tennent,  Dr.  Wither- 
spoon, Halt,  Halsey,  Jones,  Horton,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Treat,  McWhorter,  Blair, 
Caldwell,  Graham,  Lewis,  Mills,  and  Tallmage. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock^  P.  M.,  the  Sf/nod  met  according  to  adjournment.  Post  preccs 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  John  Moore,  Mr.  Richard's  elder,  is  now  come. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  consider  the  report  of  the  commission  of  the 
Synod. 

Mr.  Ewing  brought  in  a  complaint  against  the  judgment  of  the  said  com- 
mission, which  was  in  part  debated,  and  the  further  consideration  of  it  was 
deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o'clock.      Concluded  with  prayer. 

22d  day,  nine  d clock,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.  Post  jpreces 
sederunt  qui  sujyra. 

Mr.  WoodhuU  is  gone  home. 

Mr.  Ewing's  complaint  against  the  judgment  of  the  commission,  resumed. 

Mr.  Ewing  complains  against  the  commission ;  that  they  received  charges 
against  him  which  were  vague  and  indeterminate.  The  Synod  agrees  that 
these  charges  are  rather  deficient  in  point  of  specialty,  but  are  of  opinion  that 
the  commission  acted  with  prudence  and  integrity  in  receiving  said  charges, 
inasmuch  as  they  endeavoured  to  reduce  them  to  a  specialty,  and  as  Mr.  Ewing 
submitted  so  far  as  to  plead  to  them,  and  as  the  particular  circumstances  of 
the  first  and  third  Presbyterian  congregations  in  Philadelphia  were  viewed 
by  them  as  so  critical  as  in  their  judgment  required  an  immediate  discussion  of 
the  affair. 

Yet  the  Synod  orders,  that  all  their  judicatures  shall,  for  the  future,  be  par- 
ticularly careful  not  to  receive  or  judge  of  any  charges  but  such  as  shall  be 
seasonably  reduced  to  a  specialty  in  the  complaint  laid  before  them. 

The  further  consideration  of  Mr.  Ewing's  complaint  deferred  till  the  after- 
noon.    Mr.  Close  has  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'cloch,  P.  M.  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.  Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Roe  has  leave  to  go  home.  Mr.  William  Tennent,  jun'r.  being  present, 
is  desired  to  sit  as  a  correspondent.  Mr.  Hunter,  Mr.  Blair's  elder,  has  leave 
to  go  home. 


1770.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  407 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  the  further  consideration  of  Mr.  Ewing's  com- 
plaint. 

Mr.  Ewing  and  the  members  of  the  commission  were  fully  heard  upon  the 
subject  of  this  complaint. 

The  further  consideration  of  this  affair  deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

23c?  clay,   A.   M.   nine  o'clock,   the   Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  consideration  of  Mr.  Ewing's  complaint  resumed.     The  issue  of  this 
affair  deferred  till  the  afternoon. 
Adjourned  till  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  siijira. 

Messrs.  Potter  and  Bacon  are  gone  home  without  leave. 

Mr.  Ewing's  complaint  resumed. 

The  first  clause  of  the  judgment  of  the  commission,  which  is  in  the  following 
words,  "  that  Mr.  Ewing  has,  to  several  persons,  called  Mr.  Eakin  a  liar,  a 
dirty  liar,  or  some  such  opprobrious  terms,  that  he  did  this  without  being  able 
to  assign  a  sufficient  reason  for  the  same,"  was  maturely  considered,  and  after  a 
careful  examination  of  all  the  evidence  laid  before  us,  the  Synod  concludes  that 
there  was  sufficient  foundation  for  this  first  clause  in  the  commission's  judg- 
ment, and  therefore  they  approve  the  same. 

The  second  clause  in  the  aforesaid  judgment  which  is  as  follows,  "that  he 
has  shown  in  this  matter  so  much  untenderness  towards  the  truth,  as  to  give 
too  much  ground  to  impeach  his  veracity,"  was  also  maturely  considered,  and 
all  the  evidence  laid  before  us  duly  weighed,  and  upon  the  whole  it  does  not 
appear  to  the  Synod  that  there  is  sufficient  reason  to  impeach  Mr.  Ewing's  ve- 
racity.    Therefore  this  clause  of  their  judgment  is  not  approved. 

The  third  clause  of  the  aforesaid  judgment,  which  is  in  the  following  words, 
"  that  he  has  shown  a  degree  of  resentment  which  the  commission  highly  dis- 
approve," was  also  duly  considered  and  approved. 

And  therefore,  although  there  does  not  appear  sufficient  reason  to  impeach 
Mr.  Ewing's  veracity,  yet  it  is  the  unanimous  judgment  of  this  Synod,  that 
Mr.  Ewing  has,  by  his  unchristian  treatment  of  Mr.  Eakin,  and  the  resentment 
he  has  shown  in  this  affair,  merited  the  censure  of  this  body,  and  they  appoint 
the  moderator  to  admonish  him  from  the  chair. 

Mr.  Mattison  has  leave  to  go  home. 

The  minutes  of  the  committee  appointed  to  dispose  of  the  interest  of  the 
moneys  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  New  Jersey  college,  for  the  support  of 
poor  and  pious  youth,  having  been  forgot,  it  is  reported  that  they  disposed  of 
twenty -five  pounds,  and  that  there  will  be  in  the  treasurer's  hands  next  Octo- 
ber, sixty-seven  pounds ;  and  the  Synod  appoint  for  a  committee  for  the  present 
year,  to  attend  at  New  Jersey  college,  the  third  "Wednesday  of  August  next,  and 
dispose  of  said  sum,  or  as  much  as  shall  be  deemed  necessary,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Witherspoon,  William  Tennent,  John  Guild,  John  Ewing,  Elihu  Spencer,  James 
Caldwell,  Jeremiah  Halsey,  and  Israel  Reed,  any  three  of  whom  to  be  a  quo- 
rum, and  to  have  full  power  to  act. 

It  appears  by  the  accounts  of  the  Synod's  treasurer  that  there  is  in  his  hands 
seven  pounds,  seventeen  shillings  and  eight  pence,  belonging  to  the  college, 
which  is  ordered  to  be  paid  to  the  treasurer  of  New  Jersey  college. 


408  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1770. 

It  appears,  also,  fey  the  same  accounts,  that  there  is  in  the  hands  of  our  trea- 
surer two  hundred  and  twelve  pounds,  eight  shillings  and  ten  pence  of  the  mo- 
neys collected  for  the  use  of  the  Synod. 

The  gentlemen  of  the  commission  and  Mr.  Ewing  were  called  in,  and  the 
judgment  of  the  Synod  respecting  Mr.  Ewing's  complaint  was  read  to  them. 
All  concerned  acquiesced  in  this  judgment,  except  Mr.  Ewing,  and  he  is  allowed 
time,  till  the  beginning  of  next  sederunt,  to  deliberate  on  this  affair. 

Inquiry  was  made,  whether  the  gentlemen  appointed  to  set  on  foot  subscrip- 
tions for  the  college  of  New  Jersey  had  complied  with  that  appointment.  And 
it  appears  that  the  members  appointed  to  this  service  had  been  very  diligent 
and  successful  in  the  same.  But  as  no  application  has  yet  been  made  in  some 
places,  and  in  others  a  more  universal  application  than  has  yet  been  made  might 
probably  be  successful,  the  Synod  orders  the  members  appointed  to  this  service 
to  continue  the  subscriptions  already  begun,  and  also  begin  others  where  none 
has  yet  been  set  on  foot,  and  that  the  several  Presbyteries  take  care  that  this 
order  be  executed,  and  that  the  Moneys  subscribed  be  duly  collected  and  trans- 
mitted to  Dr.  Witherspoon,  or  to  the  treasurer  of  New  Jersey  college,  and  the 
clerk  is  ordered  to  furnish  such  Presbyteries  as  desire  it  with  copies  of  this 
minute. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Ewing's  appeal  against  the  second  Philadelphia  Presby- 
tery be  considered  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  24<7t,  at  nine  d clock,  A.  31.,  tJie  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Graham  has  leave  to  go  home.     Dr.  Boyd  has  leave  to  go  home. 

Mr.  Ewing  having  deliberated  on  the  judgment  of  the  Synod  respecting  him, 
declared  his  readiness  to  submit  to  the  same.  He  was,  therefore,  according  to 
the  order,  admonished  from  the  chair. 

Mr.  Ewing  signified  to  the  Synod  that  he  desired  his  appeal  from  the  judg- 
ment of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  might  be  withdrawn.  Dr.  Alison 
moved,  that  if  this  was  agreed  to,  a  protest  might  be  admitted  at  his  instance, 
as  representing  the  said  Presbytery ;  the  appeal  was  withdrawn,  but  the  pro- 
ceedings of  that  Presbytery  had  been  injuriously  treated  upon  the  occasion, 
both  in  conversation  and  by  papers  put  upon  record,  and  that  Dr.  Alison  him- 
self had  been  particularly  blamed,  and  therefore  the  Synod  should  not  only  de- 
clare the  appeal  fallen  from,  but  give  him,  Dr.  Alison,  an  extract  of  this  min- 
ute, that  the  fact  as  it  stands  may  be  recorded  in  the  Presbytery's  book. 

Mr.  Ewing  and  Dr.  Alison  have  leave  to  go  home. 

Mr.  Boyd  has  gone  home  without  leave. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Ewing,  the  stated  clerk  of  the  Synod,  state  his  accounts, 
and  lay  them  before  the  next  Synod. 

Mr.  Alison  has  leave  to  go  home. 

The  members  appointed  to  transmit  the  letters  to  foreign  churches  report, 
that  the  letters  have  been  transmitted  according  to  order,  but  no  answers  are 
yet  received. 

Messrs.  Elihu  Spencer,  "William  Ramsey,  Alexander  McWhorter,  Joseph 
Montgomery,  and  James  Caldwell,  are  appointed  a  committee  for  the  present 
year  to  attend  the  corporation  for  the  relief  of  poor  Presbyterian  ministers  and 
their  widows. 

Ordered,  To  pay  the  Sexton  forty  shillings  for  his  services  during  the  present 
session  of  Synod. 

A  letter  from  the  Presbytery  of  South  Carolina,  signifying  their  desire  to 
unite  with  this  Synod,  and  requesting  to  be  informed  of  the  terms  on  which  such 


1770.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  409 

union  may  be  obtained,  was  brought  in  and  read.     It  was  agreed  to  send  them 
the  following  letter  in  answer  to  their  proposal : 

''  Rev.  and  dear  Brethren  : — "VVe  received  your  letter  by  the  Kcv.  Mr.  Cald- 
well, proposing  an  union  of  your  Presbytery  with  this  Synod,  and  asking  the 
conditions  on  which  it  may  be  obtained.  The  Synod  took  your  proposal  into 
consideration,  and  are  unanimously  of  opinion  that  the  union  would  be  for  the 
interest  of  religion  and  the  comfort  of  the  whole  body,  and  therefore  agreed 
that  it  should  take  place  for  all  ecclesiastical  purposes,  and  expect  that  your 
Presbytery  will  attend  the  meeting  of  the  Synod  with  all  the  regularity  that 
your  situation  will  admit.  The  conditions  which  we  require,  are  only  what  we 
suppose  you  are  already  agreed  in,  viz.,  that  all  your  ministers  acknowledge  and 
adopt  as  the  standard  of  doctrine,  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith  and 
Catechisms,  and  the  Directory  as  the  plan  of  your  worship  and  discipline.  The 
Church  of  Scotland  is  considered  by  this  Synod  as  their  pattern  in  general;  but 
we  have  not  as  yet  expressly  adopted  by  resolution  of  Synod,  or  bound  ourselves 
to  any  other  of  the  standing  laws  or  forms  of  the  Church  of  Scotland,  than 
those  above  mentioned,  intending  to  lay  down  such  rules  for  ourselves  upon 
Presbyterian  principles  in  general,  as  circumstances  should  from  time  to  time 
show  to  be  expedient. 

"  The  only  difficulty  that  has  been  made  in  this  matter  is,  that  we  are  not 
certain  whether  the  corporation  of  the  Widows'  Fund  will  think  it  safe  to 
admit  the  members  of  your  Presbytery,  from  their  distance  and  other  circum- 
stances. It  is,  however,  the  opinion  of  the  members  of  this  Synod,  that  you 
either  do  not  intend  to  ask  admission  to  this  fund,  which  is  not  mentioned  in 
your  letter,  or  that  you  are  both  able  and  willing  to  come  in  upon  such  terms 
as  will  not  in  the  least  injure  the  stock  or  embarrass  the  management  of  that 
corporation. 

'^  After  receiving  this  letter,  we  expect  you  will  send  your  answer  by  such  of 
your  members  as  may  attend  the  next  meeting  of  our  Synod,  which  is  to  be  at 
Philadelphia  the  third  Wednesday  of  May,  1771." 

The  moderator  is  ordered  to  make  out  a  copy  of  this,  properly  attested,  and 
deliver  it  into  the  hands  of  Dr.  Rodgers  and  Mr.  Caldwell,  to  be  transmitted 
to  the  moderator  of  the  Presbytery  of  South  Carolina  by  the  first  safe  op- 
portunity. 

A  petition  from  some  members  of  Hanover  Presbytery,  requesting  that  they 
may  be  erected  into  a  distinct  Presbytery,  was  brought  in  and  read.  The  Synod 
agree  to  grant  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hugh  ]McCadden, 
Henry  Pattillo,  James  Criswell,  Joseph  Alexander,  Hezekiah  James  Balch, 
and  Hezekiah  IBalch,  are  erected  into  a  Presbytery,  to  be  known  by  the  name 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Orange,  in  North  Carolina,  and  that  their  first  meeting  be 
at  Hawfields,  the  fii'st  Wednesday  of  September  next,  and  that  the  Rev.  Henry 
Pattillo  open  the  Presbytery  with  a  sermon.  But  the  vacancies  in  these  parts 
are  allowed  the  same  liberty  of  applying  to  the  Synod  for  supplies  as  they  have 
had  in  several  cases  heretofore. 

A  petition  from  the  congregations  of  Lancaster  and  Leacock,  requesting  that 
they  may  be  set  off  from  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall,  and  be  put  under  the  care 
of  New  Castle  Presbytery,  was  brought  in  and  read.  The  Synod  agree  to  grant 
the  prayer  of  the  said  petition,  and  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  is  ordered  to 
take  the  care  of  those  congregations  for  the  future. 

A  request  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  for  advice  in  an  afiair  respect- 
ing Mr.  Sampson  Smith,  was  brought  in,  and  after  it  was  maturely  considered, 
the  Synod  is  of  opinion  that  Mr.  Sampson  Smith  ought  to  be  continued  under 
suspension  till  it  appears  to  the  Presbytery  that  he  has  taken  all  proper  pains 
to  clear  himself  from  all  suspicions  respecting  his  conduct  at  Chestnut  Level. 
A  reference  from  the  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  respecting  this  ques- 
62  - 


410  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1771. 

tion,  viz.  Wliether  a  man  may  lawfully  marry  his  wife's  brother's  daughter, 
was  brought  in  and  read,  and  the  consideration  of  it  deferred  till  the  afternoon. 
Adjourned  till  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  dclock^  P.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Postpreces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

An  application  was  made  in  behalf  of  the  Presbyterian  church  in  xilbany, 
representing  that  they  are  deeply  involved  in  debt,  and  praying  that  the  Synod 
would  recommend  them  to  the  assistance  of  charitable  and  well  disposed  per- 
sons within  their  bounds.  The  Synod  referred  it  to  Messrs.  P.  V.  B.  Living- 
ston and  Elihu  Spencer,  as  a  committee  to  examine  and  make  report  of  the 
state  of  their  accounts.  The  said  committee  reported,  that  it  appears  by  the 
papers  produced  to  them  by  Mr.  Robert  Henry,  one  of  the  elders  of  said 
chui-ch,  that  they  had  erected  a  building  for  the  public  worship  of  God,  the 
expense  of  which  amounted  to  £2813  9s.  3(7.  York  currency,  that  they  re- 
ceived from  sundry  subscribers  £811  10s.  8(7.  for  that  purpose,  which  left  the 
sum  of  £2001  18s.  6c7.  deficiency,  to  be  paid  by  three  persons  only,  of  which 
Mr.  Henry  has  paid  out  of  his  own  pocket  £1080  13s.  Qd ,  and  is  liable  for 
part  of  what  still  remains  unpaid  of  said  debt.  The  Synod,  therefore,  cheerfully 
and  cordially  recommend  them  to  the  assistance  of  all  well  disposed  charitable 
persons  within  their  bounds. 

The  further  consideration  of  the  reference  from  the  fii'st  Philadelphia  Pres- 
bytery deferred  till  next  year. 

The  Donegall  Presbytery  petitioned  the  Synod  for  sui^plies.  Mr.  Alexander 
Miller  is  appointed  to  supply,  next  fall,  eight  Sabbaths  in  the  bounds  of  that 
Presbytery. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  York  are  appointed  to  supply  on  the  frontiers  of 
New  Jersey  and  New  York,  and  the  Synod  agree  to  pay  those  who  supply 
them,  out  of  their  funds. 

The  Synod  agree  to  grant  to  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall  and  New  York,  each 
fifteen  pounds,  and  they  are  required  to  husband  the  money,  and  improve  it  to 
the  best  advantage. 

The  committees  appointed  to  examine  the  Presbytery  books,  not  having 
opportunity  to  examine  them,  they  are  referred  to  next  Synod. 

Mr.  Bay  requested  to  review  a  former  minute  respecting  him,  which  is  defer- 
red till  next  Synod. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  the  first  Presbyterian  Church  in  Philadelphia,  on  the 
third  Wednesday  in  May  next,  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1771. 

Philadelphia,  May  15<A,  1771,  at  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment. 

Ministers  present,  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York :  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rodgers, 
Messrs.  Azariah  Ilorton,  James  Caldwell,  Azel  Roe,  John  Blair,  Francis  Pep- 
pard,  Jedidiah  Chapman,  Alexander  Mc\Vhorter. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  William  Tennent, 
Charles  McKnight,  Jeremiah  Halsey. 

Of  the  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Richard  Treat, 
Charles  Beatty,  James  Sproat,  Andrew  Hunter,  William  Ramsey,  Benjamin 
Chesnutt,  Alexander  Mitchell,  James  Boyd. 

Of  the  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Joseph  Treat, 
Tohn  Ewing,  James  Latta,  John  Simonton,  Dr.  Francis  Alison. 


1771.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  411 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle :  the  Kev.  Messrs.  Alexander  McDowell, 
Robert  Smith,  John  Carmichael,  William  McKonnan,  Joseph  Montgomery, 
John  McCrcary,  Joseph  Smith,  Klihu  Spencer,  William  Foster. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Lewestown :  the  llev.  Mr.  John  Miller. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall :  the  llev.  Messrs.  John  lioan,  John  Strain, 
John  Craighead,  llobert  Cooper. 

Elders  present :  Dr.  William  Burnet,  Messrs.  Matthias  Hatfield,  Thomas 
Bourne,  llichurd  Walker,  Joseph  Ogdeu,  James  McNair,  John  Johnson,  John 
McElroy,  John  Wilson,  William  Patterson,  Moses  Scott,  Thomas  McCall. 

Jliuisters  absent,  of  New  York  Presbytery :  the  Key.  ]Jenjamin  llait,  Ben- 
jamin Woodruff,  Joseph  Treat,  Aaron  llichards,  Nathan  Kerr,  Abner  lirush, 
Simon  Ilortou,  John  Moffat,  John  Derby,  Timothy  Jones,  Jonathan  Elmer, 
Hugh  Knox,  Jacob  Green,  James  Tuttle,  Thomas  Lewis. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  the  Bev.  Dr.  John  Witherspoon,  Messrs. 
Thomas  Smith,  Israel  Reed,  Samuel  Kennedy,  John  Guild,  John  Hanna,  John 
Rosborough,  James  Lyon,  Job  Prudden. 

Of  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Nehemiah  Greenman, 
Enoch  Green,  James  Watt. 

Of  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Steel,  John 
Elder,  Robert  McMordie,  Samuel  Eakin. 

Of  Suffolk  Presbytery,  the  whole  absent. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Finley,  Andrew  Bay, 
John  Beard. 

Of  Lewestown  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Matthew  Wilson,  Jacob  Kerr, 
Alexander  Huston. 

Of  Donegall  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Thompson,  George  Duf- 
field,  John  Hogg,  Amos  Thomson,  James  Long,  John  Slemmons,  Joseph  Bay, 
James  Harris. 

Of  Dutchess  Presbytery,  the  whole  absent. 

The  Synod  was  opened  with  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  IMr.  McWhorter,  the  last 
year's  moderator,  from  Acts  xx.  24. 

Mr.  Ramsey  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Roe  and  Mr.  Latta,  clerks. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

16^^  day.   The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.  TJhiposti^eces  sederunt 
qui  supra. 

The  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Griffith 
is  removed  by  death  since  our  last. 

The  New  Castle  Presbytery  report  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  John  Wood- 
hull  and  Mr.  Josiah  Lewis,  who  being  present  took  their  seats;  and  have 
licensed  Mr.  Thomas  Smith  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  have  restored  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Sampson  Smith,  who  being  present  took  his  seat. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  to  preach  the 
gospel,  John  Simpson  and  William  Shank. 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegall  report,  that  they  have  received  as  a  member  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Joseph  Reah,  lately  from  Ireland. 

Mr.  Joseph  Lewis  reports  that  Mr.  Samuel  Black  is  dead. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  York  report,  that  the  Rev.  John  Pierson  was 
removed  by  death,  August  23,  1770;  and  the  Rev.  James  Tuttle,  December 
25,1770;  and  that  they  have  ordained  the  Rev.  Alexander  Miller,  Oliver 
Dunnins:,  and  John  Murdoch. 

The  "Lewestown  Presbytery  report,  that  the  Rev.  Charles  Tennent  and 
Thomas  McCrackin  have  been  removed  by  death  since  last  Synod,  and  that 
Mr.  John  Bacon  is  dismissed  from  them,  and  removed  to  Boston. 


412  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1771. 

The  Suffolk  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel, 
Mr.  Joseph  Avery. 

Messrs.  Hunter,  Tate,  Robert  Smith,  John  Miller,  Cooper,  McKnight,  Hor- 
ton.  Close,  ministers,  and  Dr.  Burnet,  Joseph  Ogden,  Mr.  Patterson,  and 
Richard  "Walker,  are  appointed  a  committee  of  overtures,  and  ordered  to  meet 
here  to-morrow  morning  at  six  o'clock. 

Mr.  Montgomery  and  Mr.  Roe  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the 
second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  book. 

Mr.  Blair  and  Mr.  Chapman  are  appointed  to  examine  the  New  Brunswick 
Presbytery  book. 

Mr.  Mc^yhorter  and  Mr.  John  Miller  to  examine  the  book  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Donegall. 

Dr.  Rodgers  and  Mr.  Sproat  to  examine  the  Presbytery  book  of  New 
Castle. 

Mr.  Roan  and  Mr.  Strain  to  examine  the  book  of  the  first  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia. 

Mr.  Treat  and  Mr.  Foster  to  examine  the  Presbytery  book  of  New  York. 

The  Synod  appoint  as  a  commission  for  the  ensuing  year,  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Richard  Treat,  Patrick  Alison,  John  Ewing,  Alexander  McWhorter,  James 
Sproat,  John  Blair,  Thomas  Lewis,  William  Mills,  Azariah  Horton,  Timothy 
Jones,  William  Tennent,  Israel  Read,  Andrew  Hunter,  Elihu  Spencer;  and 
elders,  Dr.  Burnet,  Captain  Bourne,  Dr.  Lyon,  Messrs.  Ogden  and  McCullough, 
thirteen  of  whom  shall  be  a  quorum ;  but  if  the  moderator  should  die  or  be 
absent,  the  fii-st  mentioned  on  the  roll  in  the  minute  shall  have  power  to  call 
the  commission  and  preside. 

Mr.  Treat  is  continued  treasurer  for  this  ensuing  year,  and  desired  to  be 
ready  to  lay  his  accounts,  for  the  last  year,  before  the  Synod. 

Messrs.  Lewis,  Roe,  and  Close  complied  with  their  appointments  to  the 
southern  mission. 

The  order  of  the  Synod  last  year,  that  Mr.  Bay  should  be  dismissed  from 
New  Castle,  and  join  Dutchess  County  Presbytery,  was  not  complied  with. 

Mr.  McCreary's  reasons  for  not  supplying,  according  to  the  order  of  last 
Synod,  were  sustained. 

Mr.  Patrick  Alison  reports,  that  it  was  not  convenient  for  him  to  take  a 
journey  to  the  southward  to  supply  the  vacancies  there. 

Mr.  Niles  undertook  the  mission  assigned  him  by  the  last  Synod,  but  was 
prevented  by  sickness  from  fulfilling  it. 

Mr.  Tate  was  prevented  by  indisposition  from  fulfilling  his  appointment. 

The  Synod  are  informed  Mr.  John  Harris  fulfilled  his  appointment  to  the 
southward. 

The  committee  appointed  to  visit  Mr.  Brainerd's  school,  report  that  they 
did  not  meet,  because  they  understood  that  the  school  was  broke  up  for  the 
present. 

Ordered,  That  an  exact  list  of  the  members  of  the  Synod,  with  the  several 
candidates  and  congregations  under  their  care,  be  printed,  with  an  account  of 
the  disbursements  of  money  collected  to  be  disposed  of  by  the  Synod ;  and 
for  this  purpose  the  following  persons  are  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare 
said  list,  Messrs.  Treat,  Caldwell,  John  Miller,  Cooper,  Halsey,  Latta,  Roe, 
Carmichael,  Close,  and  Josiah  Lewis,  to  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  half  after 
eight  o'clock,  at  this  place. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M      Concluded  with  prayer. 


1771.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PniLADELPHIA.  413 

16th  day,  three  o'clocJc,  P.  M.     The  Sjnod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Ubi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

As  Dr.  Rodgers  has  received  letters  from  some  of  the  foreign  churches,  he 
is  ordered  to  lay  them  before  the  Synod  to-morrow  morning,  and  any  other 
members  who  may  have  received  such  letters  are  ordered  to  do  the  same. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  the  corporation  for  the  widows'  fund  report, 
that  they  have  been  unable  from  indisposition,  inclemency  of  weather,  or  igno- 
rance of  the  time  of  the  corporation's  meeting,  to  form  a  quorum  to  meet  with 
said  corporation  since  our  last  Synod. 

Messrs.  Elihu  Spencer,  Alexander  McWhorter,  Joseph  Montgomery,  James 
Caldwell,  and  the  moderator,  are  appointed  a  committee  to  meet  with  the  com- 
mittee of  the  corporation  for  the  widows'  fund,  and  arc  empowered  to  settle 
with  said  corporation,  and  ordered  to  make  a  report  of  their  transactions  to  the 
Synod  before  the  end  of  their  present  sessions. 

Dr.  Rodgers  reports  that  he  sent  the  Synod's  letter  to  the  moderator  of  the 
Presbytery  of  South  Carolina,  but  has  received  no  answer. 

It  is  reported  to  us  that  the  brethren  of  North  Carolina,  who  requested  last 
Synod  to  be  set  off  as  a  Presbytery  by  the  name  of  the  Orange  Presbytery, 
have  met  and  proceeded  to  business  agreeably  to  the  order  of  Synod. 

Mr.  Alexander  Miller's  reasons  for  not  complying  fully  with  the  appointment 
of  last  Synod,  are  sustained. 

The  Synod  think  it  expedient  that,  agi'ceably  to  their  request,  the  New  Cas- 
tle Presbytery  ordain  Mr.  Thomas  Read,  a  candidate  residing  in  their  bounds. 

Adjourned  to  meet  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o'clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

Vtth  day,  nine  dclock,  A  .M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Ubi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  John  Slemmons  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons  of  absence  since 
the  beginning  of  our  present  sessions,  sustained. 

Dr,  Rodgers,  agreeable  to  the  order  of  our  last  sederunt,  delivered  into  the 
Synod  a  letter  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church  of  Scotland,  and  an- 
other letter  from  the  Synod  of  North  Holland,  which  were  read. 

A  letter  was  also  received  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Elam  Potter,  an  absent  mem- 
ber of  this  body,  signifying  his  readiness  to  go  upon  a  mission  to  Virginia  and 
Carolina,  and  requesting  the  Synod  to  furnish  him  with  credentials  for  that 
purpose. 

A  reference  from  the  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  was  brought  in,  in 
the  following  words : 

"  The  Presbytery  took  Mr.  Eakin's  affair  under  consideration,  and  as  he 
has  deserted  his  pastoral  charge,  and  his  character  labours  under  grievous  re- 
ports of  gross  immoralities,  and  he  has  not  thought  proper  to  attend  this  judi- 
cature, though  twice  cited  to  appear  and  vindicate  his  character  and  conduct, 
but  by  a  letter  sent  to  Dr.  Alison,  to  be  communicated  to  this  Presbytery,  de- 
sired that  his  name  might  be  struck  out  of  their  book,  as  he  was  determined 
never  hereafter  to  have  any  pastoral  charge  under  the  care  of  this  Presbytery, 
or  under  the  care  of  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  the  Presby- 
tery calling  to  mind  the  difficulties  in  which  they  have  already  been  involved 
by  his  conduct,  judged  it  most  expedient  to  refer  his  case  to  the  Synod,  and 
desire  this  reference  may  be  laid  before  them  as  soon  as  there  is  a  convenient 
opportunity." 

The  above  reference  was  taken  under  consideration,  and  the  Synod,  after 
mature  deliberation  upon  it,  appoint  Tuesday  next,  at  three  o'clock,  for  hear- 


414  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1771. 

ing  and  issuing  that  matter,  and  order  that  Mr.  Eakin  be  cited,  and  that  Dr. 
Rodgers  prepare  a  citation,  specifying  the  charges  against  him,  Mr.  Eakin, 
to  be  signed  by  the  moderator,  and  bring  it  in  at  our  next  sederunt;  and  ap- 
point Messrs.  Blair,  Caldwell,  and  Dr.  Burnet,  a  committee  to  prepare  matters 
and  cite  witnesses,  and  order  the  committee  to  take  care  that  Mr.  Eakin  be 
served  with  the  citation. 

A  letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ebenezer  Prime,  directed  to  the  moderator,  sig- 
nifying the  difficulty  which  he,  together  with  some  of  his  brethren  of  Suffolk 
Presbytery,  labour  under  on  account  of  an  order  of  Synod  respecting  the  ordi- 
nation of  ministers,  sine  titido,  and  requesting  some  relief  in  that  matter,  was 
brought  in  and  read,  and  the  consideration  of  it  was  deferred. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Vith  day,  tliree  d  clocks  P.  M.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Uhi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Boyd  obtained  leave  to  go  home. 

Dr.  Alison  brought  in  a  letter  from  the  Synod  of  Geneva,  which  was  read. 

The  Synod  entered  upon  the  consideration  of  Mr.  Ebenezer  Prime's  letter, 
and  after  maturely  deliberating  thereon,  the  Synod  appoint  Dr.  Francis  Alison, 
Dr.  Bodgers,  and  Mr.  McWhorter,  as  a  committee  to  draw  up  a  minute  in 
answer  to  said  letter,  and  to  lay  it  before  the  Synod  to-morrow  morning. 

Mr.  Blair  brought  in  an  overture  in  writing,  proposing  a  committee  to  in- 
quire into  the  state  of  religion,  and  means  for  promoting  it,  in  our  bounds, 
which  was  ordered  to  lie  upon  the  table  for  further  consideration. 

Dr.  Bodgers,  according  to  the  order  of  last  sederunt,  prepared  and  brought 
in  a  citation  for  Mr.  Eakin,  which  was  signed  by  the  moderator,  and  is  as 
follows : 

"  Sir : — The  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  have  referred  your  ease  to 
the  Synod,  who  have  taken  it  under  their  consideration ;  have  appointed  Tues- 
day next,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  to  hear  and  issue  it,  at  which  time  you  are 
hereby  cited  to  attend,  at  the  first  Presbyterian  Church  in  this  city,  and  al- 
though we  presume  you  cannot  be  ignorant  of  the  scandalovis  reports  spread 
abroad  respecting  you,  as  you  have  been  twice  cited  to  attend  the  Presbytery 
to  vindicate  your  character  in  those  instances,  yet  that  you  may  have  another 
opportunity  for  this  purpose,  we  hereby  inform  you,  they  are  the  following, 
viz.  antenuptial  fornication ;  lying  with  respect  to  your  marriage ;  suborning 
witnesses ;  and  deserting  the  work  of  the  ministry,  in  direct  violation  of  your 
ordination  vows.  Your  attendance  is  expected  at  the  above  time  and  place  to 
answer  to  the  said  charges. 

"  You  are  to  consider  this  as  the  last  citation  you  are  to  expect  on  this  head; 
the  Synod  will  therefore  proceed  to  hear  and  issue  the  matter  whether  you 
attend  or  not.     Signed  by  order. 

"J%17«A,  1771." 

Adjourned  to  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

18^A  day,  nine  d clock,  A.  M.      Tlie  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Vbi post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Dr.  Witherspoon  is  now  come,  and  the  reasons  he  gave  for  not  attending 
earlier  in  the  session,  are  sustained.     Mr.  Peppard  obtained  leave  to  go  home. 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday  to  draw  up  a  minute  in  answer  to  Mr. 
Prime's  letter,  brought  it  in.     It  was  approved,  and  is  as  follows : 

"  In  answer  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Prime's  letter,  it  appears,  that  he  and  his 


1771.]  NEW  YORK  AXD  PHILADELPHIA.  415 

brethren,  in  whose  name  he  writes,  are  agreed  with  this  Synod  in  sentiments, 
that  in  sending  forth  iiiiuisters  to  labour  in  Christ's  vineyard,  we  should  lay 
Lands  suddenly  on  no  man,  but  should  use  all  Scriptural  methods  to  be  satis- 
fied of  their  piety,  learning,  prudence,  and  aptness  to  teach.  And  they  are 
further  agreed  with  us  to  make  trial  by  hearing  candidates  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry  preach,  pray,  and  expound  the  Scriptures,  previous  to  ordination, 
at  least  before  their  ordination,  that  we  may  be  satisfied  in  our  minds,  that 
they  have  ministerial  gifts  to  qualify  them  for  their  duty  in  that  sacred  charac- 
ter :  that  we  should  endeavour  by  private  conversation,  and  a  continuance  of 
such  trials,  to  come  to  a  greater  satisfaction  of  their  aptness  to  teach,  and  other 
necessary  qualifications.  And  the  Synod  are  firmly  persuaded  that  our  me- 
thod of  licensing  them  to  preach,  by  way  of  probation  for  the  gospel  ministry, 
before  ordination,  is  grounded  on  general  directions  given  by  the  apostle,  that 
we  should  lay  hands  suddenly  on  no  man,  but  should  commit  this  to  faithful 
men  who  are  known  to  be  able  to  teach  others.  But  as  Mr.  Prime,  and  the 
two  brethren  in  whose  name  he  writes,  seem  to  difier  from  this  Synod  only  in 
the  mode  of  making  these  necessary  trials  before  ordination,  the  Synod,  after 
a  serious  consideration  of  their  request,  which  they  arc  persuaded  is  made 
from  a  conscientious  regard  to  what  they  think  their  duty,  have  agreed  to  lay 
no  burden  on  them,  or  on  those  young  men  whose  consciences  will  not  allow 
them  to  preach  the  gospel  without  ordination,  and  therefore,  though  the  Synod 
cannot  repeal  the  act  referred  to  in  the  above  letter,  respecting  the  ordaining 
ministers,  sine  titulo,  as  they  judge  it  still  expedient  and  useful,  yet  they  al- 
low the  Presbytery  to  ordain  those  gentlemen  referred  to  by  Mr.  Prime  in  his 
letter,  in  case  they  shall  be  found  on  trial,  to  be  qualified  for  the  work  of  the 
sacred  ministry,  not  doubting  but  they  will  take  due  care  on  this  important 
head." 

Mr.  Bay  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner  are  judged  suf- 
ficient; his  elder,  Mr.  Robert  Henry,  is  also  come. 

Mr.  Halsey's  elder  has  leave  to  go  home. 

Upon  inquiry  how  far  the  several  Presbyteries  had  complied  with  the  order 
of  Synod  respecting  the  plan  of  the  lay  elders,  it  was  found  that  all  the  Pres- 
byteries present  have  paid  due  attention  thereto,  and  have  made  some  consi- 
derable progress  in  executing  said  plan,  except  the  Presbyteries  of  New  Bruns- 
wick and  Sufi"olk,  to  whom  it  is  earnestly  recommended  that  they  pay  that 
regard  to  the  above  order  of  Synod  which  the  importance  of  the  case  demands, 
as  what  may  greatly  conduce  to  the  prosperity  of  the  churches  under  their 
care. 

Mr.  Brainerd  reports,  that  he  has  had  under  his  care  an  Indian  school  since 
the  24th  of  December,  which  he  expects  to  continue  through  the  summer  and 
possibly  through  the  winter  also. 

Ordered,  That  the  treasurer  for  the  Synod  pay  Mr.  Brainerd  fifteen  pounds 
for  the  half  year  which  shall  end  the  24th  of  June.  And  Dr.  Alison,  Dr. 
"Witherspoon,  Messrs.  Ewing,  Sproat,  Treat,  and  Beatty,  are  appointed  a 
committee,  who  are  to  meet  the  last  Wednesday  of  August,  at  ten  o'clock, 
who  shall  visit  the  school  and  judge  whether  it  shall  be  continued  the  winter 
half  year ;  and  if  it  appears  to  them  that  the  school  has  been  continued  through 
the  summer,  that  may  draw  upon  the  treasurer  for  fifteen  pounds  more ;  and 
then  determine  whether  it  is  expedient  to  continue  the  school  through  the 
winter,  and  to  engage  with  Mr.  Brainerd  in  behalf  of  the  Synod,  to  allow  him 
fifteen  pounds  also  for  that  term,  in  case  it  be  continued. 

It  also  appears  to  this  Synod,  that  Mr.  Brainerd  has  laboured  very  diligently 
in  the  numerous  destitute  vacancies  to  which  he  was  appointed  the  last  Synod. 
The  treasurer  is  therefore  ordered  to  pay  Mr.  Brainerd  the  twenty  pounds  voted 
him  last  year  for  the  said  service.     And  it  is  also  agreed,  to  allow  Mr.  Brainerd 


416  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1771. 

twenty  pounds  for  tlie  ensuing  year,  provided  it  shall  appear  at  the  nest  Synod, 
that  he  continues  to  preach  the  gospel  in  the  numerous  and  destitute  vacancies 
in  his  neighbourhood. 

Adjourned  to  meet  on  Monday  next,  at  ten  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

20th  day^  ten  d clock,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Ubi  post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  James  Lang  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner, 
judged  sufl&cient;  and  his  elder,  John  McClelland,  is  also  come. 

Mr.  Brainerd  requested  that  some  members  of  this  body  should  be  ap- 
pointed to  inspect  the  journal  of  his  last  year's  labours,  in  the  destitute  places 
in  his  neighbourhood,  and  to  report  the  state  of  his  accounts  with  respect  to 
that  service,  and  Messrs.  Hunter  and  Spencer  are  ordered  a  committee  for  that 
purpose. 

Dr.  Witherspoon  and  Dr.  Rodgers  are  appointed  to  draw  up  a  letter  in  an- 
swer to  the  letter  which  the  Synod  received  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Church  of  Scotland. 

Mr.  Robert  Smith  and  Halsey  are  appointed  to  draw  up  a  letter  in  answer 
to  the  letter  from  North  Holland. 

Dr.  Alison  and  Mr.  Blair  are  appointed  to  draw  up  an  answer  to  the  letter 
from  Geneva.  And  it  is  ordered,  that  these  letters  be  laid  before  the  Synod 
next  Wednesday  morning. 

The  committee  appointed  last  year  to  dispose  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of 
the  treasurer  of  New  Jersey  college,  for  the  education  of  poor  and  pious  youth, 
report,  that  they  have  disposed  of  the  sum  of  thirty-two  pounds,  and  that  there 
will  be  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  next  October,  the  sum  of  sixty-five 
pounds. 

And  the  Synod  appoint  for  a  committee  for  the  present  year,  to  attend  at 
New  Jersey  college  the  third  Wednesday  of  August  next,  and  dispose  of  said 
sum,  or  as  much  as  may  be  deemed  necessary,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Witherspoon, 
Messrs.  Tennent,  Guild,  Ewing,  Spencer,  Beatty,  Caldwell,  Halsey,  Reed,  and 
Hunter,  any  three  of  whom  shall  be  a  quorum. 

The  delegates  appointed  to  meet  the  Rev.  General  Convention  at  Elizabeth- 
town  in  October  last,  brought  in  the  minutes  of  their  proceedings,  which  were 
read. 

As  the  next  general  convention  are  to  meet  at  Norwalk  the  first  Wednesday 
of  September  next,  at  eleven  o'clock,  the  Synod  appoint  as  delegates  to  attend 
upon  that  occasion,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  William  Tennent,  Jeremiah  Halsey, 
James  Sproat,  John  Brainerd,  Dr.  Francis  Alison,  Dr.  John  Rodgers,  Alex- 
ander McWhorter,  James  Caldwell,  Azel  Roe,  Elihu  Spencer,  J.  Treat, 
Joseph  Montgomery,  John  Blair,  John  Close,  Jedidiah  Chapman,  John  Wood- 
hull,  Dr.  John  Witherspoon,  Charles  Beatty,  Solomon  Mead,  and  Samuel 
Mills. 

And  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Blair,  or  in  his  absence,  the  Rev.  Joseph  Montgo- 
mery, is  appointed  to  open  the  convention  by  a  sermon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  the  Associate  Presbytery,  brought 
in  the  minutes  of  their  proceedings,  which  were  read,  and  the  conduct  of  the 
committee  was  highly  approved. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

20th  day,  three  o'clocJc,   P.  31.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qid  sujjra. 

Mr.  Boyd  is  now  returned  to  the  Synod. 

Inquiry  was  made  with  respect  to  the  diligence  of  the  several  Presbyteries 


1771.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  417 

in  forwarding  the  subscriptions  for  the  New  Jersey  College,  and  it  appears  that 
the  Presbyteries  have  exerted  themselves  with  considerable  success,  and  still 
expect  to  be  able  to  obtain  further  contributions. 

It  is  ordered,  that  the  several  Presbyteries  continue  to  exert  themselves  for 
this  purpose,  aud  bo  prepared  to  lay  before  the  Synod,  at  our  meeting  next  year, 
an  exact  account  in  writing  of  all  the  contributions  and  subscriptions  they  shall 
be  able  to  obtain,  and  particularly  specify  what  hath  been  collected,  and  what 
still  remains  yet  to  be  collected ;  and  it  is  ordered  that  the  clerks  of  every  Pres- 
bytery furnish  themselves  with  a  copy  of  this  minute. 

Mr.  McDowell  and  Mr.  Treat  are  appointed  a  committee  to  inquire  into 
and  report  the  management  of  the  money  formerly  belonging  to  the  Synod  of 
Philadelphia. 

Adjourned  to  meet  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o'clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

21st  day,  nine  d'doch,  A.  M.      The  Si/nod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Ubi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  appointment  of  supplies  to  the  southward,  agreeably  to  a  previous  order 
of  Synod,  came  to  be  considered. 

A  supplication  from  Steel  Creek,  in  North  Carolina,  for  supplies,  particu- 
larly for  Mr.  J.  Lewis,  was  brought  in  by  the  committee  of  overtures,  and 
read. 

A  supplication  for  supplies  from  Cathy's  Settlement,  North  Carolina,  was 
brought  in  and  read.  Also,  a  supplication  for  supplies  from  Cubb  Creek,  Vir- 
ginia, was  brought  in  and  read. 

A  supplication  from  Manahawkin,  in  East  Jersey,  was  likewise  brought  in 
and  read. 

A  call  from  the  united  congregations  of  Briar  Creek  and  Queensborough,  in 
Georgia,  for  the  Rev.  Mr.  Josiah  Lewis,  was  brought  in  and  read.  In  this  it 
was  also  requested,  that  in  case  the  call  was  not  accepted,  other  supplies  should 
be  appointed  them. 

Application  was  also  made  on  behalf  of  Ligonier,  and  the  vacancies  beyond 
the  Allegheny  mountains,  on  behalf  of  the  settlements  on  the  south  branch  of 
Potomac,  and  on  behalf  of  a  numerous  people  living  on  Hudson's  river,  in  the 
province  of  New  York,  and  also  on  behalf  of  Hanover  and  Cumberland  coun- 
ties, in  Virginia.  Application  was  also  made  on  behalf  of  two  united  congre- 
gations in  Dorset  county,  Maryland. 

In  consequence  of  these  applications,  Mr.  James  Finley  is  appointed  to  supply 
over  the  Allegheny  mountains  for  two  months  at  least,  as  soon  as  may  be  con- 
venient for  him. 

Mr.  Sampson  Smith  is  appointed  to  spend  six  months  in  the  settlements  on 
the  south  branch  of  Potomac  and  the  other  parts  on  the  frontiers  of  Virginia. 

Mr.  Sehank,  a  candidate  under  the  care  of  the  New  Brunswick  Presbytery, 
is  appointed  to  spend  four  months  in  the  settlements  on  Hudson's  river,  and 
parts  adjacent,  and  the  Presbytery  are  directed  to  ordain  him  as  soon  as  may  be, 
if  they  lind  their  way  clear,  in  order  to  his  going  on  that  mission. 

Mr.  Alexander  Miller  and  Mr.  Eliphalet  Ball  are  also  appointed  to  visit 
those  settlements,  and  to  continue  there  six  weeks  or  two  months  each,  if  con- 
venient. 

Mr.  Elam  Potter,  agreeably  to  his  request,  is  appointed  to  visit  the  southern 
vacancies  of  North  and  South  Carolina  and  Georgia,  and  to  spend  at  least  six 
months  in  this  mission,  and  to  tarry  in  every  congregation  of  importance  which 
he  shall  visit,  three  weeks  or  a  month,  and  carefully  catechize  the  people. 

Ordered,  that  Mr.  Roe  give  notice  of  this  appointment  to  Mr.  Potter. 
63 


418  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1771. 

Mr.  Joseph  Smith  is  appointed  to  visit  the  southern  vacancies,  and  particu- 
larly to  spend  five  weeks  at  Steel  Creek  congregation,  and  two  months  and  three 
weeks  beyond  the  Catawba  river  ;  that  he  pay  particular  attention  to  Dunkin's 
Creek  congregation,  and  spend  as  much  time  there,  and  at  Bullock's  Creek,  as 
he  possibly  can.  The  rest  of  the  time  at  discretion,  and  he  shall  carefully 
catechize  the  people  of  these  congregations. 

Mr.  John  McCreary  is  appointed  to  visit  the  settlements  betwixt  the  Yadkin 
and  Catawba  rivers,  and  to  continue  among  them  three  months,  and  to  spend 
three  or  four  Sabbaths  at  Cubb  Creek,  in  his  way. 

The  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery  are  appointed  to  supply  Mr.  McCreary's 
pulpit  the  three  first  Sabbaths  in  August  and  the  two  first  in  November. 

Mr.  Simouton  is  appointed  to  supply  Mr.  Smith's  pulpit  the  two  first  Sab- 
baths in  October,  and  3Ir.  Tate  the  two  first  Sabbaths  in  November. 

The  further  consideration  of  supplies  deferred. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clocl^.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

21st  day,  three  o'clock,  P.  M.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Vbi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  proceeded,  according  to  an  order  of  a  former  day,  to  consider 
the  case  of  Mr.  Eakin,  referred  to  them  by  the  second  Presbytery  of  Phila- 
delphia. 

Mr.  Eakin  appeared  agreeably  to  the  citation  issued ;  and  being  interrogated 
from  the  chair,  made  an  open  and  free  confession  of  the  crimes  with  which  he 
was  charged,  and  declared  himself  unfeignedly  sorry  and  deeply  penitent  for 
his  very  ofi'ensive  conduct. 

The  Synod,  after  reasoning,  and  prayer  to  God  for  direction  in  this  impor- 
tant matter,  are  of  opinion,  that  the  crimes  he  had  been  guilty  of  did  fully 
deserve  deposition;  but  in  respect  to  his  humble  and  penitent  carriage,  do 
agree,  that  he  be  suspended  from  the  exercise  of  his  ministry  sine  die ;  and 
they  do  prohibit  him,  under  pain  of  the  highest  censures  of  the  church,  from 
exercising  the  same,  or  any  part  thereof,  within  the  bounds  of  this  Synod,  or 
anywhere  else,  and  discharge  any  inferior  judicatory  from  taking  off  this  sus- 
pension, and  from  receiving  any  application  for  that  purpose ;  and  the  Synod 
do  also  dissolve  his  pastoral  relation  to  the  third  Presbyterian  congregation 
in  this  city.  They  do  further  suspend  him  from  sealing  ordinances  in  the 
mean  time,  but  leave  it  to  the  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  or  any  other 
Presbytery  in  which  he  may  reside,  to  restore  to  Christian  communion,  upon 
his  application,  when  they  shall  see  proper.  The  Synod  do  also  appoint  the 
moderator  solemnly  to  rebuke  him  from  the  chair,  and  order  that  this  whole 
sentence  be  read  from  the  2)ulpit  of  that  church  of  which  he  was  pastor,  the 
next  Lord's  day. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

22d  day,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Uli 
post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  to  examine  Mr.  Brainerd's  accounts  from  the  year  1760  to 
the  year  1770  inclusive,  reported,  that  Mr.  Brainerd  had  received  from  the 
several  congregations  he  hath  from  time  to  time  supplied  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  Nanohawkin  and  Egg  Haj-bour,  only  the  sum  of  fifty-nine  pounds  nineteen 
shillings,  though  he  had  preached  upwards  of  five  hundred  times  among  them, 
and  that  his  accounts  respecting  the  Indian  school  stand  fair. 

The  committee  appointed  to  draw  up  a  letter  in  answer  to  a  letter  received 
from  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church  of  Scotland,  brought  it  in  and  it 
was  read. 


1771.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  419 

The  committee  appointed  to  draw  up  a  letter  in  answer  to  a  letter  from  the 
Synod  of  North  Ilollaud,  brought  one  in,  which  was  read. 

And  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Dr.  Kodgcrs,  ]\Ict<srs.  llobcrt  Smith,  Ewing,  Patrick 
Alison,  Blair,  and  McDowell,  are  appointed  a  committee  to  review  and  correct 
the  forementioued  letters,  and  bring  them  in  to-morrow  morniufr. 

The  committee  to  m([uire  into  the  management  of  the  money  formerly  be- 
longing to  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  are  not  prepared  to  make  their  report. 

The  case  respecting  marriage  was  taken  under  consideration,  and  after  deli- 
berating upon  it  some  time,  it  was  deferred  till  next  Synod. 

Mr.  Ewing  is  appointed  to  furnish  the  southern  missionaries  with  proper 
certificates,  and  to  sign  them  in  the  name  of  the  Synod. 

The  affair  of  appointing  supplies  was  resumed. 

Mr.  Horton  is  appointed  to  supply  Mr.  Boyd's  pulpit  the  third  and  fourth 
Sabbaths  of  September,  while  Mr.  Buyd,  agreeable  to  the  order  of  Synod,  sup- 
plies for  Mr.  McCreary. 

The  New  York  Presbytery  book  was  brought  in  by  the  committee  appointed 
to  examine  it,  and  it  was  approved. 

Mr.  Caldwell  requested  in  the  name  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  that 
some  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of  the  Synod's  treasurer  to  assist  poor  and 
destitute  congregations,  be  allowed  them  for  supplying  the  frontiers  of  that 
province  and  New  Jersey,  and  the  Synod  agreed,  that  there  be  allowed  them 
for  the  ensuing  year,  the  sum  of  fifteen  pounds,  and  at  the  request  of  Mr. 
Cooper,  the  like  sum  is  allowed  to  the  Presbytery  of  Donegall  for  supplying  on 
their  frontiers. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

22d  day.,  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Uhi 
post  preces  sederunt  qui  sup7'a. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  into  and  report  the  management  of  the 
money  formerly  in  the  hands  of  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia,  have  not  yet  been 
able  to  complete  that  business. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  Donegall  Presbytery  book,  brought 
it  in,  and  with  remarks  it  was  approved. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  book, 
brought  it  in  and  it  was  approved. 

The  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery  book  was  brought  in  by  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  examine  it,  and  it  was  approved. 

Ordered,  To  proceed  in  reading  the  minutes  of  the  committee  of  overtures. 

Application  was  made  by  Mr.  Alexander  Miller  in  favour  of  the  Presbyterian 
congregation  in  Schenectady,  in  order  to  assist  them  in  finishing  a  church, 
which  was  not  complied  with. 

A  scheme  for  the  education  of  poor  and  pious  youth,  formed  and  adopted  by 
the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  and  transmitted  by  the  committee  of  overtures, 
was  brought  in  and  read,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"A  scheme  for  supporting  young  men  of  piety  and  parts  at  learning  for  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  that  so  our  numerous  vacancies  may  be  supplied  with 
preachers  of  the  gospel,  &c. 

''  1st.  That  every  vacant  congregation  in  our  bounds,  who  ask  this  Presbytery 
for  supplies,  do  annually  at  our  full  meeting  pay  into  the  hands  of  a  treasurer 
to  be  chosen,  the  sum  of  two  pounds. 

"  2d.  That  every  minister  belonging  to  this  Presbytery,  pay  into  the  hands 
of  said  treasurer,  at  the  said  time,  the  sum  of  one  pound. 

<'  3d.  That  any  gentleman  willing  to  contribute  to  this  pious  design,  may 
have  an  opportunity  of  subscribing  to  pay  annually. 


420  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1771. 

"  4tli.  That  at  every  spring  meeting  of  this  Presbytery,  there  shall  be  a 
treasurer  chosen,  (a  member  of  Presbytery,)  who  shall  keep  a  fair  stated  ac- 
count of  all  the  money  received,  and  the  disbursements,  and  shall  pay  no  mo- 
ney without  a  written  order,  an  act  of  the  Presbytery  signed  by  their  moderator 
and  clerk  for  the  time  being. 

"  5th.  That  every  member  of  this  Presbytery  may  recommend  any  young 
man  they  think  proper,  who,  after  siieh  an  examination  as  shall  be  thought 
convenient,  shall  receive  or  be  refused  the  benefit  of  this  donation,  by  the 
major  vote  of  this  Presbytery. 

"  6th.  That  after  any  young  man  is  thus  received,  the  Presbytery  shall  look 
upon  themselves  as  the  guardians  of  his  education,  and  as  such  shall  give  all 
orders  relative  thereto,  and  in  case  of  any  difference  of  opinion  the  major  vote 
shall  always  determine. 

''  7th.  That  every  young  man  thus  educated,  shall  be  looked  upon  as  na- 
tively belonging  to  this  Presbytery,  and  when  introduced  into  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  shall  continue  at  least  one  year  preaching  in  the  vacancies  within  the 
bounds  of  this  Presbytery. 

'^  8th.  That  every  young  man  thus  educated,  and  afterwards  not  inclining  to 
the  work  of  the  ministry,  shall  give  a  bond  to  some  minister  of  this  Presby- 
tery, to  the  amount  of  all  the  money  expended  by  this  Presbytery  in  his  educa- 
tion, payable  in  five  years  after  date." 

The  Synod  do  highly  approve  of  this  plan,  and  do  most  earnestly  recom- 
mend it  to  the  several  Presbyteries  to  fall  upon  that  or  the  like  scheme,  for  the 
excellent  purpose  above  mentioned,  and  order  that  inquiry  be  made  at  the  next 
meeting  of  Synod,  how  far  the  several  Presbyteries  have  been  able  to  proceed 
in  executing  said  plan,  and  that  they  be  required  to  give  an  account  of  their 
diligence  in  this  matter. 

An  overture  was  made  that  the  general  fast  be  observed  in  all  our  bounds  in 
consideration  of  the  aspect  which  matters,  both  civil  and  religious,  bear.  The 
overture  was  cheerfully  accepted,  and  the  Synod  earnestly  recommend  it  to 
the  several  ministers  and  congregations  under  their  care,  to  spend  the  third 
Thursday  in  June  in  fasting  and  prayer :  excepting  those  Presbyteries  who 
may  have  lately  observed  a  fast  for  the  same  purpose. 

An  application  from  the  trustees  of  the  Academy  at  Newark,  to  obtain  the 
countenance  and  approbation  of  the  Synod  for  a  general  collection  through 
their  bounds  in  behalf  of  said  Academy,  was  overtured  and  read.  The  Synod 
considered  the  prayer  of  said  petition,  and  cheerfully  agree  to  countenance  it ; 
and  do  recommend  it  to  the  charity  of  the  various  congregations  within  their 
bounds. 

The  letter  in  answer  to  a  letter  from  Geneva  not  being  ready  to  be  delivered 
in  with  the  other  letters  on  Tuesday  morning,  was  now  brought  in  by  the 
committee  appointed  to  prepare  it,  and  read,  and  ordered  to  be  put  into  the 
hands  of  the  committee  appointed  to  revise  and  correct  the  other  Synodical 
letters. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

23c?  day,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournynent.      Uhi 
post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  into  and  report  the  management  of  the 
money  formerly  in  the  hands  of  the  late  Philadelphia  Synod,  and,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  union,  belonging  to  the  united  Synod,  report,  that  on  account 
of  the  multiplicity  of  business  in  which  Dr.  Alison  is  involved  nothing  can  be 
done  in  this  affair  this  session.  It  is  therefore  ordered,  that  Mr.  Treat,  Mr. 
Beatty,  and  Mr.  Sproat,  be  a  committee  to  examine  into  and  report  the  state 
of  said   money,  and   that   they  prepare   an  exact  account  in  writing  of  the 


1771.]  NEW  YORK  AXD  PHILADELPHIA.  421 

management  of  said  money,  and  lay  it  before  the  Synod  at  its  meeting  next 
year. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  books  of  the  second  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia  and  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  brought  them  in,  and  they 
were  approved. 

A  proposal  being  made  for  reviving  the  annual  collection,  in  order  to  assist 
weak  and  destitute  places  in  supporting  the  gospel,  as  was  agreed  upon  in  a 
former  Synod,  the  Synod  considering  that  a  sum  of  money  yet  remains  in  the 
hand  of  their  treasurer,  and  that  there  are,  or  will  be,  several  collections  for 
other  purposes  on  foot  in  the  current  year,  agree  to  defer  it  till  the  next  meet- 
ing of  Synod. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock  this  afternoon.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2Sd  day,  tJiree  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Lhi 
jjost  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  consideration  of  appointing  supplies  was  resumed. 

Mr.  Ilalsey  is  appointed  to  supply  Mr.  Jos.  Smith's  pulpit,  the  first,  second, 
and  third  Sabbaths  of  January,  and  it  is  ordered  that  the  New  York  Presbytery 
supply  his  pulpit  two  of  those  Sabbaths. 

Mr.  Thomas  Lewis  is  appointed  to  supply  Mr.  Jos.  Smith's  pulpit  the  three 
first  Sabbaths  of  December,  and  the  New  York  Presbytery  is  ordered  to  supply 
his  pulpit  two  of  those  Sabbaths. 

Mr.  Mitchell  is  appointed  to  supply  Mr.  Smith's  pulpit  the  two  first  Sabbaths 
of  February. 

Mr.  Chapman  is  appointed  to  supply  Mr.  Smith's  pulpit  the  third  and  fourth 
Sabbaths  of  November. 

The  letters  to  the  foreign  churches  were  brought  in  by  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  revise  them,  and  approved ;  and  it  was  ordered,  that  the  moderator 
sign  them,  and  that  Dr.  Witherspoon  take  care  to  transmit  the  letter  to  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Church  of  Scotland ;  Dr.  Eodgers  to  transmit  that 
to  the  Church  of  North  Holland,  and  Dr.  Alison  the  letter  to  the  Church  of 
Greneva. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  the  corporation  laid  their  minutes  before 
the  Synod,  who  highly  approve  of  their  proceedings  in  the  business  committed 
to  their  care,  commend  the  settlement  made  respecting  the  money  deposited  in 
the  hands  of  the  corporation  by  the  church  of  Scotland,  to  be  disposed  of  by 
said  corporation,  in  conjunction  with  the  Synod's  committee,  in  the  disposal 
of  which  they  are  concerned,  and  vote  them  their  thanks  for  their  fidelity  and 
diligence. 

A  copy  of  some  regulations  made  by  the  corporation  for  the  relief  of  poor 
and  distressed  Presbyterian  ministers,  their  widows  and  children. 

"  A  committee  was  appointed  to  consider  and  propose  some  regulations  for 
the  admission  of  ministers  who  may  come  from  Europe  or  from  the  neighbour- 
ing colonies  and  join  our  Synod,  and  who  may  desire  to  become  contributors  to 
this  fund.  The  members  of  the  committee  last  appointed,  and  the  other  mem- 
bers of  this  board,  having  at  this  time  freely  and  deliberately  considered  this 
matter,  have  thus  determined  : 

"That  if  any  minister  come  from  a  distant  place  and  join  with  the  Synod 
of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  and  settle  in  any  of  the  middle  colonics,  viz. 
New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  and  Maryland,  and  choose  to  become  a 
contributor  to  this  fund,  he  may  be  admitted  on  the  following  terms,  viz. 

"  1st.  He  shall  be  allowed  one  whole  year  after  his  arrival  among  us,  and  no 
longer,  to  deliberate  whether  he  will  become  a  contributor  or  not. 

"2d.  If  he  was  ordained  a  minister  before  the  fund  was  constituted,  and  be 


422  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1771. 

under  forty  years  of  age,  he  shall  pay  a  sum  of  money  equal  to  the  sum  paid 
by  any  minister  who  has  chosen  the  same  rate  with  him,  and  has  been  a  contri- 
butor from  the  beginning,  counting  the  interest  thereon  as  it  would  have  arisen 
from  year  to  year. 

"  3d.  If  he  was  ordained  since  the  commencement  of  the  fund,  and  under 
thirty  years  of  age  when  ordained,  he  shall  pay  on  his  becoming  a  contributor 
a  sum  of  money  equal  to  what  would  have  been  paid  by  him  had  he  been  intro- 
duced into  the  ministry  by  the  Synod ;  but  if  he  was  ordained  when  above 
thirty  and  under  forty  years  of  age,  he  shall  pay  a  sum  equal  to  what  would 
have  been  paid  by  him  had  he  been  ordained  at  the  age  of  thirty  years.  Pro- 
vided always,  and  on  all  these  suppositions,  that  he  be  not  in  such  a  declining 
state  of  health  as  would  render  his  life  more  precarious  than  might  be  expected 
from  a  man  of  his  years ;  of  which  this  corporation  shall  be  the  judges. 

"4th.  But  if  he  be  above  forty  years  of  age,  he  shall  not  be  admitted  on 
any  terms,  as  the  corporation  cannot  in  consistence  with  their  trust  allow  him 
this  privilege. 

"  It  was  found  on  revising  our  records  that  several  laws  have  been  enacted 
respecting  the  time  when  young  men  were  to  become  contributors  to  this  fund, 
which,  when  compared,  occasioned  some  difficulties.  To  remove  which  for  the 
time  to  come,  it  is  agreed  and  enacted,  that  every  young  man  that  shall  hereaf- 
ter apply  to  be  admitted  as  a  contributor,  shall  bring  a  certificate  from  a  Pres- 
bytery, mentioning  the  time  of  his  ordination,  and  of  his  settlement  in  a  con- 
gregation, and  shall  at  the  next  yearly  meeting  of  this  corporation  but  one  in 
the  month  of  May,  after  his  ordination  and  settlement  in  a  congregation,  pay 
down  one  year's  rate  or  contribution,  and  then  entering  into  bonds  shall  be  ad- 
mitted to  all  the  privileges  arising  from  this  fund.  But  it  shall  be  lawful  for 
him  to  pay  his  money,  and  become  a  contributor  sooner  if  he  thinks  it  for  his 
advantage,  as  his  family  can  expect  no  benefit  unless  he  has  paid  one  year's 
rate,  and  entered  into  bonds. 

"  The  secretary  is  ordered  to  give  a  copy  of  this  regulation  to  the  moderator 
of  the  Synod,  respecting  the  admission  of  young  men  as  contributors  to  this 
fund,  and  to  request  the  Synod,  in  the  name  of  this  corporation,  to  take  such 
measures  as  they  may  think  most  proper,  that  every  minister  belonging  to  any 
of  their  Presbyteries  may  know  these  rules,  and  that  no  young  man  be  deprived 
of  the  benefit  of  this  fund  who  is  willing  to  become  a  contributor. 

"  Enacted  at  a  meeting  of  the  corporation,  held  at  the  first  Presbyterian 
church  in  this  city,  December  19th,  1770,  and  continued  by  adjournments. 
"  A  true  copy,  Francis  Alison,  Secretary." 

Mr.  William  Mackey  Tennent,  a  licensed  candidate  under  the  care  of  the 
Lewestown  Presbytery,  is  appointed  to  supply  the  month  of  November  at  the 
direction  of  the  New  Castle  Presbytery,  and  Mr.  John  Simpson,  a  licensed  can- 
didate belonging  to  the  New  Brunswick  Presbytery,  is  appointed  to  supply  in 
the  month  of  December,  at  the  direction  of  said  Presbytery. 

The  Synod  appoint  the  Rev.  P.  Alison  to  supply  in  Virginia,  the  Carolinas, 
and  Georgia,  to  set  off  as  soon  as  he  conveniently  can. 

The  settlement  of  the  committee  of  Synod  with  the  corporation  of  the  Wi- 
dows' Fund,  is  as  follows  : 

"  The  corporation  having  laid  their  accounts  respecting  the  money  granted 
them  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Church  of  Scotland  before  the  committee 
of  the  Synod,  the  committee  finding  it  difficult  to  understand  the  propriety  of 
allowing  some  articles  in  said  accounts,  and  having  conferred  with  the  com- 
mittee of  the  corporation,  who,  on  the  strictest  examination,  exhibited  this  ac- 
count, they  still  declared  that  they  were  in  some  things  not  fully  satisfied ; 
therefore  to  end  all  debates,  and  for  the  sake  of  peace,  the  corporation  agreed 
to  make  them  the  following  proposals,  though  they  are  persuaded  that  the  ac- 


1772.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  423 

counts  exhibited  to  tliem  are  just  and  reasonable,  and  such  as  they  can  on  a 
just  and  sure  foundation  exhibit  to  the  world. 

"  1st.  That  thirty  pounds  free  of  all  deductions  shall  be  yearly  paid  by  the 
treasurer  of  the  corporation  to  a  committee  of  the  Synod  of  New  York  and 
Philadelphia,  on  the  24th  day  of  May ;  the  first  payment  to  commence  on  the 
24th  of  May,  1772,  to  be  api)liod  by  them,  for  the  uses  and  purposes  hereafter 
mentioned,  and  for  none  else ;  these  uses,  as  we  apprehend,  being  agreeable  to 
the  pious  intentions  of  the  donors. 

"  2d.  That  in  consideration  of  the  application  of  said  sum  of  thirty  pounds, 
the  committee  of  the  Synod,  in  the  name  of  that  reverend  body,  do  acquiesce 
in  and  approve  of  such  application  of  the  money,  entrusted  by  the  Scotch 
Church  for  the  use  of  the  widows'  fund,  and  all  such  other  pious  uses  as  have 
been  hitherto  made  of  it  by  the  corporation. 

"  3d.  That  this  sum  of  thirty  pounds  shall  be  expended  by  the  committee  of 
the  Synod  in  assisting  poor  and  distressed  Presbyterian  ministers,  or  their 
families ;  or  to  pay  ministers  or  probationers  to  preach  the  gospel  to  weak  or 
frontier  congregations  in  the  bounds  of  Pennsylvania  and  the  lower  counties. 
New  Jersey,  and  ]Marylaud,  and  to  assist  them  when  weak  and  distressed,  to 
erect  places  of  worship,  and  to  preach  to  and  assist  the  Indians  who  live  among 
said  inhabitants  or  contiguous  to  the  frontiers  of  said  provinces. 

"  4th.  The  committee  hereby  covenant,  agree,  and  engage  to  and  with  the 
corporation,  that  they  shall  never  claim  a  right  or  power  to  break  on  the  capi- 
tal whence  the  said  thirty  pounds  are  to  arise  by  way  of  interest,  nor  shall  the 
committee  of  the  Synod  employ  it  for  any  other  uses  than  those  above  specified, 
upon  the  pain  of  having  it  withheld  or  employed  by  the  corporation  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  committee ;  but  if  it  be  found  necessary  in  the  judgment  of  this 
corporation  to  employ  the  whole  capital,  which  is  considered  by  this  board  as 
equal  to  six  hundred  pounds,  or  any  part  thereof  in  the  support  of  the  widows' 
fund,  it  is  hereby  agreed  to  use  it  for  that  purpose ;  and  if  a  part  of  it  be  so 
employed,  the  committee  of  the  Synod  shall  have  the  disposal  of  the  interest  of 
the  sum  remaining  at  five  per  cent.,  clear  of  all  deductions.  The  committee  and 
corporation  are  by  this  agreement  bound,  never  to  touch  said  capital  of  six  hun- 
dred pounds,  but  only  and  in  such  case,  as  the  annuities  due  from  the  corpora- 
tion cannot  be  paid  without  breaking  on  the  capital  as  is  stipulated  in  the 
thirteenth  article  of  the  agreement  made  between  the  contributors  and  this  cor- 
poration. And  it  is  hereby  stipulated  that  this  agreement  shall  prevent  and 
put  an  end  to  all  debates  between  this  corporation  and  the  committee  of  the 
Synod,  respecting  the  money  entrusted  to  our  care  by  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Church  of  Scotland. 

"  Signed  in  behalf  of  the  corporation  by  their  president,  secretary,  and  trea- 
surer, viz :  John  Eaving,  Francis  Alison,  William  Humphreys." 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  in  May  next,  to  meet  at  ten  o'clock  in 
the  second  Presbyterian  church  in  Philadelphia.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1773. 

Philadelphia,  May  20ih,  1772. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment. 
TJhi  post  preces  sederunt 

From  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal :  The  Rev.  John  Roan,  John  Strain,  James 
Hunt,  Robert  Cooper. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  Lewestown  :  The  Rev.  John  Miller,  Matthew  Wil- 
son, Alexander  Huston. 


424  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1772. 

From  New  Castle  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Robert  Smith,  William  IMcKennan, 
Joseph  Montgomery,  Joseph  Smith,  James  Finley,  William  Foster,  Josiah 
Lewis. 

From  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Richard  Treat,  James 
Sproat,  John  Brainerd,  Andrew  Hunter,  James  Boyd,  Enoch  Green,  James 
Watt. 

From  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery:  The  Rev.  Dr.  Alison,  John 
Ewing,  John  Simonton. 

From  the  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  William  Tennent,  Elihu 
Spencer,  John  Rosborough. 

From  the  New  York  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Azariah  Horton,  Timothy 
Jones,  Jonathan  Elmer,  Alexander  McWhorter,  James  Caldwell,  Joseph  Treat, 
Azel  Roe. 

From  the  Suffolk  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  William  Mills. 

From  the  Dutchess  county  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Chauncey  Graham. 

Elders:  Messrs.  James  Pearse,  George  Craighead,  John  Bayard,  John  Wil- 
son, William  Sterrett,  Joseph  Wilday,  John  Johnston,  Robert  Ogden,  Aaron 
Mattison,  Ralph  Hunt. 

Ministers  absent :  Donegal  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Samuel  Thompson,  John 
Hogg,  Amos  Thompson,  John  Slemmons,  James  Long,  John  King,  Hugh 
Vance,  George  Dufl&eld,  John  Craighead. 

Lewestown  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Jacob  Kerr. 

New  Castle  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  John  Clark,  Alexander  McDowell, 
John  Carmichael,  Sampson  Smith,  John  McCreary,  James  Latta,  John  Wood- 
hull. 

First  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Nehemiah  Greenman,  Benjamin 
Chesnutt,  Charles  Beatty,  Alexander  Mitchell. 

Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  John  Elder,  Joseph  Tate,  John 
Steel,  Patrick  Alison,  Robert  McMordie. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Charles  McKnight, 
Thomas  Smith,  John  Guild,  James  Lyon,  Job  Prudden,  Jeremiah  Halsey, 
Alexander  McClean,  Israel  Reed,  John  Hannah. 

New  York  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Simon  Horton,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Jacob  Green, 
John  MofFatt,  Aaron  Richards,  John  Darby,  Hugh  Knox,  Benjamin  Halt, 
Benjamin  Woodrufi",  Thomas  Lewis,  Nathan  Kerr,  Abner  Brush,  Francis  Pep- 
pard,  William  Woodhull,  Jedidiah  Chapman,  Samuel  Sacket,  Alexander  Miller, 
Oliver  Deeming,  Jonathan  Murdock. 

Suffolk  county  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Ebenezer  Prime,  Sylvanus  White, 
James  Brown,  Samuel  Buel,  Benjamin  Talmage,  Benjamin  Goldsmith,  John 
Close,  Elam  Potter,  Sampson  Occum,  Joshua  Hart. 

Dutchess  county  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Elisha  Kent,  Samuel  Dunlap,  Ben- 
jamin Strong,  Solomon  Mead,  Eliphalet  Ball,  Wheeler  Case,  Ichabod  Lewis, 
Samuel  Mills. 

The  whole  Presbytery  of  Hanover. 

And  the  whole  Presbytery  of  Orange  in  North  Carolina. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  a  sermon  from  Luke  xvii.  26,  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
McWhorter,  the  last  year's  moderator  being  dead. 

Mr.  Joseph  Treat  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Messrs.  Spencer  and  Caldwell 
clerks. 

The  reasons  given  by  Messrs  Jones,  Joseph  Treat,  Elmore,  Rosborough, 
Enoch  Green,  Watt,  Finley,  Wilson,  Houston,  Hunt,  Mills,  and  Graham,  for 
their  absence  last  year,  were  sustained. 

The  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery  report,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  William  Ramsey 
hath  been  removed  by  death,  November  5th,  1771. 

The  New  Castle  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  since  last  Synod, 


1772.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  425 

Messrs.  Thomas  Road,  James  Wilson,  James  Anderson,  who  being  present  took 
their  seats ;  and  that  they  have  deposed  Mr.  John  Beard. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  William 
Schank,  and  Mr.  Jacob  Vanarsdalen,  since  the  last  Synod,  who,  being  present, 
took  their  seats ;  also,  that  they  have  received  the  Rev.  Mr.  Alexander  McClean, 
recommended  to  them  from  Scotland. 

Donegal  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  since  last  Synod,  Mr. 
Hugh  Vance,  and  licensed  Mr.  William  Tom. 

New  York  Presbytery  report,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Blair  hath  been  re- 
moved by  death,  December  8th,  1771 ;  and  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  Amzi 
Lewis  since  the  last  Synod. 

Suffolk  Presbytery  report,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nehemiah  Barker  was  removed 
by  death,  March  the  10th,  1772;  and  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  Joshua 
Hart,  and  licensed  Mr.  John  lilydenburgh  since  last  Synod. 

Second  Philadelphia  IVesbytcry  report,  that  they  have  licensed  to  preach  as 
a  candidate,  Mr.  John  McClean. 

Dutchess  County  report,  they  have  licensed  Mr.  David  Close  to  preach  as  a 
candidate ;  and  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Smith  was  removed  by  death,  more 
than  a  year  ago ;  and  have  received  the  Rev.  Mr.  Benjamin  Strong,  from  the 
Western  Association  of  Fairfield  county. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Israel  Read,  John  Elder,  Joseph  Tate,  and  John  Craig- 
head, are  now  come,  and  gave  sufficient  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner. 
Also,  Mr.  Thomas  Walter,  Mr.  Simonton's  elder,  Mr.  Robert  Finney,  Mr. 
James  Wilson's  elder,  and  Mr.  Philip  Tanner,  Mr.  Finley's  elder,  are  now 
come. 

Messrs.  John  Roan,  Huston,  Foster,  Sproat,  Tate,  Vanarsdalen,  Elmer, 
Mills,  and  Graham,  ministers,  Messrs.  Philip  Tanner,  Mattison,  George 
Craighead,  and  Finney,  elders,  are  appointed  the  committee  of  overtures,  to 
meet  here  to-morrow  morning,  at  six  o'clock,  and  as  often  afterwards,  by  ad- 
journment, as  may  be  necessary. 

Messrs.  Matthew  Wilson  and  Montgomery  are  appointed  a  committee  to 
examine  the  Presbytery  book  of  Donegal. 

Messrs.  Ewing  and  Sproat  to  examine  the  book  of  the  Lewestown  Pres- 
bytery. 

Messrs.  McWhorter  and  Robert  Smith  to  examine  the  book  of  the  first  Phi- 
ladelphia Presbytery. 

Messrs.  Strain  and  Roe  to  examine  the  book  of  the  second  Philadelphia 
Presbytery. 

The  books  of  the  other  Presbyteries  are  not  brought  to  Synod. 

The  Synod  appoint  as  their  commission  for  the  ensuing  year  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  Richard  Treat,  James  Sproat,  Dr.  Alison,  John  Ewing,  Elihu  Spen- 
cer, William  Tennent,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Alexander  McWhorter,  William  Mills, 
John  Close,  Solomon  Mead,  Ichabod  Lewis,  Robert  Smith,  Joseph  Montgo- 
mery, Matthew  Wilson,  John  Miller,  George  Duffield,  John  Roan,  with  the 
moderator,  and  Robert  Ogden,  John  Bayard,  John  Johnson,  Aaron  Mattison, 
elders,  thirteen  of  whom  to  be  a  quorum ;  but  if  the  moderator  should  die,  or 
be  absent,  the  fii-st  in  order  in  the  minute  shall  have  power  to  call  the  commis- 
sion and  preside. 

The  Presbyteries  of  New  Brunswick  and  Suffolk  report,  they  have  complied 
with  the  order  of  last  Synod  by  endeavouring  to  execute  the  plan  of  the  lay 
elders,  &c. 

The  committee  appointed  to  dispose  of  money  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer 
of  New  Jersey  College,  for  the  education  of  pious  youth,  report,  that  they  met 
and  disposed  of  all  the  money  due  October  last,  except  thirteen  pounds. 

Messrs.  James  Finley,  Sampson  Smith,  Schank,  Elam  Potter,  John  Mc- 
64 


426  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1772. 

Creary,  fulfilled  their  appointments  for  supplies.  Mr.  Joseph  Smitli  was  sick, 
and  could  not  fulfil  his. 

Inquiry  was  made  how  far  the  several  Presbyteries  executed  the  plan  recom- 
mended to  them  last  year  for  raising  money  to  educate  pious  youth  for  the 
ministry ;  and  it  appeared  some  Presbyteries  had  complied  with  the  recommen- 
dation, and  others  had  not.  It  is  again  earnestly  recommended  to  the  several 
Presbyteries  to  take  the  most  convenient  and  expeditious  methods  to  raise  mo- 
ney for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  and  be  ready  to  render  an  account  to  the  next 
Synod  what  they  have  done. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


21st  dai/,  nine  o'chcTe    A.  M.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(With  the  Rev.  Messrs.  George  Duffield,  Patrick  Alison,  Jeremiah  Halsey, 
John  Hannah,  Thomas  Smith,  John  Woodhull:  and  John  Boyd,  William 
Clingan,  William  Patterson,  James  Lindsay,  David  Watson,  elders.) 

The  Presbytery  book  of  New  Brunswick  is  brought  in,  Messrs.  Jones  and 
Elmer  are  appointed  to  examine  it. 

Messrs.  Dufiield,  Thomas  Smith,  and  Hannah,  their  reasons  for  absence  the 
two  last  years  sustained. 

Mr.  Halsey  is  now  come,  and  his  reason  for  not  coming  sooner  is  sus- 
tained. 

The  Synod  appoint  as  a  committee  for  the  present  year  to  dispose  of  the 
money  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  New  Jersey  College,  for  the  education 
of  pious  youth,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Witherspoon,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  William  Ten- 
nent  John  Guild,  Ewing,  Elihu  Spencer,  James  Caldwell,  Jeremiah  Halsey, 
and  Israel  Reed,  to  attend  at  New  Jersey  College  the  third  Wednesday  of 
August  next. 

The  Synod  taking  into  their  serious  consideration  the  low  state  of  vital  and 
practical  religion,  the  great  prevalence  of  vice  and  infidelity  in  this  land  in 
general  and  the  manifold  dispensations  of  Divine  Providence  which  appear  at 
this  time,  loudly  to  call  for  her  deep  repentance  and  humiliation  before  God, 
do  recommend  it  in  the  most  earnest  manner  to  every  Presbytery  under  their 
care  to  observe  the  first  Thursday  in  August  next,  as  a  day  of  public  fasting 
and  prayer,  excepting  such  Presbyteries,  or  congregations,  as  may  find  an  in- 
convenience in  observing  that  day,  in  which  case  it  is  recommended  that  they 
appoint  another  day  for  the  same  purpose,  as  they  judge  convenient,  hoping 
that  a  gracious  God  may  hear  the  united  supplications  of  his  people,  and  return 
again  to  visit  this  land  with  his  fatherly  blessings. 

And  the  Synod  for  the  future  recommend  to  their  several  Presbyteries  to 
agree  upon  days  to  be  observed  annually  through  their  bounds,  for  public 
thanksgiving,  or  fasting  and  prayer,  as  the  dispensations  of  Divine  Providence 
may  require. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  General  Convention  were  laid  before  the  Synod, 
which  were  read ;  and  as  the  next  General  Convention  is  to  meet  at  Eliza- 
bethtown  the  fourth  Wednesday  in  September  next,  the  Synod  appoint  as  dele- 
gates to  attend  upon  that  occasion,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  George  Duffield,  James 
Hunt,  John  Miller,  Joseph  Montgomery,  William  Foster,  John  Carmichael, 
Richard  Treat,  James  Sproat,  John  Brainerd,  Dr.  Francis  Alison,  John  Ewing, 
Dr.  John  Witherspoon,  William  Tennent,  Elihu  Spencer,  Jeremiah  Halsey, 
Dr.  John  Rodgers,  Alexander  McWhorter,  James  Caldwell,  Joseph  Treat,  Wil- 
liam Mills,  John  Close,  Samuel  Mills,  Ichabod  Lewis. 

The  Synod  entered  upon  the  consideration  of  the  business  and  powers  of  the 


1772.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  427 

commission  of  Synod,  and  after  considcraLlc  discourse  upon  the  subject,  they 
appointed  iMessrs.  Ewiug  and  jNIontgomery  to  draw  up  an  overture,  and  lay  it 
before  the  Synod  on  Saturday  morning. 

Messrs.  John  Steel,  Robert  IMcIMordic,  and  Benjamin  Chesnutt,  are  now 
come,  and  their  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner  are  sustained. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,   P.  M.      The   Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  case  referred  to  this  Synod  by  the  last,  respecting  marriage,  came  to  be 
considered,  and  after  some  time  spent  in  the  affair,  it  was  deferred  till  to-mor- 
row morning,  and  Messrs.  McWhorter,  Strain,  Matthew  Wilson,  and  George 
Duifield,  are  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  a  minute  on  the  case,  and  bring 
it  in  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

22d  day,  nine  o^ clock,  A.   M.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

("With  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Benjamin  Woodruff,  John  Close,  Hugh  Vance,  and 
John  Slemmons,  who  gave  sufficient  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner ;  also  Mr. 
Thomas  Woodruff,  an  elder.) 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday  upon  the  case  respecting  marriage, 
brought  in  a  minute,  which  after  being  corrected  was  approved,  and  is  as 
follows : 

"After  mature  deliberation,  the  Synod  declare  their  great  dissatisfaction 
with  all  such  marriages  as  are  inconsistent  with  the  Lcvitical  law,  which  in 
cases  matrimonial  we  understand  is  the  law  of  our  nation,  and  that  persons  in- 
termarrying in  these  prohibited  degrees,  are  not  only  punishable  by  the  laws  of 
the  country,  but  ought  to  suffer  the  censures  of  the  church ;  and  further  judge, 
though  the  present  case  is  not  a  direct  violation  of  the  express  words  of  the 
Levitical  law,  yet  as  it  is  contrary  to  the  custom  of  protestant  nations  in  gen- 
eral, and  an  evidence  of  great  untenderness,  and  so  opposite  to  such  precepts 
of  the  gospel,  as  require  Christians  to  avoid  things  of  ill  report  and  all  ap- 
pearance of  evil,  and  what  is  offensive  to  the  church,  that  the  persons  referred 
to  in  this  instance  ought  to  be  rebuked  by  the  church  session,  and  others  warned 
against  such  offensive  conduct,  and  in  case  these  persons  submit  to  such  rebuke 
and  are  in  other  respects  regular  professors,  that  they  be  not  debarred  of  Chris- 
tian privileges." 

And  Mr.  Hunter  is  ordered  to  read  this  minute  publicly  in  his  congregation, 
where  the  persons  live  referred  to  in  the  above  case. 

The  Synod  order  every  Presbytery  to  procure  copies  of  the  regulations  and 
terms  of  admission  into  the  widows'  fund,  entered  upon  our  minutes  last  year, 
and  to  enter  them  upon,  their  Presbytery  books,  and  read  them  to  every  new 
member  which  shall  be  admitted  into  the  Presbytery. 

The  Synod  appoint  for  their  committee  to  dispose  of  money  in  the  hands  of 
the  corporation  for  the  widows'  fund,  Messrs.  Spencer,  McWhorter,  Montgo- 
mery, Sproat,  and  Caldwell,  to  meet  when  and  at  such  times  as  they  may  judge 
convenient. 

JMr.  Brainerd's  Indian  school  appears  to  have  been  successfully  continued  since 
our  last  Synod,  six  months,  for  which  it  is  agreed  to  allow  him  fifteen  pounds. 
And  we  further  desire  him  to  continue  the  school  this  year  at  the  expense  of 
the  Synod,  and  we  appoint  Messrs.  Spencer,  Hunter,  and  Green,  to  visit  the 
school  twice  before  nezt  Synod,  or  oftener  if  convenient. 


428  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1772. 

It  appeared  also  to  tbe  Synod,  that  Mr.  Brainerd  had  very  fully  complied 
with  tbe  order  of  last  Synod  in  supplying  the  numerous  vacancies  in  his 
neighbourhood,  therefore  the  treasurer,  agreeably  to  the  order  of  last  year,  is 
directed  to  pay  him  twenty  pounds.  Ordered  also,  that  Mr.  Brainerd  receive 
for  the  ensuing  year  the  sum  of  eighteen  pounds,  being  the  interest  of  the  mo- 
ney in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey  for  the  support 
of  an  Indian  mission. 

The  Synod  finding  the  money  collected  some  years  ago  for  defraying  the  ex- 
pense attending  the  missions  appointed  on  our  frontiers,  is  nearly  expended, 
agree  to  have  a  collection  this  year  through  their  bounds  upon  the  same  plan 
with  the  former.  And  as  it  is  judged  it  might  be  useful  to  extend  this  public 
charity  to  purchase  such  religious  books  as  the  Synod  may  approve  of,  to  be 
given  to  poor  congregations ;  the  following  members  are  appointed  to  consider 
this  matter,  and  bring  in  an  overture  to  be  subjected  to  the  Synod  as  soon  as 
they  conveniently  can,  viz  :  Messrs.  McWhorter,  Montgomery,  and  Ogden. 

Mr.  Greorge  Brown,  Mr.  Dumeld's  elder,  is  now  come. 

Ordered,  That  the  several  Presbyteries  be  ready  on  Monday  morning  to  ren- 
der an  account  of  subscriptions  obtained  for  New  Jersey  college,  agreeably  to 
the  order  of  last  year. 

The  minutes  were  called  for  from  the  committee  of  overtures. 

A  petition  was  presented  from  Mr.  Samuel  Eakin,  praying  to  have  the  sus- 
pension from  the  exercise  of  his  ministry,  which  was  laid  upon  him  by  the 
last  Synod,  taken  off.  The  consideration  of  the  petition  is  deferred  till  the 
afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three   dcloch,  P.   M.      The   Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Lhi 
post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(With  Dr.  Witherspoon  and  Mr.  Alexander  McDowell.) 

The  consideration  of  Mr.  Eakin's  petition  was  resumed,  and  after  much  de- 
liberation upon  it,  and  every  member  being  required  to  speak  in  the  order  of 
the  roll,  the  final  discussion  of  it  was  deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2Sd  day,  nine  o'clock.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  Ewing  and  Montgomery,  agreeably  to  order,  brought  in  an  overture 
to  state  the  business  and  powers  of  the  commission  of  Synod,  which  was  con- 
sidered, and  upon  a  vote  was  rejected. 

The  consideration  of  Mr.  Eakin's  petition  resumed;  and  after  mature  deli- 
beration, it  was  voted  and  carried  by  a  large  majority,  that  he  should  be  re- 
stored to  the  work  of  the  ministry  for  one  year,  under  the  particular  care  of 
the  New  Castle  Presbytery ;  and  Mr.  McDowell  is  appointed  to  give  him  a 
solemn  exhortation  with  respect  to  his  future  conduct. 

Mr.  Eakin  was  called  in,  and  having  received  the  exhortation,  takes  his  seat 
as  a  member  of  Synod. 

The  treasurer  for  the  Synod  laid  his  accounts  before  us,  which  were  ap- 
proved, and  there  appeared  to  be  a  balance  in  his  hands  of  forty-one  pounds, 
thirteen  shillings  and  eleven  pence  half  penny,  and  he  is  ordered  to  print  two 
hundred  copies  of  said  account. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1772.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  429 

Three  dclocJe,   P.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  Messrs.  Craighead,  Matthew  Wilson,  Joseph  Smith,  Anderson, 
Latta,  Kichard  Treat,  Boyd,  Spencer,  Woodruff,  and  IMilLs,  with  the  mode- 
rator, -who  had  leave  of  absence,  and  Mr.  McWhorter  was  desired  to  take  the 
chair.) 

A  petition  came  in  by  the  committee  of  overtures  from  Mr.  John  Beard, 
praying  a  relief  from  the  judgment  of  the  New  Castle  Presbytery,  whereby  he 
was  deposed  from  the  exercise  of  the  gospel  ministry,  in  which  he  desires  the 
Synod  would  consider  the  matter,  though  he  cannot  be  present.  Mr.  Beard's 
petition  and  other  papers  which  he  desired  to  be  communicated  were  read,  also 
the  minutes  of  the  Presbytery,  respecting  his  trial;  and  after  hearing  the 
Presbytery,  and  duly  considering  the  petition,  we  do  unanimously  approve  of 
the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery. 

A  reference  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  inquiring  whether  marrying 
by  license  be  lawful,  was  brought  in  and  read,  which  was  dismissed. 

Adjom-ned  till  nine  o'clock,  Monday  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

25th  day,  nine  o'clock.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(With  the  Rev.  Jacob  Kerr,  who  is  now  come  and  gave  reasons,  which 
were  sustained,  for  not  coming  sooner,  and  for  his  absence  for  several  yeara 
past.) 

The  committee  appointed  last  Friday  to  draw  up  an  overture  with  respect  to 
the  general  collection  and  the  distribution  of  books,  brought  one  in,  which  after 
correction  is  as  follows  : 

"  1.  That  the  Synod  recommend  a  general  collection  in  all  the  churches 
under  their  care. 

"  2.  That  the  Synod  write  a  pastoral  letter,  in  which  they  shall  return 
thanks  to  their  several  congregations  for  their  former  generosity,  and  solicit 
their  future  favours. 

"  3.  That  the  Synod  particularly  desire  the  charity  of  the  public  for  those 
purposes,  viz  :  For  defraying  the  expenses  of  sending  missionaries  to  the  fron- 
tiers, and  such  other  places  as  are  unable  to  support  the  gospel ;  for  purchasing 
useful  books  to  distribute  in  said  places  under  the  direction  of  committees  to  be 
appointed  for  that  purpose ;  for  propagating  Christian  knowledge  among  the 
Indians;  and  for  such  other  pious  uses  as  may  occur  from  time  to  time." 

The  following  books  were  proposed  and  agreed  to  be  procured  and  distri- 
buted, viz :  Bibles,  Westminster  Confessions  of  Faith,  small  edition  of  Vin- 
cent's Catechism,  Doddridge's  Rise  and  Progress  of  Religion,  A  Compassionate 
Address  to  the  Christian  World,  AUein's  Alarm  to  the  Unconverted,  Dr.  Watts's 
Divine  Songs  for  Children,  and  the  Assembly's  Catechism. 

And  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  and  distributing  those  books  we  appoint 
for  a  committee  at  Philadelphia,  Dr.  Alison,  Mr.  Sproat,  Mr.  Montgomery, 
Mr.  Bayard,  and  Mr.  Jonathan  Smith;  and  at  New  York,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Mr. 
Treat.  Mr.  McWhorter,  Mr.  Caldwell,  Mr.  V.  B.  Livingston,  and  Mr.  Robert 
Ogden.  And  the  committees  are  restricted  not  to  lay  out  this  year  above  ten 
pounds  pro.  currency  each  for  the  purposes  aforesaid.  But  if  any  well  disposed 
persons  will  send  the  committees  books  or  pamphlets  which  they  judge  will 
answer  the  intention  of  the  Synod  to  promote  Christian  knowledge,  they  are 
desired  to  distribute  these  also. 

The  committee  then  laid  before  us  the  draught  of  a  pastoral  letter,  which,  as 
corrected,  was  approved,  and  is  as  follows : 


430  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1772. 

"  Dearly  Beloved — ^We  take  this  method  in  our  public  capacity  as  convened 
in  the  general  Synod,  to  return  you  our  thanks  for  the  readiness  with  which 
you  concurred  in  our  application  to  you  in  the  year  1766,  for  the  pious  purposes 
then  mentioned,  and  we  trust  the  accounts  we  have'from  time  to  time  trans- 
mitted to  you  of  the  manner  in  which  your  contributions  were  laid  out,  and  the 
salutary  effects  which  arose  from  the  distribution  of  them,  have  not  failed  of  giv- 
ing you  due  satisfaction.  These  contributions  being  nearly  expended,  we  again 
solicit  your  charity,  not  only  for  the  important  purposes  before  mentioned,  but 
for  the  further  design  of  purchasing  and  distributing  religious  books  in  such 
places,  and  among  such  people,  as  are  destitute  of  the  ordinary  means  of  instruc- 
tion by  the  regular  preaching  of  the  gospel.  We  apprehend  little  need  be  said 
to  recommend  this  last  object  to  your  countenance.  The  sviecess  which  hath 
attended  schemes  of  the  same  kind  for  spreading  Christian  knowledge  in  other 
parts  of  the  world,  and  the  very  peculiar  state  of  some  parts  of  our  country  and 
the  poor  people  under  our  care,  render  this  undertaking  at  the  present  juncture 
both  promising  and  necessary. ' 

"  We  think  it  our  duty,  at  the  same  time,  to  call  upon  you  to  bewail  the  de- 
clension of  vital  religion ;  and  while  we  remind  you  of  your  many  civil  and  re- 
ligious privileges — of  the  blessings  of  peace  and  ample  security  in  the  posses- 
sion of  all  the  sacred  rights  of  conscience,  together  with  the  faithful  ministry 
of  the  gospel,  which  you  have  long  enjoyed,  we  earnestly  pray  that  you  would 
not  provoke  God  to  deprive  you  of  them,  but  to  take  warning  by  the  judg- 
ments which  he  inflicted  upon  his  unfruitful  churches  of  Asia,  Africa,  and 
Kome,  lest  he  remove  your  candlesticks  out  of  their  places.  We  therefore  re- 
commend to  you  frequent  and  fervent  addresses  to  the  throne  of  Almighty  God 
for  the  Holy  Spirit  to  be  sent  down  upon  his  churches.  This  alone  will  lead 
you  in  the  way  of  truth  and  life,  and  render  our  labours  for  your  comfort  and 
edification  effectual. 

"  We  recommend  likewise  a  steadfast  regard  to  the  pure  and  simple  doctrines 
of  the  gospel,  which  have  been  the  powerful  means  in  all  ages  of  enlightening 
and  reforming  the  world.  And  therefore  we  earnestly  beseech  you  not  to  be 
carried  away  by  any  opinions,  however  specious,  which  are  not  founded  upon 
the  Scriptures,  but  in  all  things  which  relate  to  doctrine  and  practice  to  be 
strictly  guided  by  those  sacred  oracles  of  truth. 

"  We  recommend  further,  that  you  would  cultivate  that  spirit  of  love  and 
Christian  union  among  one  another  which  is  so  frequently  enjoined  by  the  gos- 
pel of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  it  may  appear  to  the  world  that  you  are  not 
only  one  body,  but  of  one  mind.  We  exhort  you  in  a  particular  manner  to 
diligence  and  faithfulness  in  instructing  your  children  and  servants  in  the  doc- 
trine of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  an  excellent  summary  of  which  is  contained  in  the 
Westminster  Confession  of  Faith,  larger  and  lesser  catechisms. 

"  In  the  last  place,  we  recommend  to  you  a  punctual  attendance  upon  all  the 
public  ordinances  of  religion,  and  earnestly  request  that  you  would  strive  to 
promote  that  regard  for  the  Sabbath — that  reverence  for  the  holy  name  of  God 
— that  temperance,  sobriety,  chastity,  charity,  humility,  decency,  and  universal 
benevolence  and  love,  which  are  so  essential  to  Christianity,  and  so  strongly 
inculcated  in  every  part  of  the  word  of  God.  Finally,  brethren,  pray  for  us, 
be  perfect,  be  of  good  comfort,  be  of  one  mind,  live  in  peace,  and  the  God  of 
love  and  peace  shall  be  with  you." 

Mr.  IMontgoraery  is  desired  to  have  three  hundred  copies  of  this  letter  printed 
and  given  to  the  several  Presbyteries  before  the  Synod  breaks  up. 

Mrs.  Jane  Tennent  brought  in  an  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  the  first  Phila- 
delphia Presbytery,  which  was  read,  and  after  hearing  her  and  the  Presbytery, 
the  Synod  confirm  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery.  And  further  judge,  that 
however  deficient  the  certificate  was  which  was  given  to  the  said  Mrs.  Tennent 


1772.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  431 

by  the  session  of  the  second  Presbyterian  Church  in  Philadelphia,  yet  if  she 
produces  sufficient  ccrtificutes  from  the  other  places  where  she  has  resided  since 
her  marriage  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Charles  Tennent,  at  which  time  she  removed 
from  the  church  in  Philadelphia,  that  then  she  maybe  received  into  communion 
with  the  church  where  she  resides. 

Adjourned  till  three  clock,  P.  IM.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.     The  Si/nod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Postpreces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

With  the  members  who  had  leave  of  absence  on  Saturday  last,  who  are  now 
returned,  aud  Mr.  Treat  agaiu  took  the  chair. 

Mr.  llobert  Finney  and  William  Clingan  have  leave  of  absence. 

An  appeal  was  brought  in  by  the  third  Presbyterian  Church  in  Philadel- 
phia, from  a  judgment  of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  which,  with  the 
judgment  of  the  Presbytery,  was  read,  and  after  the  Presbytery  was  heard  in 
part, 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.      Concluded  with  prayer. 

26^^  da?/,  nine  o'clock,  the  S>/nod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Postpreces 
sederunt  qui  siq)ra. 

Ordered,  To  proceed  in  hearing  the  appeal  entered  upon  yesterday. 
The  Presbytery  proceeded  further  in  the  defence  of  their  judgment,  and  after 
both  parties  were  fully  heard,  the  Synod  adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 
Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  consideration  of  the  appeal  resumed ;  and  after  much  deliberation  upon 
the  subject,  it  was  voted,  affirm  or  reverse  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery,  and 
it  was  carried  reverse,  by  a  large  majority. 

Mr.  McDowell,  Mr.  Matthew  Wilson,  Mr.  Miller,  and  Mr.  Latta,  desired 
liberty  to  enter  their  dissent  from  the  judgment,  which  was  granted,  and  they 
are  to  bring  in  their  reasons  to-morrow  morning.  It  was  then  voted,  whether 
the  third  Presbyterian  congregation  of  Philadelphia  have  liberty  to  prosecute 
their  call  for  Mr.  Duffield,  before  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal,  which  was  carried 
by  a  large  majority  that  they  have. 

Mr.  Chauncy  Graham  and  Mr.  Eakin  have  liberty  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o'clock. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

27^^  dai/,  nine  o'clock,   the   Si/nod   met   according  to  adjournment.     Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

With  the  Rev.  Mr.  Charles  McKnight,  who  gave  sufficient  reasons  for  not 
coming  sooner. 

An  appeal  was  brought  in  by  the  congregation  of  St.  George's  and  the  Forest, 
from  a  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  August  last,  which  affected 
said  congregations.  After  the  parties  were  fully  heard,  and  withdrawn,  and 
the  Synod  had  maturely  deliberated  upon  the  affair,  it  was  moved  that  a  com- 
mittee be  appointed  to  draw  up  a  minute  to  express  the  sense  of  the  Synod 
relative  to  the  whole  matter.  It  was  also  moved  that  it  be  voted,  reverse  or 
affirm  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery.  The  previous  question  was  then  put, 
which  of  these  should  be  the  state  of  the  vote,  and  the  former  was  carried,  and 


432  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1772. 

accordingly  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  McWtorter,  and  Mr.  Bayard,  were  appointed  a 
committee  for  that  purpose. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  ddoch,  P.  M.  ilie  Synod  met  aecording  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Petitions  were  presented  for  supplies ;  one  in  behalf  of  Long  Canes,  Rocky 
Creek,  and  places  adjacent,  in  South  Carolina;  another  from  the  inhabitants 
near  Monongahela  and  Youghiogeny ;  another  from  the  Forks  of  James  River, 
Virginia,  and  one  from  the  head  of  Christina  Creek,  for  supplies  in  the  absence 
of  Mr.  McCreary,  who  was  sent  to  Carolina  by  the  Synod,  and  by  sickness  is 
prevented  returning. 

Mr.  George  Craighead  had  leave  to  go  home. 

A  call  was  put  into  the  Synod  from  the  Long  Canes,  for  Mr.  Joseph  Smith, 
which  was  given  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  to  present  to  him. 

Mr.  Elmer  was  proposed  for  the  southern  mission,  and  he  chose  to  consider 
of  it  till  to-morrow. 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegal  are  appointed  to  send  either  Mr.  Craighead  or 
Mr.  King,  to  Moriongahela,  and  places  adjacent,  to  supply  as  long  as  they  con- 
veniently can. 

Mr.  Robert  McMordie  is  appointed  to  Virginia,  and  the  Carolinas,  for  six 
months. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  inform  the  Synod,  it  is  probable  they  will 
have  a  candidate  this  summer,  who  they  think  may  conveniently  spend  some 
time  at  Monongahela,  and  places  adjacent,  and  the  Forks  of  James'  River. 
The  Presbytery  is  ordered,  if  that  should  be  the  case,  to  send  him  to  those 
places. 

Mr.  Sampson  Smith  is  appointed  to  supply  two  months  on  the  South  Branch 
of  Potomac. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  are  directed  to  appoint  the  above  candidate 
two  months  at  the  Forks  of  James'  River. 

The  fii-st  Philadelphia  Presbytery  inform  us,  it  is  probable  they  will  have  two 
candidates  whom  they  can  send  this  summer  to  Virginia  and  the  Carolinas. 
The  Presbytery  is  ordered,  accordingly,  to  send  them  as  soon  as  they  judge  it 
expedient. 

The  Rev.  Joshua  Hart,  of  Suffolk  Presbytery,  is  appointed  to  Virginia  and 
the  Carolinas,  for  six  months,  and  as  much  longer  as  he  can  conveniently. 

A  remonstrance  from  the  first  Presbyterian  Church  in  Philadelphia,  relating 
to  the  judgment  of  the  Synod  passed  yesterday  with  respect  to  the  appeal  from 
the  third  Presbyterian  Church,  was  brought  in  and  read,  and  ordered  a  second 
reading  to-morrow  morning. 

A  petition  was  presented  by  Mr.  Robert  Taylor,  signed  by  sundry  members 
of  Cedar  Spring  and  Tuscarora  congregations,  praying  that  those  congregations 
should  be  set  off  from  under  the  care  of  Donegal  Presbytery,  and  put  under 
some  other.  And  after  due  consideration,  the  prayer  of  the  petition  was  denied, 
by  a  nearly  unanimous  vote. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

28/7i  day,  nine  dclocle.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post 
joreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Excepting  Mr.  Schank,  who  went  home  without  asking  liberty.) 
Mr.  Elmer  informs  the  Synod  he  is  still  unable  to  determine  with  any  cer- 
tainty whether  he  can  undertake  the  southern  mission,  but  engages  to  go  if 


1772.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  433 

he  can  make  it  convenient,  and  he  is  accordingly  appointed  if  that  should  be 
the  case. 

Messrs.  McDowell,  Matthew  Wilson,  and  Latta,  brought  in  the  reasons  of 
their  dissent  from  the  judgment,  with  respect  to  the  third  Presbyterian  Church 
in  this  city,  which  arc  as  follows  : 

"We  enter  our  dissent  from  the  two  votes  of  the  Synod,  reversing  the  judg- 
ment of  the  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  and  giving  a  liberty  to  the  peo- 
ple, who  call  themselves  the  congregation  of  Pine-street,  to  prosecute  a  call  in 
the  Presbytery  of  Donegal,  for   these  reasons  following,  among  others : 

"  1.  Because  we  apprehend  that  a  vote  forwarding  a  call  to  any  minister  of 
the  gospel,  without  any  concurrence  of  the  eldership,  and  much  more  in  oppo- 
sition to  their  solemn  caution,  a  call  that  was  voted  when  not  half  the  people 
of  Pine-street  were  present,  the  session,  and  others,  in  the  mean  time  objecting 
against  it,  is  indeed  among  us  a  new  mode  of  proceeding,  that  might  introduce 
a  dangerous  precedent,  and  cause  anarchy  and  confusion,  and  occasion  endless 
appeals  from  turbulent  and  factious  parties  and  persons. 

'*2.  Because  the  votes  referred  to,  though  in  appearance  against  the  judg- 
ment of  Presbytery  only,  yet  take  in  and  decide  the  cause  of  the  commissioners 
of  Market-street  congregation,  without  giving  them  a  fair  hearing,  contrary  to 
assurance  from  the  Synod. 

"3.  Because  these  votes  do,  as  far  as  the  Synod  could,  destroy  a  solemn  and 
express  stipulation,  entered  in  the  united  congregation  of  Market  and  Pine 
street,  first  proposed  by  their  own  committee,  as  appears  by  their  records  before 
us,  then  prepared  with  deliberation,  and  publicly  read  in,  and  approved  by,  the 
congregation  convened  for  that  purpose,  on  notice  from  the  pulpit,  which  stipu- 
lation, whatever  was  pretended  to  the  contrary,  must  either  have  been  the  first, 
and  authentic,  or  superseded  whatever  was  before  it.  This  authentic  contract, 
we  apprehend,  it  is  not  in  the  power  of  the  Synod  either  to  dispense  with,  or 
violate.  This  strange  judgment  seemed  to  be  chiefly  founded  on  the  erroneous 
supposition  that  the  stipulations  gave  one  society  domination  over  the  other, 
■whereas  it  appears  to  be  agreed  that  the  ministers  of  both  houses  should  preach 
in  rotation,  and  be  equally  chosen  by  a  majority  of  both. 

''  4.  Because  these  votes  are  directly  the  reverse  of  what  the  Synod  judged 
in  a  similar  case  of  New  Castle  and  Christina  congregations,  where  the  diffi- 
culties were  not  so  great  as  in  the  present  case,  which  we  think  appears  evi- 
dently partial. 

''  5.  Because  the  votes  referred  to  were  hurried  on  precipitately,  and  in  a 
way  not  usual  hei-e,  occasioning  some  confusion,  and  plainly  calculated  to  stop 
further  reasoning,  when  the  greater  part  of  the  members  were  not  heard  on 
the  subject. 

"  6.  Finally,  because  these  votes  which  we  dissent  from,  carried  in  such  a 
manner,  evidently  tend  to  injure  the  civil  property  of  the  people  of  Market- 
street  ;  to  take  away  their  house,  which  they  evidently  begun  and  carried  on  at 
a  vast  expense,  without  any  reparation,  or  otherwise  force  them  into  lawsuits, 
kindle  the  flames  of  discord,  and  unnecessarily  destroy  the  peace  of  the  Presby- 
terian churches  in  this  city. 

Alexander  McDowell,  Matthew  Wilson,  James  Latta." 

And  Dr.  Witherspoon  and  Mr.  Richard  Treat  are  appointed  a  committee  to 
consider  those  reasons,  and  if  thought  necessary  to  draw  up  an  answer  to 
them,  to  be  laid  before  the  Synod. 

In  a  reference  to  the  above  paper  of  reasons  of  dissent,  the  Synod  observe 
that  although  their  brethren,  who  signed  that  paper,  have  a  right  to  ofier  their 
own  reasons  in  their  own  words,  yet  the  Synod  does  claim  it  as  their  privilege 
to  say,  that  the  brethren  have  proceeded  upon  a  mistaken  view  of  facts,  and 
have  misrepresented  the  same,  particularly  in  respect  to  the  dissolving  solemn 
65 


434  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1772. 

contracts,  and  determining  civil  property,  both  which  the  Synod  disavow,  and 
do  think  there  is  no  need  of  any  further  remark  thereupon. 

The  Presbytery  book  of  Lewestown  was  revised  and  approved. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  inform  the  Synod  they  have  two  candi- 
dates, Mr.  Simpson  and  Mr.  Wallace,  who  probably  can  go  to  Virginia  and  the 
Caroliuas,  in  the  fall.  The  Synod  accordingly  appoint  these  candidates  to  sup- 
ply six  months,  and  as  much  more  as  they  can  conveniently, 

Mr.  Simonton  has  leave  to  go  home. 

The  several  Presbyteries  were  called  to  render  an  account  agreeably  to  the 
order  of  last  year,  of  the  subscriptions  for  the  New  Jersey  College,  and  Mr. 
Halsey  was  appointed  to  receive  their  reports ;  but  finding  only  Donegal  and 
New  Brunswick  Presbyteries  were  prepared  to  render  them,  the  others  are  di- 
rected to  send  explicit  accounts,  according  to  the  order  of  last  year,  to  Mr. 
Halsey  before  September  next,  that  he  may  lay  the  whole  account  before  the 
trustees  of  said  college.  ^^ 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday  morning  to  draw  up  a  minute  with  re- 
spect to  the  appeal  of  the  Forest  congregation  from  a  judgment  of  the  New 
Castle  Presbytery,  brought  in  the  following,  which,  as  amended,  was  approyed, 
and  is  as  follows  : 

"  The  Synod  judge  that  the  Forest  congregation  have  an  u.ndoubted  right  to 
a  copy  of  whatever  papers  relate  to  their  congregational  affairs,  as  united  with 
St.  Gi-eorge's;  that  it  is  reasonable  the  people  of  St.  G-eorge's  should  adjust 
the  accounts  respecting  the  glebe  money,  with  the  Forest  congregation,  let 
them  know  their  dividend  thereof,  according  to  the  line  mentioned  in  their 
subscription  paper,  and  allow  them  their  share  of  all  the  advantages  that  have 
accrued  from  their  common  stock,  in  proportion  to  their  subscriptions  ;  never- 
theless the  money  to  continue  in  the  hands  of  the  present  trustees  until  the 
Forest  congregation  are  erected  into  a  separate  society,  and  have  a  minister 
settled  among  them ;  that  the  Forest  people  complete  the  line  as  agreed  to 
between  them  and  St.  G-eorge's ;  that  as  there  are  yet  some  of  the  Forest  peo- 
ple who  still  pay  rent  for  pews  at  St.  George's,  it  is  but  equitable  that  the 
members  of  the  latter,  possessing  pews  in  the  Forest  church,  should  do  the 
same  there,  in  order  that  the  Forest  people  may  be  able  to  ascertain  what  pro- 
portion they  should  have  of  a  minister's  labours  among  them,  while  they  con- 
tinue united  with  St.  George's.  And  if  there  arise  any  dispute  about  civil 
property,  the  Synod  recommend  it  to  them  to  choose  suitable  arbiters  to  settle 
the  same  between  them.  Upon  the  whole,  the  Synod  do  earnestly  recom- 
mend that  they  should  all  cultivate  the  strictest  harmony  with  each  other,  and 
study  the  things  that  make  for  peace  and  tend  to  promote  their  mutual 
edification." 

The  remonstrance  of  the  first  Presbyterian  church  in  this  city,  was  read  a 
second  time,  and  the  committee  who  brought  it  in  were  heard,  and  after  some 
time  and  discourse  they  reduced  to  writing  their  request,  which  is  as  follows : 

"  The  members  of  Market  street  church  being  informed  that  the  reverend 
Synod  have  been  pleased  to  reverse  a  late  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  relating 
to  the  call  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Duffield  to  their  church  in  Pine  street,  by  which 
they  are  like  to  be  affected  in  some  of  their  most  important  interests,  desire  a 
clear  and  explicit  answer  in  writing  to  the  following  questions :  First,  whether 
they  are  to  understand  the  judgment  of  the  reverend  Synod,  touching  this  matter, 
to  be  final,  and  whether  the  members  of  said  church  are  hereby  precluded  from 
any  further  hearing  in  it.  Second  question,  whether  the  call  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Duffield  is  to  their  church  in  Pine  street  as  a  minister  to  officiate  in 
that  house,  and  whether  the  reverend  Synod  approve  of  his  being  called  to 
officiate  there." 

After  these  questions  were  duly  considered,  the  following  answer  was  voted : 


1772.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  435 

"  Grentlemen  :  I  am  ordered  by  the  Synod  to  signify  tliat  they  reckon  their 
minutes  a  sufficient  answer  to  both  the  within  questions,  and  they  recommend 
to  both  parties  if  they  have  any  disputes  upon  temporal  property,  not  to  go  to 
law,  but  to  refer  their  differences  to  the  decision  of  arbiters  mutually  chosen. 

"  Signed  by  the  clerk." 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


Three  o'chck.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.    Post  j^rcces  sede- 
runt qui  supra. 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegal  expressing  some  uneasiness  with  the  late  con- 
duet  of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  respecting  Mr.  Kennedy,  the  Synod 
agreed  to  hear  the  cause  by  way  of  free  conference,  and  all  parties  having  been 
fully  heard,  they  came  to  the  following  conclusion. 

That  as  Mr.  Kennedy  was  not  under  the  particular  care  of  any  Presbytery 
when  he  came  into  the  bounds  of  Donegal  Presbytery,  he  ought  while  he 
preached  there  to  have  been  under  their  care,  and  accountable  to  them  for  his 
conduct ;  that  the  uneasiness  with  the  conduct  of  the  second  Pliiladelphia  Pres- 
bytery, arose  for  want  of  a  proper  information  concerning  it,  and  that  Mr.  Ken- 
nedy 1)6  ordered  to  put  himself  immediately  under  the  care  of  the  Donegal 
Presbytery  until  they  shall  have  proper  time  to  hear  and  determine  any  com- 
plaints made  against  him  in  those  parts. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  expressing  some  uneasiness  at  the  conduct  of 
the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  for  having  received  and  licensed  a  certain 
Mr.  John  McClean,  who  they  apprehend  most  properly  belonged  to  the  Pres- 
bytery of  New  Castle,  and  had  applied  to  them  to  be  licensed ;  and  while  they 
were  taking  the  proper  steps  for  obtaining  more  full  satisfaction  concerning  his 
church  membership  and  Christian  character,  he,  in  the  mean  time,  removed 
from  them  and  applied  to  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  and  was  licensed 
by  them ;  both  the  Presbyteries  were  fully  heard  in  a  free  conference  on  this 
subject,  and  withdrew.  The  Synod,  after  mature  deliberation,  order  Mr. 
McClean  to  be  cited  before  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  with  power  to  them 
to  hear  the  charges  against  him  and  issue  the  affair  in  a  regular  manner, 
and  report  to  the  next  meeting  of  Synod.  And  the  Synod  do  prohibit  the 
second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  from  employing  him  to  preach  till  the  affair 
shall  be  concluded. 

A  petition  from  the  members  of  the  session  of  the  third  Presbyterian  church 
in  this  city,  asking  advice  of  this  Synod  with  respect  to  the  execution  of  their 
office,  in  consequence  of  the  judgment  of  the  [Synod  respecting  that  church, 
after  it  was  duly  considered  they  returned  the  following  answer,  viz  :  The 
Synod  advise  them  to  continue  to  act  as  elders,  but  in  case  they  cannot  consis- 
tently with  what  they  apprehend  to  be  their  duty,  continue  as  such,  and  act 
upon  the  decisions  of  Synod,  that  they  may  resign  their  office,  and  the  congre- 
gation proceed  to  choose  other  elders  who  may  have  freedom  to  act  according  to 
the  determinations  of  the  Synod. 

In  answer  to  the  petition  for  supplies  from  Christiana  and  White  Clay  creek, 
we  appoint  to  supply  there  Dr.  Alison  the  first  Sabbath  in  June,  Mr.  Hunter 
the  third ;  Mr.  Thomas  Read  the  first  Sabbath  in  July,  Mr.  Simontou  the 
third ;  Mr.  Green  the  first  Sabbath  in  August,  Mr.  Boyd  the  third,  and  Mr. 
John  Simpson  the  fifth. 

Overtured,  whether  the  state  of  the  Presbyteries  belonging  to  this  Synod  is 
such  as  contributes  most  to  the  interest  of  religion  and  the  honour  of  this  body. 
Deferred  till  next  year. 

Liberty  was   asked  for  ordaining  Mr.  Daniel  Jones,  whose  state  of  health 


436  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1773 

seems  to  make  it  necessary  he  should  take  a  voyage  to  sea ;  this  was  referred  to 
the  Presbytery  to  which  he  belongs. 

Answers  to  several  questions  proposed  by  a  committee  of  the  Synod  to  the 
Associate  Presbytery  were  brought  in ;  but  as  the  Synod  had  not  time  to  read 
them  they  refer  the  consideration  of  them  to  the  following  committee,  Dr. 
Witherspoon,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Messrs.  McWhorter,  Joseph  Treat,  William  Mills, 
Caldwell,  and  Halsey,  who  are  to  meet  the  sixteenth  of  June  at  Elizabeth- 
town. 

Mr.  Sproat  is  appointed  stated  clerk  to  the  Synod,  to  transcribe  the  minutes 
and  preserve  the  papers  belonging  to  it,  who  is  ordered  to  give  proper  certifi- 
cates to  those  appointed  upon  distant  missions. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  May  next,  to  meet  in  the  first  Pres- 
byterian church  in  this  city,  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

V 

1773. 

Philadelphia,  May  19th,  1773. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Ubi  post  preces  sederunt 

From  the  Dutchess  county  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Ichabod  Lewis. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  New  York :  The  Rev.  Azariah  Horton,  Alexander 
McWhorter,  James  Caldwell,  Joseph  Treat,  Aaron  Richards,  Benjamin  Halt, 
Jonathan  Murdoch,  Dr.  Rodgers. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  :  The  Rev.  Elihu  Spencer,  Jeremiah 
Halsey,  William  Schanck,  Jacob  Vanarsdalen,  and  Dr.  Witherspoon. 

From  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Richard  Treat,  James 
Sproat,  John  Brainerd,  Andrew  Hunter,  James  Boyd,  James  Watt,  Benjamin 
Chesnutt,  Alexander  Mitchell. 

From  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Dr.  Alison,  and  the  Rev.  John 
Ewing,  John  Simonton,  John  Elder,  Joseph  Tate,  and  Patrick  Alison. 

From  the  New  Castle  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Joseph  Montgomery,  William 
Foster,  James  Wilson,  James  Anderson,  Samuel  Eakin,  John  Carmichael,  James 
Latta. 

From  the  Lewestown  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  John  Miller. 

From  the  Donegal  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  John  Roan,  John  Strain,  John 
Craighead,  Hugh  Vance,  Robert  Cooper,  John  King. 

Elders  :  Messrs.  James  Edgar,  Thomas  Beard,  William  Clark,  Matthias  Boyd, 
George  Curry,  Benjamin  Branon,  John  McCalla,  Thomas  Reeve,  Abraham  Van- 
middlesworth,  John  Johnson,  James  Jackson,  AVilliam  Peartree  Smith,  Esq'r. 
Thomas  Waters,  Garret  Noel,  John  Smilie. 

Ministers  absent :  Of  Dutchess  county  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Chancey  Gra- 
ham, Elisha  Kent,  Samuel  Dunlap,  Benjamin  Strong,  Solomon  Mead,  Eliphalet 
Ball,  Wheeler  Case,  and  Samuel  Mills. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Timothy  Jones,  Jonathan  Elmer, 
Azel  Roe,  Benjamin  Woodruff,  Simon  Horton,  Jacob  Green,  John  Moffat, 
Hugh  Knox,  Thomas  Lewis,  Nathan  Kerr,  Abner  Brush,  William  Wood- 
hull,  Jedidiah  Chapman,  Samuel  Sacket,  Alexander  Miller,  Oliver  Deeming, 
Amzi  Lewis. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  William  Tennent,  John  Ros- 
borough,  Israel  Reed,  John  Hannah,  Thomas  Smith,  Charles  McKnight,  John 
Guild,  James  Lyon,  Job  Prudden,  Francis  Peppard. 

Of  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Enoch  Green,  Nehemiah  Green- 
man. 


1773.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PniLADELPIIIA.  437 

Of  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Robert  McMordie  and  John 
Steel. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Robert  Smith,  William  ISIcCannon, 
Joseph  Smith,  James  Finley,  Josiah  Lewis,  Thomas  Read,  John  Woudliull, 
Alexander  McDowell,  John  Clark,  Sampson  Smith,  John  jMcCrcary. 

Of  Lewestown  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Matthew  Wilson,  Alexander  Huston, 
Jacob  Kerr. 

Of  Donegal  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  James  Hunt,  John  Slcmmons,  Samuel 
Thomson,  Juhn  Ilofrtr,  Amos  Thomson,  James  Long. 

Absent,  the  whole  l*resbyteries  of  Hanover,  Orange,  and  Suflfolk  counties. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Joseph  Treat  opened  the  Synod  by  a  sermon  from  1  Cor. 
iv.  2. 

Mr.  Sproat  was  chosen  moderator,  Messrs.  Spencer  and  Caldwell  clerks. 

Dutchess  county  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  David  Close 
since  the  last  Synod. 

New  York  Presbytery  report,  Mr.  John  Darby  has  withdrawn  from  their 
Presbytery. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  report,  they  have  licensed  Mr.  Caleb  Wallace 
to  preach  as  a  candidate ;  and  that  Mr.  Alexander  McClane  is  dismissed  from 
them  and  removed  from  the  bounds  of  the  Synod. 

First  Philadelphia  Presbytery  report,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Charles  Beatty  was  re- 
moved by  death  on  the  thirteenth  of  August  last,  and  that  they  have  licensed 
to  preach  as  candidates  IMr.  Daniel  McCalla  and  Mr.  William  HoUingshead. 

The  Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  report,  they  have  received  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Hugh  McGill  from  Ireland.  But  it  being  objected  that  he  was  suspended 
fi.-om  his  ministry  in  Ireland  by  the  Associate  Presbytery,  of  which  he  had 
been  a  minister,  which  was  confessed  by  himself;  and  the  second  Philadelphia 
Presbytery  not  appearing  to  us  to  have  had  sufficient  evidence  of  the  grounds 
of  that  suspension,  thus  virtually  to  reverse  it,  nor  otherwise  to  have  received 
satisfactory  testimonials  in  his  favour,  the  Synod  therefore  reverse  that  part  of 
the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  by  which  he  was  received. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  report,  they  have  licensed  Messrs.  Samuel  Stan- 
hope Smith,  Nathaniel  Irwin,  Robert  Davidson,  Samuel  Dougal,  and  James 
Power. 

Donegal  Presbytery  report,  they  have  ordained  Mr.  William  Thorn  and 
licensed  Mr.  Thomas  McFerrin,  and  received  the  Rev.  Mr.  Robert  Huey  from 
the  Presbytery  of  Derry  in  Ireland,  and  the  Rev.  Messrs.  David  Maclure  and 
Levi  Frisby  from  New  England.  But  it  appearing  to  the  Synod  that  these 
two  last  mentioned  were  under  the  direction  of  the  board  of  correspondents 
from  the  society  of  Scotland  and  appointed  to  an  Indian  Mission,  and  are  not 
dismissed  from  the  ecclesiastical  council  by  which  they  were  ordained  in  New 
England,  the  Synod  reverse  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  receiving  them 
into  full  membership,  but  approve  of  their  taking  them  under  their  care  while 
they  are  labouring  occasionally  in  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

20th   day,  nine   ddoch,  the  Synod  met  according   to   adjournment.      Post 
preces  sederxint  qui  supra. 

(With  Robert  Smith,  Charles  McKnight,  John  Slemmons,  Joseph  Smith, 
ministers ;  and  Mr.  Robert  Armour,  elder.) 

It  was  moved  that  the  dismission  or  reception  of  members  and  candidates  be 
made  matter  of  report  by  our  several  Presbyteries,  which  was  agreed  to. 

In  consequence  of  which  the  Presbytery  of  New  Y^ork  report,  they  had  dis- 
missed Mr.  Francis  Peppard  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick,  and  the 


438  MINUTES  OP  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1773. 

Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  report,  they  have  received  him,  and  that  they 
have  dismissed  Mr.  Caleb  Wallace  to  join  one  of  the  southern  Presbyteries  in 
the  bounds  of  which  he  may  labour. 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegall  report,  they  have  dismissed  Mr.  George  Duffield, 
who  had  accepted  a  call  to  a  congregation  under  the  care  of  the  second  Phila- 
delphia Presbytery. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  William  Stuart  produced  a  certificate  and  recommendation 
from  the  Presbytery  of  Perry  in  Ireland,  of  which  he  had  been  a  member,  and 
as  he  proposes  to  travel  to  the  southern  provinces,  he  desired  the  Synod  would 
give  him  such  recommendation  as  they  might  judge  expedient,  without  his  being 
considered  as  a  member,  which  he  does  not  yet  choose  till  he  can  determine  the 
place  of  his  settlement. 

Dr.  Witherspoon,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Latta,  and  Dr.  Rodgers,  are  appointed  to 
converse  with  Mr.  Stuart  and  make  report  to  the  Synod. 

Messrs.  Lewis,  Hait,  Joseph  Treat,  Richards,  Halsey,  McKnight,  Hunter, 
Chesnutt,  Patrick  Alison,  Simonton,  Foster,  Latta,  Miller,  Roan,_  Craighead, 
William  Clark,  James  Jackson,  and  John  McCalla,  are  appointed  a  committee 
of  overtures,  to  meet  here  to-morrow  morning  at  six  o'clock,  and  as  often  after- 
wards by  adjournment  as  they  may  judge  expedient. 

Mr.  Montgomery  and  Mr.  Patrick  Alison  are  appointed  a  committee  to  ex- 
amine the  New  York  Presbytery  book. 

Dr.  Rodgers  and  Mr.  Robert  Smith  to  examine  the  Presbytery  book  of  New 
Brunswick. 

Mr.  Ewing  and  Mr.  Tate  to  examine  the  book  of  the  first  Philadelphia  Pres- 
bytery. 

Mr.  Joseph.  Treat  and  Mr.  Foster  to  examine  the  second  Philadelphia  Pres- 
bytery book. 

Mr.  Cooper  and  Mr.  King  to  examine  the  Presbytery  book  of  New 
Castle. 

The  other  Presbytery  books  are  not  brought  in. 

The  Synod  appoint  as  their  commission  for  the  ensuing  year,  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  Richard  Treat,  Dr.  Alison,  John  Ewing,  Elihu  Spencer,  William 
Tennent,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Alexander  McWhorter,  William  Mills,  John  Close, 
Solomon  Mead,  Ichabod  Lewis,  Robert  Smith,  Joseph  Montgomery,  Matthew 
Wilson,  John  Miller,  George  Duffield,  John  Roan,  with  the  moderator ;  and 
Messrs.  William  Peartree  Smith,  John  McCalla,  Garret  Noel,  John  Johnson, 
James  Jackson,  and  William  Clark,  elders ;  thirteen  of  whom  to  be  a  quorum, 
to  be  called  by  the  moderator ;  but  if  the  moderator  should  die,  or  be  absent, 
the  first  in  order  in  the  minute  shall  have  power  to  call  the  commission  and 
preside. 

Inquiry  being  made  at  the  several  Presbyteries,  how  far  they  had  complied 
with  the  recommendation  of  the  Synod  in  raising  money  for  the  education 
of  poor  pious  youth,  it  was  found  the  Presbyteries  of  New  York,  New 
Brunswick,  and  the  members  of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  had 
complied  fully,  and  had  several  young  men  at  education ;  some  of  the  other 
Presbyteries  have  done  something,  but  have  not  answered  the  design  of  the 
Synod.  They  are  now  ordered  to  prosecute  this  important  plan,  as  speedily  as 
possible,  and  be  ready  to  make  a  particular  report  to  the  next  Synod. 

The  committee  appointed  to  dispose  of  money  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer 
of  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  for  poor  and  pious  youth,  i-eport,  they  met  ac- 
cording to  appointment,  and  disposed  of  the  money  in  hand  last  year.  And 
the  Synod  appoint  for  a  committee  to  dispose  of  such  money  as  shall  be  due 
October  next.  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Messrs.  Tennent,  Guild,  Ewing,  Spencer,  Cald- 
well, Halsey,  Richard  Treat,  Israel  Read,  McWhorter,  any  three  of  whom  to 


1772.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  439 

be  a  quorum,  to  attend  at  New  Jersey  College  the  third  Wednesday  of  August 
next. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'cIocJc,  P.  M.,  the  Syiwdmet  according  to  adjournment.     Post  precei 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

("With  Messrs.  Matthew  "Wilson,  "William  Thom,  Alexander  McDowell, 
and  Kobert  Huey,  ministers ;  and  Messrs.  William  Denny,  and  Anthony  Tate, 
elders.) 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegal  complied  with  the  appointment  of  last  year,  to 
supply  Monongahela.     The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  did  the  same. 

IMr.  McMordie  complied  with  his  appointment  and  went  to  Carolina. 

The  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  found  it  inexpedient  to  send  the  can- 
didates to  Carolina,  which  they  mentioned  last  year. 

Mr.  Joshua  Hart,  of  Suffolk  Presbytery,  did  not  comply  with  the  appoint- 
ment of  the  Synod  last  year  to  go  to  Carolina. 

Mr.  Schank  gave  sufficient  reasons  for  leaving  the  Synod  last  year  without 
leave. 

Mr.  Elmer  did  not  comply  with  the  appointment  of  Synod  last  year. 

Mr.  Simpson  complied  with  the  appointment  of  the  last  Synod,  and  supplied 
seven  months  in  the  southern  provinces. 

Mr.  Wallace  was  providentially  prevented  going  according  to  his  appoint- 
ment. 

Mr.  John  McClean  did  not  attend  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  according  to 
the  appointment  of  last  Synod,  to  answer  the  charges  exhibited  against  his 
moral  character,  but  hath  gone  to  Carolina,  and  is  preaching  contrary  to  order, 
and  under  the  pretence  of  being  a  candidate  in  regular  standing  with  one  of  our 
Presbyteries.  The  Synod  is  also  informed,  that  Mr.  John  Beard,  who  was  de- 
posed from  the  work  of  the  ministry,  is  also  preaching  in  Carolina. 

Mr.  Montgomery  and  Mr.  Caldwell  are  appointed  to  bring  in  a  draught  of 
a  letter  to  the  Presbyteries  of  Hanover,  in  "V^irginia,  and  Orange,  in  Carolina, 
with  respect  to  these  gentlemen.  And  as  we  are  informed,  Mr.  McClean 
shows  a  certificate  signed  with  Mr.  Tate's  name  as  clerk  to  a  committee  of 
the  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  which  Mr.  Tate  says  is  forged ;  he  is 
therefore  desired  to  write  to  the  Presbytery  aforesaid  to  inform  them  of  the 
imposition. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

21s<  day.      Nine    o'clock.      The    Synod   met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(With  the  Kev.  Mr.  Thomas  Read.) 

Mr.  Brainerd  reports  the  Indian  school  under  his  care  has  not  been  con- 
tinued the  last  year,  he  not  being  able  to  obtain  a  proper  master,  but  that  he 
had  as  often  as  consistent  with  his  other  business,  attended  to  the  instruction 
of  the  children. 

And  he  further  reports,  that  he  preaches  in  seven  places,  besides  the  two  In- 
dian societies  under  his  special  care.  For  these  services  the  Synod  allow  Mr. 
Brainerd  twenty-five  pounds.     Ordered,  that  the  treasurer  pay  the  same. 

Mr.  Brainerd  is  also  allowed  the  eighteen  pounds,  interest  of  money  in  the 
bands  of  the  trustees  of  New  Jersey  College,  for  an  Indian  mission. 

Agreed  that  the  treasurer  for  the  Synod,  for  the  future  give  bond  to  three 
members,  chosen  by  the  Synod,  for  all  the  money  in  his  hands,  and  that  he 
allow  for  it  three  per  cent,  per  annum  interest. 


440  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1773. 

The  Synod  then  made  choice  of  Dr.  Witherspoon  for  their  treasurer,  and 
Dr.  Alison,  Mr.  Richard  Treat,  and  Mr.  Sproat,  are  directed  to  take  a  proper 
bond  from  Dr.  Witherspoon  for  the  money  which  shall  be  in  his  hands  at  the 
end  of  this  session  of  Synod,  payable  to  them  in  one  year  for  the  use  of  the 
Synod. 

And  Mr.  Treat,  our  late  treasurer,  is  ordered  to  pay  to  Dr.  "Witherspoon  the 
money  now  in  his  hands  belonging  to  the  Synod. 

IMessrs.  Montgomery  and  Caldwell  brought  in  a  draught  of  a  letter  to  the 
Presbyteries  of  Hanover  and  Orange,  according  to  the  order  of  yesterday,  which 
was  approved  of. 

Ordered,  That  the  clerks  make  out  fair  copies  of  said  letter,  and  that  the 
moderator  sign  them,  and  send  one  copy  to  each  Presbytery  aforesaid,  as  soon 
as  possible. 

The  stated  clerk  is  ordered  to  record  this  letter  in  the  Appendix. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  General  Convention  were  brought  by  Dr.  Rodgers, 
their  stated  register,  and  read ;  and  as  the  convention  is  to  meet  again  at  Stan- 
ford, in  Connecticut,  the  first  Wednesday  in  September  next,  at  eleven  o'clock, 
we  appoint  to  attend  there,  and  to  act  as  members  from  the  Synod,  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Francis  Alison,  Dr.  John  Witherspoon,  Dr.  John  Rodgers,  Andrew  Hunter, 
Elihu  Spencer,  John  Brainerd,  Benjamin  Halt,  John  Ewing,  Benjamin  Ches- 
nutt,  Joseph  Montgomery,  Alexander  McWhorter,  James  Caldwell,  Joseph 
Treat,  John  Carmichael,  William  Mills,  John  Close,  Jeremiah  Halsc}^,  Samuel 
Mills,  and  Ichabod  Lewis ;  and  Dr.  Witherspoon  to  open  the  convention 
with  a  sermon,  but  in  case  he  should  fail,  Mr.  McWhorter  is  appointed  in  his 
room. 

The  committee  appointed  in  behalf  of  the  Synod  to  dispose  of  money  in  the 
hands  of  the  corporation  of  the  widows'  fund,  read  their  minutes  before  the 
Synod,  which  were  approved ;  and  we  appoint  as  a  committee  for  the  same  pur- 
pose this  year,  Messrs.  Spencer,  Sproat,  Montgomery,  McWhorter,  and  Cald- 
well, to  meet  to-morrow  morning,  at  six  o'clock,  at  Sir.  Sproat' s,  and  as  often 
afterwards  as  expedient. 

Mr.  Samuel  Eakin  being  by  last  Synod  restored  to  the  exercise  of  his  min- 
istry for  one  year,  and  put  under  the  particular  care  of  New  Castle  Presbytery, 
the  Presbytery  was  now  called  upon,  and  reports  as  follows : 

"  That  immediately  after  the  last  session  of  Synod  they  received  the  Rev. 
Samuel  Eakin  under  their  care,  and  since  that  time  he  has  laboured  in  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  at  their  direction,  and  that  he  has  behaved  himself  in  a 
becoming  and  regular  manner  as  far  as  is  known  to  them." 

The  Synod  hoping  the  censures  inflicted  upon  Mr.  Eakin  have  had  their 
proper  influence,  and  that  from  his  conduct  the  year  past,  his  repentance  is 
sincere,  do  therefore  now  fully  restore  him  to  the  exercise  of  the  ministry ; 
and  do  earnestly  recommend  to  him  the  greatest  humility,  circumspection, 
and  meekness,  through  the  remaining  part  of  his  life.  And  as  Mr.  Eakin  has 
the  prospect  of  labouring  at  present  chiefly  in  the  bounds  of  the  first  Philadel- 
phia Presbytery,  he  is  therefore  joined  to  that. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  d'clocJc,  P.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Postpreces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

(With  the  Rev.  Mr.  James  Long,  who  gave  sufficient  reasons  for  not  coming 
sooner.) 

Upon  inquiry  being  made  of  the  several  Presbyteries  concerning  their  com- 
pliance with  the  order  of  last  Synod,  to  collect  for  the  charitable  uses  then 
mentioned,  it  was  found  that  some  Presbyteries,  through  mistake  or  neglect, 


1773.]  NEW  YOllK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  441 

have  not  complied.  Tliosc  who  have  collected  arc  ordered  to  pay  the  same 
into  the  hands  of  thu  Synod's  treasurer  immediately;  and  those  ]'resl)yterics 
who  have  not  collected,  are  ordered  to  do  it  speedily;  as  also  thdse  who  have 
done  it  in  part,  are  ordered  to  cumjiletc  what  is  yet  unfinished.  And  they  are 
now  directed  to  make  those  collections  in  vacancies  as  well  as  congregations 
which  have  settled  ministers.  And  that  this  may  be  done  more  thoroughly, 
we  order  the  several  Presbyteries  to  make  this  known  at  their  first  session,  and 
then  take  proper  care  to  have  the  collections  made  in  their  bounds,  and  pro- 
vide that  a  complete  list  be  made  out,  of  ministers  and  congregations,  with  their 
collections,  to  be  laid  before  and  examined  by  the  respective  Presbyteries,  at 
some  session  previous  to  the  meeting  of  the  Synod,  and  prepared  for  printing 
next  year,  without  taking  up  the  time  of  the  Synod.  Those  ministers  who  have 
not  read  the  Pastoral  Letter  to  their  congregations,  are  directed  to  do  it,  and 
also  in  the  vacancies. 

Dr.  Rodgers  is  appointed  to  acquaint  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk  of  this  matter, 
and  the  clerks  to  send  attested  copies  of  this  order  to  the  Presbyteries  of  Hano- 
ver and  Orange,  and  to  send  them  some  of  our  Pastoral  Letters  by  Mr.  Wallace, 
a  candidate  going  to  the  southward. 

For  the  purpose  of  procuring  books  to  bestow  on  the  poor :  in  Philadelphia, 
Dr.  Francis  Alison,  Mr.  Sproat,  Mr.  Montgomery,  Mr.  John  Bayard,  and  Mr. 
Jonathan  Smith ;  and  in  New  York,  Dr.  llodgers,  Mr.  Treat,  Mr.  McWhorter, 
Mr.  Caldwell,  and  Mr.  Noel,  are  appointed  as  committees,  and  that  they  do  not 
exceed  the  sum  of  twenty  pounds,  pro.  cur.,  to  be  laid  out  by  each  committeej 
and  that  they  draw  on  the  treasurer  for  this  sum. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  York  applied  to  the  Synod  for  the  whole  or  part  of 
the  money  collected  by  them  this  year,  to  be  applied  towards  the  rebuilding  the 
Presbyterian  church  in  the  island  of  Saba,  which  was  destroyed  by  the  hurricane 
last  year.  The  petition  from  Saba  to  the  Presbytery  was  read,  and  the  Presby- 
tery oiFered  their  reasons  for  appropriating  said  money.  The  Synod  remitted 
to  the  Presbytery  to  determine  what  part  of  said  money  should  be  allowed  to. 
Saba;  and  the  Presbytery,  after  consulting,  reported  that  they  determined  fifty 
pounds  should  be  allowed  for  that  purpose,  which  is  accordingly  agreed  to,  and 
the  treasurer  is  ordered  to  pay  that  sum  into  the  hands  of  Dr.  Kodgers,  to  be 
remitted  to  Saba. 

The  Presbyteries  of  New  York,  New  Castle,  Suffolk,  Dutchess,  and  the 
first  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  which  have  not  complied  with  the  order  of  last 
Synod  to  transmit  to  Mr.  Halsey  an  account  of  the  money  subscribed  in 
their  bounds  to  the  college  of  New  Jersey,  are  ordered  to  comply  as  speedily 
as  possible. 

Mr.  Samuel  Kennedy,  a  candidate,  did  not  comply  with  the  order  of  last 
Synod,  to  put  himself  under  the  care  of  Donegal  Presbytery,  although  he  hath 
continued  to  preach  in  their  bounds.  Mr.  Kennedy  gave  in  a  paper  to  the 
Synod,  assigning  the  reasons  of  his  conduct.  The  consideration  of  this  affair 
is  deferred. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

I^d  day,  nine  o'clock,  the  Si/yiod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Except  Mr.  Thomas  Waters,  who  is  gone  home. 

The  consideration  of  Mr.  Kennedy's  conduct  resumed.  Mr.  Kennedy  was 
fully  heard,  and  as  he  had  in  offering  his  reasons  blamed  the  Presbytery,  they 
were  also  heard.  After  due  consideration,  the  question  was  put,  Is  Mr.  Ken- 
nedy excusable  or  not ;  and  it  was  carried,  not. 

Adjourned  till  Monday  morning,  ten  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 
66 


442  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1773. 

24:th  day^  ten  o^clock.     The   Synod  met  according  to  adjournment     Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

With  Mr.  John  Golden,  an  elder. 

It  was  moved  what  censure  should  be  inflicted  upon  Mr.  Kennedy,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  judgment  of  Saturday  last,  and  after  it  was  considered  and 
debated,  ordered  that  he  be  rebuked  from  the  chair  for  not  complying  with  the 
order  of  last  Synod  to  put  himself  under  the  care  of  Donegal  Presbytery,  and 
be  remitted  to  the  Presbytery,  who  are  required  to  give  him,  before  the  Synod 
break  up,  a  copy  of  such  charges  as  they  have  now  against  him,  and  cite  him 
to  appear  before  them,  to  take  his  trial,  the  last  Tuesday  in  June  nest,  at 
Caughnawaga. 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegal  requested  that  some  members  of  Synod  might 
be  joined  with  them  on  the  trial. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Smith,  Mr.  Latta,  Mr.  Porster,  and  Mr.  Woodhull, 
be  added  to  them  for  that  purpose. 

And  Mr.  Cooper  is  appointed  to  cite  such  evidences  as  the  Presbytery  may 
judge  necessary,  and  to  give  Mr.  Kennedy  citations  for  such  evidences  as  he 
may  require. 

Mr.  Kennedy  was  then  called  in,  submitted  to  the  judgment,  and  was  rebuked 
by  the  moderator. 

The  committee  appointed  last  Synod  to  consider  the  answers  given  by  the 
Associate  Presbytery  to  sundry  questions  which  had  been  proposed  by  the 
Synod's  committee,  report :  they  met,  and  did  read  and  consider  said  answers, 
and  did  not  think  it  necessary  to  make  any  remarks  upon  them,  nor  to  give 
any  other  answer  to  the  Presbytery  than  as  follows :  that  as  the  Associate 
brethren  had  not  given  any  answer  to  the  proposal  of  the  committee  from  the 
Synod  the  year  before,  viz.,  that  if  anything  was  to  be  done  further  toward 
a  coalition  between  the  Associate  brethren  and  the  Synod,  the  proposal  must 
come  from  the  former,  which  they,  the  committee,  should  be  ready  to  receive 
any  time  before  next  Synod.  But  that  no  such  proposal  has  been  made  to 
them. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  dclocTc,  P.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment      Postpreees 
^        sederunt  qui  supra. 

With  Mr.  Thomas  Bourne,  Mr.  Eichard  Treat's  elder. 

An  overture  respecting  the  regulation  of  the  Presbyteries  referred  from  the 
last  Synod,  is  referred  till  the  next  year. 

A  petition  and  complaint  from  Mr.  Alexander  Alexander,  against  the  second 
Philadelphia  Presbytery,  was  brought  in  by  the  committee  of  overtures,  and 
read.  But  it  appearing  to  the  Synod  the  matter  of  which  he  complains  had 
not  been  decided  by  the  Presbytery,  ordered,  that  it  be  referred  to  the  Presby- 
tery, who  are  required  to  hear  it  this  evening  or  to-morrow. 

An  overture  was  brought  in  by  Mr.  Roan  in  the  following  words : 

"  Whereas,  there  have  been  repeated  complaints  from  serious  persons  of  the 
degeneracy  of  many  of  the  Presbyterian  denomination  in  Great  Britain  and 
L'eland,  and  their  falling  off  from  the  great  doctrines  of  the  Reformation,  so 
that  it  is  very  possible  there  may  be  Presbyteries  the  majority  of  which  would 
not  be  unwilling  to  license,  ordain,  or  recommend  ministers  unsound  in  tho 
faith ;  it  seems  to  be  of  moment  to  guard  against  the  admission  of  strangers 
into  this  body,  before  their  principles  and  character  are  thoroughly  ascertained : 
Therefore  it  is  overtured,  that  no  Presbytery  be  permitted  to  receive  any 
stranger  under  the  character  of  minister  or  candidate,  or  to  give  him  appoint- 


1773.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  448 

ments  in  the  congregations  under  our  care,  until  the  Synod  that  shall  meet  next 
after  their  arrival,  that  the  whole  tostimouials  and  credentials  offered  by  such 
persons  be  laid  before  the  Synod,  to  be  by  them  considered  and  judged  of,  in 
order  to  their  admission  or  rejection. 

"John  Roan." 

Which  after  full  consideration  was  voted  and  admitted  by  a  small  majority. 

Several  members  desired  liberty  to  enter  their  dissent,  with  their  reasons, 
against  the  preceding  vote,  which  was  granted. 

Their  reasons  are  iu  the  following  words : 

"  The  second  Presbytery  of  Philadeli)hia  unanimously  dissent  from,  and  pro- 
test against,  the  injurious  law  recorded  above. 

"  1.  Because  it  takes  away  from  the  Presbyteries  some  of  their  essential 
rights,  restrainiug  them  from  performing  the  duties  of  ordaining  and  admitting 
ministers  agreeably  to  the  Scriptures  and  the  constitution  and  practice  of  the 
Presbyterian  churches.  Christ  has  vested  his  ministers  with  certain  powers 
for  the  edification  of  his  church,  which  they  may  not  surrender  or  deliver  up  to 
the  dominion  of  any  man,  or  any  body  of  men,  whatever.  If  they  err  in  the 
exercise  of  their  powers  they  are  accountable  to  the  higher  judicatures  of  the 
church,  but  they  are  not  to  be  deprived  of  them  merely  because  they  may  err 
in  the  exercise  of  them. 

"  2.  Because  it  insinuates  a  strong  suspicion  that  Presbyteries  are  unfaith- 
ful or  unsound,  and  therefore  not  to  bo  trusted  in  this  matter,  which  is  fixing 
an  unjust  reproach  on  their  judicatures,  and  only  serves  to  lessen  their  credit 
and  influence. 

"  3.  Because  it  is  highly  uncharitable  and  inconsistent  with  the  love,  respect, 
and  fellowship  which  we  owe  the  Protestant  churches  abroad,  as  it  brings  a 
promiscuous  charge  of  unsoundness  against,  and  lays  an  heavy  reproach  upon 
all  the  judicatures  of  their  churches,  contrary  to  all  justice  and  modesty,  and 
to  the  peace  and  harmony  which  should  be  promoted  among  the  churches  of 
Christ. 

"  4.  Because  unfriendly,  unequal,  and  offensive  treatment  of  ministers  and 
candidates  who  are  strangers,  tends  to  fill  them  with  prejudices  against  this 
body,  as  acting  in  an  arbitrary,  uncharitable  manner,  and  inconsistent  with  the 
known  rules  of  Presbyterianism,  which  will  deter  them  from  uniting  with  the 
Synod,  and  induce  them  to  erect  Presbyteries  independent  of  it,  to  the  great 
dishonour  and  injury  of  religion. 

*'  5.  Because  the  precedent  hereby  established  is  not  only  wrong  in  itself,  as 
it  divests  our  Presbyteries  of  their  inherent  rights,  but  extremely  pernicious  in 
its  consequences.  If  the  Synod  is  allowed  this  power  with  respect  to  ministers 
or  probationers  from  Europe,  why  may  it  not  at  any  time  be  pleaded  with  re- 
spect to  those  from  every  other  part  of  the  world  ?  Why  may  not  the  Synod, 
claiming  thus  far,  extend  their  authority  to  the  ordination  of  all  our  American 
probationers  under  some  plausible  pretences,  such  as,  that  the  Synod  is  more 
faithful,  or  more  learned,  or  fitter  to  judge  of  the  piety  of  those  who  are  to  be 
received  ? 

"  6.  Because  we  have  rules  of  proceeding  as  a  Presbyterian  church,  re- 
specting this  matter,  which  from  long  experience  have  been  found  sufficient  to 
preserve  this  Synod  pure  and  free  from  errors ;  these  rules  are  agreeable  to 
our  Presbyterian  plan,  and  consistent  with  the  several  rights  of  our  respective 
judicatures,  whereas  the  present  one  is  useless,  unwarranted,  and  anti-Presby- 
terial. 

"  7.  As  the  agreements  of  1764  and  1765  were  repeatedly  alleged  to  be,  and 
evidently  are,  for  the  same  purpose  pretended  in  the  overture  now  made  a  re- 
ligious law,  in  which  the  northern  provinces  are  expressly  named,  and  as  these 
provinces  were  repeatedly  mentioned  in  the  course  of  the  debate,  and  nothing 


444  MIXUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1773. 

said,  or  oven  insinuater.!,  that  tboy  were  excluded,  dviring  the  whole  time  ia 
which  this  matter  was  argiied.  nor  when  the  overture  w:is  read  before  it  was 
voted,  it  must  appear  eqiiivocation  to  explain  the  moaning  of  the  law  in  a  sense 
that  would  except  the  American  Continent,  to  relieve  some  dissenting  brethren, 
leaving  others  deeply  grieve^l  and  afflicted. 

''  Against  the  aforesaid  law,  therefore,  we.  the  second  Presbytery  of  Phila- 
delphia, do  protest  in  omr  Presbyterial  capacity,  and  hereby  enter  our  reasons 
upon  record,  to  relieve  our  consciences,  and  testify  our  opposition  to  what  is  so 
partial,  so  uncharitable,  so  unjust  and  oppressive. 

"Fra>.-cis  Alisox,  John  Elder.  Joseph  Tate,  John  E\^^^•G,  Jonx 
SiMOXTOx,  Patrick  Alison.'' 

Pissentient :  Dr.  Rodgers,  Joseph  Montgomery,  Alexander  McWhorter, 
John  Miller,  Alexander  31cDowell,  James  Anderson,  Thomas  Read,  James 
Caldwell. 

Reasons  of  dissent  from  an  Qvertnre  formal  into  an  act  of  Synod,  ordaining 
that  no  minister  or  candidate  from  foreign  parts  shall  be  admitted  to  member- 
ship by  any  Prej^bytery,  but  by  the  Synod  alone. 

'•  IHssentient,  1.  Because  this  overttire  tends  to  overthrow  the  essential 
rights  of  a  Presbytery,  the  radical  judicature  of  our  church,  unwari-anted  in 
Scripture,  and  from  which  we  derive  our  name,  Presbyterians.  The  power  of 
ordination,  of  receiving  and  rejecting  members,  evidently  belongs,  according  to 
God's  word,  to  this  judicature  only.  But  this  overture  takes  it  away  from  it, 
and  gives  its  work  and  power  to  a  Syond,  which  is  only  a  volimtary  association 
of  different  Presbyteries,  or  a  council  to  give  advice  in  difficult  matters,  and  to 
secure  peace,  orthodoxy,  edification,  and  mutual  confidence,  and  has  no  power 
to  make  any  arbitrary  decisions,  to  which  Presbyteries  can  only  submit  when 
their  arbitrations  are  for  the  good  of  the  whole. 

"  2.  Because  this  overture  is  very  uncharitable  and  contrary  to  the  dictates 
of  the  humble  and  affectionate  temper  of  the  gospel,  which  '  esteems  others 
better  th:m  ourselves,'  and  '  thinketh  no  evil.'  It  strongly  implies  that  our 
Presbyteries  are  either  so  ignorant  as  not  to  know,  or  so  degenerate  as  not  to 
regard,  the  qualific-ations  of  their  own  members,  and  would  '  lay  hands  suddenly 
on  any  man.'  and  admit  to  the  ministry  or  to  the  rights  of  membership,  without 
proper  testimonials  and  authentic  recommendations. 

*•  3.  Because  it  discovers  great  want  of  candour  in  judging  of  other  churches 
of  Christ,  as  if  all  the  reforme<l  churches,  solemnly  subscribing  or  assenting  to 
the  same  Confession  of  Faith,  the  same  Catechisms,  and  the  same  directory 
or  plan  of  discipline  and  government,  were  wholly  corrupted  in  faith  or  prac- 
tice, notwithstanding  their  solemn  assent  or  subscription  to  the  forms  of  sound 
doctrine. 

"  4.  Because  this  overture  is  founded  on  very  unjustifiable  reasoning,  viz. 
that  because  s-^me  individuals,  or  perhaps  some  judicatures,  in  the  foreign 
churches  have  been  brandeil,  and  perhaps  justly,  with  Socinian  and  other  dan- 
gerous errors,  that  therefore  their  whole  associations  are  corrupted ;  which 
mode  of  judging  would  condemn  ec^ually  every  Christian  association  in  the 
world. 

*•'  5.  Because  the  explanatory  clause  added,  in  order  to  exempt  all  preachers 
or  ministers  coming  from  any  part  of  America,  seems  to  be  a  mere  subterfuge 
and  ei|uivocation,  and  calculated  to  relieve  only  a  few  members  of  the  Synod. 
For  before  the  votes  confirming  this  overture,  the  Xew  England  churches  were 
more  than  once  mentioned  as  an  objection  against  it,  and  it  could  scarcely  have 
been  forgotten  by  the  voters;  but  suppose  they  had  been  forgotten,  whence 
arises  this  partiality  ?  May  not  ministers  who  are  pious  and  sound  in  the  taith 
come  fit)m  Great  Britain  or  Ireland  ?     And  are  not  Presbyteries  by  the  consti- 


1773.]  XZW  YORK  AM)  PniLADELPHIA.  445 

tution  of  our  church  and  the  authority  of  its  great  Head,  the  onlj  judges  of 

their  admission  ? 

'^  6.  Because  this  overture  evidently  tends  to  produce  contentions,  oonfbsion, 
and  anarchy  in  the  churches,  for  if  the  Synod  will  assume  these  high,  nnscrip- 
tural  power?,  it  may  be  expected  that  some  Presbyteries  will  resign  their  con- 
nection with  a  power  they  esteem  tyrannical,  and  returning  to  their  original 
state  claim  the  enjoyment  of  their  own  inherent  privileges. 

"  7.  Because,  finally,  this  overture  evidently  tends  to  stigmatize  and  throw 
scandal  on  the  British  and  Irish  churches,  to  the  breaking  the  bonds  of  peace, 
union,  charity,  and  mutual  love  between  them  and  us,  to  represent  us  to  them 
as  narrow,  factious  bigots,  and  may  provoke  them  to  send  into  America  new 
Presbyteries  of  their  own,  to  erect  new  judicatures,  altar  against  altar,  to  the 
great  injury  of  the  work  of  God,  and  edification  of  souls,  to  the  grieving  the 
Holy  Spirit  of  (xod,  and  giving  distress  of  mind  to  the  sinc-ere  followers  of  the 
Prince  of  Peace. 
"  Matthew  Wilsox,  Jajees  Latia,  John  Ktkg,  James  Laxg." 
With  respect  to  the  reasons  of  protest  against  and  dissent  from  the  judgment 
of  Synod  about  the  admission  of  ministers  and  candidates  from  some  of  the 
foreign  churches,  offered  by  a  number  of  the  members,  the  Synod  judge  it  suf- 
ficient briefly  to  observe : 

That  neither  in  the  overture  presented  to  the  Synod,  nor  in  our  judgment 
consequent  upon  it,  is  there  any  claim  of  power  inconsistent  with  those  rights 
of  Presbyteries  which  the  dissenting  brethren  suppose  are  radically  in  them, 
and  essential  to  them.  The  powers  of  licensure  and  ordination  are  not  so  much 
as  mentioned  in  the  overture,  nor  in  the  least  infringed  upon  in  the  judgment, 
and  it  would  be  a  difficult  task  for  them  to  undertake  the  proof,  even  upon  their 
own  principles,  that  the  right  of  admitting  persons  already  licensed  or  ordained 
belongs  to  Presbyteries  exclusively.  The  dissenting  brethren  seem  to  have 
wholly  mistaken  the  main  ground  of  the  overture,  which  does  not  at  all  appear 
to  have  arisen  from  a  suspicion  of  unfidthfulness  in  any  of  our  Presbyteries,  or 
that  the  ministry  in  Britain  and  Ireland  are  wholly  corrupted,  but  only  that 
there  is  so  great  a  degeneracy  in  those  churches  as  renders  it  peculiarly  neces- 
sary that  the  greatest  care  be  taken  in  the  admission  of  ministers  and  candi- 
dates coming  from  thence,  and  that  the  several  Presbyteries  neither  have,  nor 
can  have,  those  means  of  information  respecting  the  characters  and  orthodoxy 
of  those  ministers  and  candidates  the  Synod  has,  nor  indeed  such  means  as  are 
necessary  to  enable  them  to  judge  with  any  sufficient  degree  of  certainty  re- 
specting them.  Nor  can  the  overture  by  any  means  be  allowed  to  be  inconsist- 
ent with  the  charity  due  to  the  churches  of  Britain  and  Ireland,  as  it  is  not  so 
severe  with  respect  to  foreigners,  as  the  Synods  of  Scotland  are  with  respect 
to  their  own  candidates,  and  as  the  degeneracy  of  those  churches,  which  was 
one  of  the  principal  fects  upon  which  the  overture  was  founded,  has  not  been 
denied  by  any  of  the  dissentients.  And,  finally,  we  observe,  that  as  the  over- 
ture only  held  up  to  view  the  churches  of  Britain  and  Ireland,  it  is  most  unfair 
to  infer  that  the  explanatory  clause  annexed  to  the  judgment  *•  seemed  to  be  a 
mere  subterfuge  and  equivocation,  and  calculated  to  relieve  only  a  few  mem- 
bers of  Synod.'"' 

At  the  same  time  it  was  agreed  that  it  should  be  put  upon  record  that  the 
word  strangers  in  the  preceding  overture  should  not  be  extended  to  any  persons 
from  any  part  of  the  continent  of  America- 
Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


446  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1773. 

25t7i  day,  nine  dclock,  A.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

It  was  moved  by  Dr.  Rodgers,  and  seconded  by  others,  that  the  operation  of 
the  above  overture  should  be  suspended  till  next  year ;  which,  being  opposed, 
the  consideration  of  the  motion  is  deferred  till  Thursday  morning. 

The  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  referred  to  the  Synod  the  appeal  of 
Mr.  Alexander  Alexander  from  a  judgment  of  the  session  of  the  third  Presby- 
terian congregation  in  this  city,  which  is  agreed  shall  be  considered  to-morrow 
afternoon. 

A  complaint  was  brought  in  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  George  Duffield  against  the 
second  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  that  they  had  by  one  of  their  members  ob- 
structed his  entrance  into  a  church  in  this  city  under  their  care,  to  which  he 
had  accepted  a  call,  and  had  also  refused  to  receive  him  as  a  member,  although 
he  was  dismissed  from,  and  recommended  by,  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal,  which 
was  read.  », 

The  minutes  of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  with  respect  to  the 
complaint  of  Mr.  Duffield  were  also  read,  assigning  the  reasons  of  their  con- 
duct. 

A  petition  and  remonstrance  from  the  incorporated  committee  of  the  Pres- 
byterian churches  in  Market  and  Pine  streets  in  this  city,  was  also  brought  in 
and  read,  setting  forth  that  Mr.  Duffield,  by  the  assistance  of  a  part  of  the 
congregation  of  Pine  street,  had  taken  forcible  possession  of  their  church  in 
Pine  street,  on  the  twenty-seventh  day  of  September  last,  and  praying  we  would 
take  proper  care  to  afford  them  such  relief  as  the  nature  of  the  case  required 
from  us. 

The  address  and  representation  of  the  committee  of  the  third  Presbyterian 
church  in  Pine  street  in  this  city,  was  brought  in  and  read,  stating  their  con- 
duct in  obtaining  and  introducing  Mr.  Duffield  into  the  church. 

After  the  Presbytery  had  stated  the  case  and  the  reason  of  their  conduct, 
Mr.  Duffield  was  fully  heard,  and  the  Presbytery  replied.  The  parties  being 
fully  heard  were  ordered  to  withdraw,  and  the  Synod  agreed  to  proceed  to  judg- 
ment in  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Tliree  d clock,  P.  M.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  To  proceed  agreeably  to  the  agreement  of  the  forenoon,  to  form  a 
judgment  in  the  cause  depending  between  Mr.  Duffield  and  the  second  Phila- 
delphia Presbytery.  And  after  having  maturely  considered  this  matter,  the 
Synod  judge  that  Mr.  Duffield  had  just  cause  of  complaint  against  the  conduct 
and  judgment  of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  who  ought  to  have  ad- 
mitted him  to  membership  with  them  and  allowed  him  a  fair  trial,  wherefore 
we  now  declare  him  to  be  minister  of  the  Pine  street  or  third  Presbyterian 
congregation  in  this  city,  and  order,  that  he  be  put  upon  the  list  of  the  afore- 
said Presbytery. 

Mr.  Schank  asked  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2Qth  day,  nine  o'clock,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.    Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

(With  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Woodhull,  who  gave  sufficient  reason  for  not 
coming  sooner;  and  also  the  Hon.  Richard  Stockton,  Dr.  Witherspoon's 
elder.) 


1773.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  447 

A  request  from  Lewestown  Presbytery  was  presented,  that  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Thomas  Reed,  the  Rev.  J\Ir.  Josiah  Lewis,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Smith,  a  candidate 
under  the  care  of  New  Castle  I'resbytcry,  should  be  set  off  from  Now  Custle 
Presbytery  and  annexed  to  them.  The  Synod,  after  considering  the  matter, 
concluded  only  to  set  off  Mr.  Josiah  Lewis  for  the  present,  who  is  hereby  dis- 
missed from  the  New  Castlo  Presbytery,  and  joined  to  them. 

A  petition  and  remonstrance  from  the  incorporated  committee  of  the  Pres- 
byterian churches  of  JMarket  and  Pine  streets  in  this  city,  was  brought  in  and 
read,  alleging  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  George  Dufficld  had  taken  possessiou  of  their 
church  in  Pine  street  in  a  violent  manner,  and  praying  he  might  be  prohibited 
by  this  Synod  from  persisting  in  his  conduct,  and  dismissed  from  their 
church. 

Mr.  George  Bryan  appeared  and  informed  the  Synod,  in  the  name  of  the 
corporation,  that  they  withdrew  their  cause  from  our  bar  for  reasons  which  he 
mentioned,  and  was  directed  to  deliver  to  us  in  writing. 

The  committee  appointed  to  converse  with  Mr.  Stuart,  report,  that  they  had 
done  so  at  considerable  length,  and  were  fully  satisfied  with  the  testimonials 
produced  with  respect  to  his  character  and  morals,  and  well  pleased  with  the 
modesty  and  candour  of  his  conversation,  but  that  they  did  not  find  his  views 
as  to  the  ministry  or  employment  in  future  life  so  fixed  as  that  it  could  be  of 
any  importance  to  us  or  unto  himself  to  join  with  this  Synod  under  the  char- 
acter of  a  minister,  nor  did  he  himself  desire  it,  so  withdrew  his  request. 

An  appeal  was  brought  in  by  several  members  of  the  second  Presbyterian 
congregation  in  this  city,  from  a  judgment  of  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery, 
confirming  the  judgment  of  the  session  of  the  second  Presbyterian  church, 
with  respect  to  the  introduction  of  Dr.  Watts' s  imitation  of  the  psalms  into  pub- 
lic worship ;  and  as  the  moderator  was  a  member  of  the  Presbytery  from  whose 
judgment  they  appealed,  he  left  the  chair,  and  Mr.  Joseph  Treat  took  his 
place.  The  case  was  stated,  the  minutes  of  Presbytery  read,  and  the  parties 
fully  heard  and  withdrew.  The  Synod,  after  considering  the  matter,  declare 
that  with  respect  to  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery,  although  it  appears  to  be 
drawn  up  with  great  caution  and  tenderness,  yet  they  do  not  think  it  proper 
finally  to  judge  and  decide  upon  it  at  present,  but  appoint  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Dr. 
Rodgers,  Mr.  Strain,  and  Mr.  McWhorter,  a  committee  to  converse  with  the 
parties  in  the  congregation,  who  differ  about  psalmody,  and  make  report  to  the 
Synod  to-morrow  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.   31.    the    Synod    met    according  to    adjournment.     Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  To  hear  the  reference  by  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  of 
Mr.  Alexander  Alexander's  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  the  session  of  the 
third  Presbyterian  church  in  this  city. 

After  stating  the  cause  and  reading  the  judgment  of  the  session  and  the  ap- 
peal, both  parties  were  fully  heard.  And  the  Synod  finding,  that  as  the  ses- 
sion had  not  a  minister  of  the  word  to  preside  through  the  course  of  the  trial, 
and  that  a  minister  was  the  accuser  of  the  appellant,  it  was  judged  it  was  at 
least  inexpedient  to  proceed  to  trial,  and  upon  the  whole  we  think  it  best,  and 
do  remit  the  matter  back  to  the  Presbytery,  to  be  heard  and  judged  of  by  them 
de  novo. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  eight  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


448  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1773. 

^*Jth  day,  eight  d clock,  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.    Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  order  of  the  morning  being  called  for,  Dr.  Rodgers  withdrew  the  motion 
made  by  him  on  Tuesday  last,  and  another  member  moved  in  the  following 
words  :  "  Whereas  many  brethren  are  dissatisfied  with  the  act  of  Synod  respect- 
ing the  non-admission  of  ministers  and  candidates  into  our  Presbyteries  from 
foreign  parts,  it  is  proposed,  that  the  Presbytery  to  which  any  such  gentlemen 
may  offer  themselves,  may  be  allowed,  if  they  see  their  way  clear,  to  employ 
them  in  their  vacancies,  but  that  they  be  not  admitted  to  full  membership  until 
the  next  Synod,  when  their  testimonials  and  recommendations  shall  be  laid  be- 
fore the  Synod."  Which  being  considered  was  agreed  to  by  the  Synod,  and  is 
to  regulate  the  conduct  of  the  Presbyteries,  notwithstanding  the  overture  pro- 
posed and  voted  on  Monday  last. 

A  petition  from  the  Presbyterian  congregation  in  Pine  street  in  this  city, 
was  brought  in,  praying  to  b6  taken  from  under  the  care  of  the  second  Phila- 
delphia Presbytery,  and  put  under  some  other.  Mr.  Duffield,  the  minister  of 
said  congregation,  being  present,  and  requesting  for  himself  to  be  annexed  to 
the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery ;  the  Synod  do  grant  their  requests,  and  set 
off  Mr.  Duffield,  and  the  congregation  aforesaid,  from  the  Presbytery  to  which 
they  now  belong,  and  annex  him  to  and  put  them  under  the  care  of  the  first 
Philadelphia  Presbytery. 

The  Presbytery  books  of  New  Castle,  the  first  and  second  Philadelphia  Pres- 
byteries, and  of  New  Brunswick,  were  brought  in  and  approved. 

Applications  were  presented  for  supplies  from  the  Hawfields  and  Eno  in 
North  Carolina,  and  from  St.  Paul's  parish  in  Georgia;  in  answer  to  which  we 
appoint  Mr.  John  Simpson  and  Mr.  Caleb  Wallace,  candidates,  to  supply  in 
the  former  places  as  much  as  they  conveniently  can  before  next  Synod ;  and 
Mr.  Wallace  from  thence  to  visit  St.  Paul's  parish  in  Georgia,  and  preach  there 
some  time,  and  the  remainder  of  their  time  in  the  other  vacancies  in  the 
southern  provinces. 

As  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  have  sundry  candidates  under  their  care, 
some  of  whom  probably  can  take  appointments  to  the  southern  provinces,  the 
Presbytery  are  desired  to  consider  this  matter  as  soon  as  possible,  and  send 
such  and  as  many  as  they  find  expedient. 

The  moderator  is  appointed  to  give  proper  recommendations  to  those  who  go 
on  those  missions. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o^cloch,  P.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  converse  with  the  parties  in  the  second  Pres- 
byterian church  in  this  city,  differing  about  psalmody,  report,  that  they  have 
taken  opportunities  of  conversing  with  both  parties,  so  far  as  the  time  and  cir- 
cumstances would  permit,  and  that  they  do  not  think  the  Synod  should  directly 
judge  of  the  merits  of  the  appeal,  so  as  to  affirm  or  disapprove  the  several 
distinct  propositions  laid  down  by  the  Presbytery  in  their  judgment ;  but  as 
there  is  not  now  time  to  consider  fully  the  different  versions  of  the  psalms  in 
question,  and  there  are  minutes  of  Synod  formerly,  which  countenance  congre- 
gations in  determining  this  matter  according  to  their  own  choice,  they  cannot 
make  any  order  to  forbid  the  congregation  to  continue  the  practice  now  begun. 
Which  being  considered  was  approveil,  and  the  Synod  on  this  occasion  think 
proper  earnestly  to  recommend  to  both  parties  peace  and  harmony,  and  to  for- 
bear all  harsh  sentiments  and  expressions,  and  in  particular  that  neither  of 


1774.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PniLADELPHIA.  449 

them  intimate  that  cither  of  the  versions  in  question  is  unfit  to  be  sung  in 
Christian  worship. 

Mr.  George  Bryan,  by  the  hands  of  the  janitor,  delivered  into  the  Synod  a 
paper  containing  the  reasons  of  the  corporation's  withdrawing  their  petition 
and  remonstrance,  which  are  as  follows  : 

"The  complainants,  after  opening  in  a  general  manner  the  matters  they  could 
have  proved,  in  order  to  enforce  the  prayer  of  their  remonstrance  before  the 
Reverend  Synod,  do  say  we  purposed  to  have  gone  fully  into  these  matters,  but 
from  what  passed  here  yesterday  it  appears  to  us  that  many  of  the  members, 
without  having  then  entered  on  our  complaint,  thougli  upon  the  eve  and  in  full 
prospect  of  so  doing,  have  declared  themselves  very  fully  as  to  the  irregularities 
and  violences  imputed  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Duffield  and  some  of  his  adherents,  and 
that  Mr.  Duffield  hath  been  established,  as  fiir  as  the  Synod  can  do  it,  pastor 
of  Pine  street  church,  against  the  very  prayer  of  our  supplication.  Whilst  our 
complaint  is  thus  manifestly  prejudged,  we  cannot  but  observe  that  ridicule  is 
set  up  by  some  of  the  members  as  the  test  of  truth,  and  characters  wantonly 
attacked  in  a  manner  unbecoming  the  gentleman  and  the  Christian.  What  then 
have  we  to  do  but  to  retire  from  your  bar  ?" 

After  much  conversation  and  great  deliberation,  it  is  overturcd,  that  as  George 
Bryan,  Esq.  and  William  Miller,  in  the  name  of  the  incorporated  committee, 
presented  a  petition  and  remonstrance,  charging  Mr.  Duffield  with  sundry  high 
crimes  and  misdemeanors,  and  praying  that  he  might  be  removed  from  the 
pulpit  and  church  in  Pine  street ;  but  some  time  after  those  gentlemen  with- 
drew their  said  petition,  and  assigned  their  reasons  therefor,  which  are  ordered 
to  be  recorded  on  our  minutes,  the  Synod  therefore  finding  no  accusers,  do  acquit 
him,  the  said  Mr.  Duffield,  from  all  charges  contained  in  the  aforesaid  petition 
and  remonstrance. 

Application  was  made  from  the  two  Presbyteries  of  Hanover  and  Orange, 
that  every  Presbytery  to  the  eastward,  should  transmit  to  them  with  all  con- 
venient speed,  the  suspension  or  deposition  of  any  member  or  candidate  from 
their  bodies,  to  prevent  the  Presbyteries  aforesaid  being  imposed  upon  by  such 
persons. 

The  Synod  cheerfully  comply  with  their  request,  and  order  the  Presbyteries 
to  regulate  themselves  accordingly. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  Philadelphia  the  third  Wednesday  in  May  next,  at  ten 
o'clock,  at  the  second  Presbyterian  church.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1774. 

PMIadelpJiia,  May  ISfJi,  1774. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Uhi  post  preces  scderuvt 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Lewestown :  The  Rev.  John  Miller. 

Of  Hanover  Presbytery  :  The  llev  John  Todd. 

Of  Orange  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  David  Caldwell  and  Hezekiah  Balch. 

Of  Donegal  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Robert  Cooper  and  John    Slemmons 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Robert  Smith,  William  McKennan, 
William  Forster,  John  Clark,  John  Carmichael,  Thomas  Read,  James  Wilson, 
James  Anderson,  and  John  Woodhull. 

Of  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  The  Rev.  Richard  Treat,  James  Sproat, 
Andrew  Hunter,  James  Boyd,  George  Duffield,  Benjamin  Chesnutt,  Alexander 
Mitchell,  and  Samuel  Eakin. 

Of  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  The  Rev.  Patrick  Alison. 

57 


450  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1774. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  William  Tennent,  Israel  Eeed, 
Jolin  Rosborough,  and  William  Schanck. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Azariah  Horton,  Alexander  McWhor- 
ter,  James  Caldwell,  Jedidiah  Chapman,  and  Alexander  Miller. 

Elders  :  Messrs.  Joseph  Cowan,  George  Curry,  James  Ewing,  Thomas  Hope, 
Francis  Alexander,  John  McCalla,  Daniel  Clark,  and  John  Walker. 

Absent :  Of  the  Lewestown  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Matthew  Wilson,  Jacob 
Kerr,  Alexander  Huston,  and  Josiah  Lewis. 

Of  Hanover  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  James  Waddell,  Richard  Zanchy,  David 
Rice,  Samuel  Leake,  William  Ervin,  John  Brown,  and  Charles  Cummings. 

Of  Orange  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Hugh  McAden,  Henry  Patillo,  Joseph 
Alexander,  Hczekiah  James  Balch,  John  Harris,  James  Creswell,  James  Camp- 
bell, John  Simpson,  Thomas  Reese,  and  James  Edmond. 

Of  Donegal  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Hugh  Vance,  John  King,  John  Craig- 
head, John  Strain,  James  Lan^,  Amos  Thompson,  Joseph  Rhea,  Samuel  Thomp- 
son, James  Hunt,  John  Roan,  and  John  Hogg. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Alexander  McDowell,  James  Finley, 
James  Latta,  Joseph  Montgomery,  Joseph  Smith,  John  McCreary,  and  Thomas 
Smith. 

Of  Philadelphia  first  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Nehemiah  Greenman,  Enoch 
Green,  John  Brainerd,  James  Watt,  and  William  Hollingshead. 

Of  Philadelphia  second  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Francis  Alison,  John  Ewing, 
.John  Simonton,  Joseph  Tate,  John  Elder,  John  Steel,  Robert  McMordie,  and 
Robert  Davidson. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Charles  McKnight,  Thomas  Smith, 
Jacob  Van  Artsdalen,  Dr.  John  Witherspoon,  John  Guild,  Elihu  Spencer, 
Samuel  Kennedy,  Jeremiah  Halsey,  John  Hannah,  Francis  Peppard,  Job  Prud- 
den,  and  James  Lyon, 

Of  New  York  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  John  Rodgers,  Joseph  Treat,  Jacob 
Green,  Timothy  Jones,  Thomas  Lewis,  Jonathan  Elmer,  Benjamin  Halt,  Aaron 
Richards,  Benjamin  Woodruff,  Azel  Roe,  Nathan  Kerr,  Amzi  Lewis,  Samuel 
Sacket,  John  Close,  Andrew  Bay,  Hugh  Knox,  Simon  Horton,  John  Moffat, 
Abner  Brush,  and  William  Woodhull. 

The  whole  Presbytery  of  Suffolk  and  Dutchess  county. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Sproat,  the  moderator,  opened  the  Synod  with  a  sermon,  from 
1  Cor.  i.  23,  24. 

Mr.  Robert  Smith  was  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Duffield  and  Mr  Forster  were 
chosen  clerks. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


Three  o'clock^  P.  M.      The   Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(With  the  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Latta,  David  Caldwell,  Jacob  Vanarsdalen, 
James  Finley,  Dr.  John  Rodgers,  and  Messrs.  Anthony  Tate  and  Robert  Evans, 
elders.) 

The  reasons  of  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Tennent,  Clark,  Rosborough,  Israel  Reed, 
and  McKennan,  for  their  absence  from  Synod  last  year,  were  sustained ;  as  were 
also  those  of  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Todd,  Hezekiah  Balch,  and  David  Caldwell,  for 
their  absence  from  several  former  meetings  of  Synod. 

Donegal  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  Mr.  John  Black,  and  sus- 
pended the  Rev.  Robert  Hughey  since  the  last  meeting  of  Synod ;  and  that  the 
Rev.  William  Thom  was  removed  by  death  some  time  in  last  August. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  suspended  the  Rev.  Sampson 


1774.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  451 

Smith  since  our  last,  and  ordained  Mr.  Thomas  Smith  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry. 

The  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr. 
William  Hollinshcad  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  since  our  lust,  who  being  pre- 
sent took  his  seat. 

The  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr. 
Robert  Davison  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  since  our  last,  who  being  present 
took  his  seat  accordinLdy. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  Messrs.  Moses 
Allen,  Oliver  lleesc,  and  John  De  Bow,  and  dismissed  Mr.  John  Simpson,  a 
licensed  candidate,  to  Orange  Presbytery. 

New  York  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  Messrs.  Matthias  Bur- 
net, Joseph  Periam,  and  Samuel  IMcCorkle;  and  received  the  Rev.  Andrew  Bay 
from  New  Castle  Presbytery,  and  the  Rev.  John  Close  from  Suifolk  Presby- 
tery, and  Mr.  Joseph  Grover,  a  licensed  candidate,  from  New  England;  and 
dismissed  the  Rev  Jonathan  Murdoch  to  Connecticut,  in  consequence  of  a  call  to 
him  from  a  congregation  there,  and  that  the  Rev.  Oliver  Deeming  has  been 
removed  by  death  since  our  last.  We  are  informed  that  the  Rev.  William 
!Mills,  a  member  of  Suffolk  Presbytery,  was  removed  by  death  the  18th  of  last 
March. 

Orange  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  received  the  Rev.  John  Harris 
from  Lewestown  Presbytery,  the  Rev.  James  Campbell  from  the  South  Pres- 
bytery, and  the  Rev.  James  Edmonds  j  and  have  licensed  and  ordained  to  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  Mr.  Thomas  Reese,  and  have  also  ordained  Mr.  John 
Simpson. 

Hanover  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  Messrs.  Caleb  Wallace, 
and  Samuel  Edmiston,  and  suspended  the  Rev.  Alexander  Miller ;  and  that  the 
Rev.  Messrs.  Black  and  Campbell  are  removed  by  death,  and  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Craig  also,  in  last  April. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Miller,  Todd,  David  Caldwell,  Cooper,  Chesnutt, 
Mitchell,  Patrick  Alison,  Israel  Reed,  Azariah  Horton,  Alexander  Miller,  Latta, 
and  John  WoodhuU ;  with  Messrs.  McCalla,  Clark,  Cowan,  Curry,  and  Ewing, 
elders,  are  appointed  a  committee  of  overtures  to  meet  here  to-morrow  morn- 
ing, at  six  o'clock,  and  by  adjournment  afterwards  as  often  as  occasion  may 
require. 

Messrs.  Hunter  and  Boyd  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the  Orange 
Presbytery  book. 

Messrs.  McWhorter  and  Alexander  Miller,  to  examine  Donegal  Presbytery 
book. 

IMessrs.  John  Miller  and  James  Caldwell,  to  examine  New  Castle  Presbytery 
book. 

Messrs.  Israel  Reed  and  Chapman,  to  examine  the  first  Philadelphia  Presby- 
tery book. 

Messrs.  Cowper  and  Foster,  to  examine  the  New  York  Presbytery  book. 

The  Presbyteries  of  Donegal  and  New  Castle  have  in  some  measure  complied 
with  the  recommendation  of  the  last  Synod,  for  raising  money  to  assist  in  the 
education  of  pious  young  men  for  the  ministry,  who  are  unable  to  support  them- 
selves ;  Lewestown,  and  the  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  have  not ;  neither 
have  Hanover  nor  Orange  Presbyteries,  the  two  latter  not  having  received  timely 
notice  of  the  recommendation. 

The  Synod  recommend  it  to  those  Presbyteries  that  have  been  deficient  in  the 
above,  to  proceed  in  that  matter  as  soon  as  possible,  and  to  the  other  Presbyte- 
ries to  continue  in  prosecuting  the  pious  design. 

The  committee  appointed  to  dispose  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of  the  trea- 
surer of  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  for  the  education  of  poor  and  pious  youth, 


452  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1774. 

report,  that  they  met  according  to  appointment,  and  disposed  of  the  money  in 
hand  last  year.  And  the  Synod  appoint  as  a  committee  to  dispose  of  such  mo- 
ney as  shall  be  due  October  nest,  the  Rev.  Dr.  "Witherspoon,  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Tennent,  Gruild,  Spencer,  James  Caldwell,  Halsey,  Richard  Treat,  Israel  Reed, 
and  McWhorter,  any  three  of  whom  to  be  a  quorum,  to  attend  at  New  Jersey 
College  the  third  Wednesday  of  August  next. 

The  committees  appointed  last  Synod  to  purchase  books  and  distribute  them 
among  the  poor  on  the  frontiers,  report,  that  they  have  complied  with  the 
order,  and  disposed  of  the  whole  of  the  sum  allowed  at  New  York,  and  the 
whole  also  of  the  sum  allowed  at  Philadelphia,  except  one  pound  seven  shillings 
and  eight  pence,  but  as  the  committee  at  Philadelphia  have  not  yet  received 
an  account  of  any  distribution  made  by  the  persons  to  whose  care  they  have 
committed  them  on  the  frontiers,  the  Synod  direct  them  to  inquire  as  soon 
as  possible  into  that  matter,  and  use  their  best  endeavours  to  have  said  distri- 
bution made,  (if  not  already  ♦lone,)  and  procure  what  information  they  can  of 
the  success  attending  said  distribution,  and  make  report  at  next  meeting  of 
Synod. 

Dr.  Rodgers  has  remitted  the  money  ordered  for  the  inhabitants  of  Saba,  as 
appointed. 

The  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  and  that  of  New  Castle,  have  complied 
with  the  order  of  last  Synod  respecting  the  collections  for  New  Jersey  Col- 
lege. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  19^7t,  nine  dcloch,  A.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

■^  (Together  with  the  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Finley,  Joseph  Smith,  Thomas  Smith, 
Joseph  Tate,  and  Elihu  Spencer,  who  are  now  come ;  and  also  Messrs.  Valen- 
tine Dushane,  and  Nathaniel  McKinley,  elders ;  their  reasons  for  not  attending 
sooner,  sustained. 

The  committee  appointed  to  dispose  of  money  in  the  hands  of  the  corpora- 
tion of  the  widows'  fund  brought  in  their  minutes,  which  were  read  and  ap- 
proved. And  we  appoint  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Spencer,  Sproat,  McWhorter,  James 
Caldwell,  and  Montgomery,  a  committee  for  the  same  purpose  this  year,  to  meet 
to-morrow  morning,  at  seven  o'clock,  at  Mr.  Sproat' s,  and  as  often  afterwards 
as  occasion  may  require. 

Donegal  Presbytery,  and  the  other  members  appointed  to  meet  with  them, 
Mr.  Forster  excepted,  have  complied  with  the  order  of  last  Synod  respect- 
ing ]Mr.  Kennedy,  and  report  that  they  have  ordered  him  to  desist  from 
preaching. 

Messrs.  John  Simpson  and  Caleb  Wallace  are  gone  to  the  southern  colonies, 
agreeable  to  an  order  of  last  Synod. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  have  complied  with  the  order  of  last  Synod 
with  respect  to  sending  supplies  to  the  southern  colonies,  as  far  as  their  cir- 
cumstances would  admit. 

It  was  moved  and  seconded,  and  came  to  be  considered,  whether  a  commis- 
sion of  Synod  should  be  appointed  and  their  powers  defined ;  or  the  practice  of 
appointing  a  commission  discontinued,  and  after  reasoning  thereon,  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  Treat,  Dr.  Rodgers,  McWhortcx-,  Hunter,  and  John  Miller,  were  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  prepare  an  overture  to  be  laid  before  the  Synod  next 
Monday  morning,  ascertaining  the  powers  of  the  commission  in  case  it  should 
be  continued. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1774.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  453 

Three  o'clock,  P.    M.     The  Synod  met  according  to   adjournment.       Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Together  with  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Steel,  John  Elder,  Dr.  Witherspoon, 
James  Long,  and  Jeremiah  Halsey,  who  are  now  come ;  their  reasons  for  not 
coming  sooner,  sustained ;  as  those  of  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Steel  and  Elder,  for 
their  absence  last  year.) 

A  letter  from  the  Rev.  Stephen  Johnson,  of  Lyme,  in  Connecticut,  was  laid 
before  the  Synod,  informing  of  a  sum  of  money  bequeathed  by  his  son,  the 
Rev.  Diodati  Johnson,  to  be  disposed  of  by  this  Synod  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
pagating the  gospel  in  the  southern  colonies,  and  requesting  that  some  person 
might  be  appointed  to  receive  the  same. 

The  Synod  appoint  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rodgers  to  receive  the  above,  and  give  a 
proper  receipt  and  discharge  for  the  same,  and  transmit  it  when  obtained  into 
the  hand  of  the  Synodical  treasurer  as  soon  as  convenient. 

A  letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Brainerd  was  brought  in  and  read,  informing  of 
the  Indian  school  having  been  kept  up  in  the  same  manner  it  was  last  year, 
and  of  his  labours,  and  prospects  of  success,  amongst  the  vacancies  in  those 
parts ;  which,  being  taken  into  consideration,  the  Synod  allow  Mr.  Brainerd 
for  his  services  there,  the  eighteen  pounds  interest  money  in  the  hands  of  the 
trustees  of  New  Jersey  College  for  an  Indian  mission,  and  the  additional  sum 
of  twenty-five  pounds,  to  be  paid  out  of  the  money  in  the  hand  of  the  Synodi- 
cal treasurer,  which  sum  the  treasurer  is  directed  to  pay  to  Mr.  Brainerd  or 
his  order. 

The  Synod  agree  to  print  an  account  of  the  money  collected  in  consequence 
of  the  Synodical  order  the  year  before  last,  together  with  a  list  of  the  members 
of  Synod,  and  the  congregations  and  vacancies  under  our  care,  and  in  order 
thereto  direct  the  respective  Presbyterial  treasurers  to  furnish  the  Synodical 
treasurer  with  proper  lists  of  their  members,  and  the  congregations  and  vacan- 
cies within  their  bounds. 

Dr.  Rodgers  laid  before  the  Synod  a  letter  from  the  Synod  of  North  Hol- 
land, which  was  read ;  and  Dr.  Rodgers  and  3Ir.  McWhorter  are  appointed  a 
committee  to  prepare  a  draught  of  an  answer  to  the  above  letter,  to  be  brought 
in  next  Monday  morning. 

The  minutes  of  last  General  Convention  were  brought  in  by  Dr.  Rodgers, 
their  stated  register,  and  read ;  and  as  the  next  Convention  is  to  meet  at  Eliza- 
bethtown,  the  third  Wednesday  of  September,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  we  ap- 
point the  Rev.  Messrs.  Dr.  Francis  Alison,  Dr.  John  "Witherspoon,  Dr.  John 
Rodgers,  Richard  Treat,  William  Tennent,  James  Sproat,  Jacob  Green,  An- 
drew Hunter,  Benjamin  Chesnutt,  Israel  Reed,  Elihu  Spencer,  John  Miller, 
Benjamin  Halt,  Jeremiah  Halsey,  Alexander  McWhorter,  James  Caldwell, 
John  Woodhull,  Jedidiah  Chapman,  and  George  Dufiield,  to  attend  there  as 
members  of  the  said  convention  from  this  body. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

20th  day,  nine  o'cloch,  A,  M.  tJie  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Together  with  the  Rev.  John  Hoge,  who  is  now  come ;  his  reasons  for  not 
attending  sooner,  sustained.) 

The  minutes  of  the  committee  of  overtures  were  called  for,  brought  in,  and 
read. 

Application  was  made  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  requesting  assist- 
ance to  supply  among  the  many  large  and  growing  vacancies  on  the  northern 
frontier  of  that  province.     In  consequence  of  which  the  Synod  appoint  Dr. 


454  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1774. 

Rodgers,  and  Mr.  Caldwell,  or  Mr.  McWhorter,  as  missionaries,  to  supply 
each  of  them  eight  Sabbaths  among  those  vacancies,  and  endeavour  as  far  as 
their  time  will  admit,  to  form  them  into  regular  congregations.  And  the  Sy- 
nod order  the  Presbyteries  of  New  York  and  New  Brunswick  to  supply  the 
congregations  of  those  gentlemen  who  go  on  this  mission,  in  the  following 
manner,  viz.  the  congregation  of  New  York  in  Dr.  Rodgers'  absence  to  be 
supplied,  the  third  Sabbath  in  June  by  Mr.  Bay ;  the  fourth,  Mr.  Roe ;  the 
first  in  July,  Mr.  McWhorter;  the  second,  Mr.  Woodruff;  the  third.  Dr. 
Witherspoon ;  the  fourth,  Mr.  Spencer ;  the  fifth,  Mr.  Halt ;  the  first  in  Au- 
gust, Mr.  Jones ;  the  second,  Mr.  Richards.  Elizabethtown  to  be  supplied  in 
the  absence  of  Mr.  Caldwell,  or  Newark  in  the  absence  of  Mr.  McWhorter,  the 
third  Sabbath  in  June  by  Mr.  Vanarsdalen ;  the  fourth,  Mr.  Tennent  -,  the  first 
in  July,  Mr.  Schenck ;  the  second,  Mr.  Reed ;  the  fourth,  Mr.  Chapman ;  the 
fifth,  Mr.  Azariah  Horton;  the  first  in  August,  Mr.  Elmer;  the  second,  Mr. 
Green.  *■ 

A  reference  was  brought  in  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  praying  the 
advice  of  the  Synod,  whether  the  congregation  of  Jamaica,  on  Long  Island, 
whose  late  minister,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mills,  belonged  to  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk, 
may  be  taken  under  their  care,  as  they  formerly  were,  and  had  never  been 
dismissed. 

The  Synod  allow  that  the  above  congregation  be  taken  under  the  care  of  the 
Presbytery  of  New  York. 

A  petition  from  the  Jersey  settlement  on  the  Mohawk  river,  about  seventy 
miles  above  Albany,  was  brought  in  and  read,  praying  to  be  taken  under  the 
care  of  the  Synod,  and  to  have  some  ministers  sent  among  them  supported  by 
the  money  in  the  hand  of  the  Synod. 

A  petition  was  brought  in  and  read  from  the  united  congregations  of  Timber 
Ridge  and  Hall's  Meeting-house,  in  Virginia,  representing  the  destitute  condi- 
tion of  the  church  in  those  parts,  and  earnestly  requesting  some  supplies  to  be 
sent  them,  and  especially  by  candidates  who  may  be  likely  to  settle  in  those 
parts. 

A  petition  from  Cathey's  settlement,  in  North  Carolina,  praying  for  supplies, 
was  brought  in  and  read,  together  with  which,  application  was  made  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  David  Caldwell  in  behalf  of  many  large  and  growing  vacancies  in  the 
bounds  of  Orange  Presbytery,  praying  that  supplies  be  sent  them  from  the 
Synod. 

Application  was  made  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Robert  Cooper  and  James  Fin- 
ley  in  behalf  of  the  numerous  and  increasing  vacancies  on  the  extensive  west- 
ern frontier  of  Pennsylvania,  praying  that  supplies  may  be  afforded  them  by 
the  Synod,  and  that  such  as  may  be  sent  endeavour  to  form  them  into  congre- 
gations as  far  as  they  conveniently  can. 

A  letter  was  brought  in  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rodgers  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Henry 
Patillo,  of  Orange  Presbytery,  representing  that  great  numbers  of  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  counties  of  Chowan,  Perquimons,  Pasquotank,  and  Currituck,  in 
the  lower  parts  of  North  Carolina,  are  earnestly  desirous  of  supplies  being  sent 
them  from  this  Synod,  and  praying  that  a  minister  may  be  sent  to  them  with  a 
view  to  settlement. 

A  petition  was  brought  in  and  read  from  the  Bald  Eagle  settlement  up  the 
west  branch  of  Susquehanna,  earnestly  praying  for  supplies  to  be  sent  to  those 
parts. 

Application  was  made  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Todd  in  behalf  of  the  numerous 
vacancies  within  the  bounds  of  Hanover  Presbytery,  and  praying  for  supplies 
from  the  Synod. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1774.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  455 

Three  d'cIocJ:,  P.  3f.    The  St/nod  met  according  to  adjournment.    Postpreces 

sederunt  qui  supra. 

Together  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Francis  Alison,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  King  and 
James  Long,  their  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner,  sustained. 

The  order  of  this  afternoon  being  called  for,  an  overture  was  brought  in 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tate,  requesting  a  review  of  the  act  of  last  year  respect- 
ing the  manner  of  receiving  ministers  from  Europe,  and  a  consideration  of  the 
power  by  which  the  Synod  makes  such  acts  to  restrain  Presbyteries  from  act- 
ing according  to  the  best  of  their  judgment  "  in  things  that  before  these  acts 
wei'e  allowed  to  be  lawful  and  not  forbidden  by  the  word  of  God,^'  was  taken 
into  consideration,  and  the  Synod  agree  to  review  the  said  act,  and  after  much 
reasoning  on  the  case,  it  was  carried  by  a  considerable  majority  to  reverse 
said  act. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Messrs.  Spencer,  Hunter,  Slemmons,  ]Mitchell, 
Duffield,  and  Raich,  dissent  from  the  above  judgment,  and  request  liberty  to 
bring  in  their  reasons  and  have  them  entered  on  record,  which  is  granted. 

Dr.  Rodgers  and  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Treat  and  McWhorter  are  appointed  a 
committee  to  prepare  an  overture  of  an  act  or  regulation,  to  be  substituted  in 
the  place  of  the  act  reversed  by  the  vote  now  passed,  to  be  brought  in  to- 
morrow morning. 

Mr.  David  Caldwell  and  Mr.  Carmichael  had  liberty  of  absence  till  Mon- 
day. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

'21st  day,  nine  o'clocTc,  A.  M.  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post 
preces  sedenmt  qui  supra. 

Together  with  the  Rev.  IMessrs.  Joseph  Montgomery  and  Matthew  Wilson, 
their  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner,  sustained. 

A  supplication  was  brought  in  and  read  from  the  congregation  of  Reedy  Creek 
and  Upper  Creek  meeting-houses,  on  the  heads  of  the  Catawba  waters,  repre- 
senting their  destitute  condition,  and  requesting  a  minister  to  be  sent  them  who 
may  be  likely  to  settle  among  them. 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday  to  prepare  an  overture  of  an  act  or  regu- 
lation respecting  the  admission  of  ministers  and  candidates  from  foreign  parts, 
brought  in  a  draught,  which,  being  read  a  first  and  second  time,  and  amended, 
was  unanimously  approved,  and  is  as  follows,  viz : 

"  Whereas,  it  is  of  the  highest  importance  to  the  interest  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom  that  the  greatest  care  be  observed  by  church  judicatures  to  maintain 
orthodoxy  in  doctrine,  and  purity  in  practice,  in  all  their  members,  this  Synod, 
in  addition  to  the  agreement  upon  this  head  of  the  year  1764,  and  further  ex- 
plained in  the  year  1765,  do  most  earnestly  recommend  it  to  all  their  Presbyte- 
ries to  be  very  strict  and  careful  respecting  these  matters,  especially  in  examin- 
ing the  certificates  and  testimonials  of  ministers  or  probationers  who  come  from 
foreign  churches ;  and  that  they  be  very  cautious  about  receiving  them,  unless 
the  authenticity  of  their  certificates  and  testimonials  be  supported  by  private 
letters,  or  other  credible  and  sufficient  evidence ;  and  in  order  more  efiectually 
to  preserve  this  Synod,  our  Presbyteries,  and  congregations  from  imposition  and 
abuse,  every  year  when  any  Presbytery  may  report  that  they  have  received  any 
ministers  or  probationers  from  foreign  churches,  that  Presbytery  shall  lay  be- 
fore the  Synod  the  testimonials,  and  all  other  certificates  upon  which  they  re- 
ceived such  ministers  or  probationers,  for  the  satisfaction  of  the  Sj^nod,  before 
such  foreign  ministers  or  probationers  shall  be  enrolled  as  members  of  our  body; 


456  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1774. 

and  if  the  Synod  shall  find  the  said  testimonials  false  or  insufficient,  the  whole 
proceedings  had  by  the  Presbytery  in  the  admission  shall  be  held  to  be  voidj 
and  the  Presbytery  shall  not  from  that  time  receive  or  acknowledge  him  as  a 
member  of  this  body,  or  in  ministerial  communion  with  us.  And,  on  the  other 
hand,  whensoever  any  gentlemen  from  abroad  shall  come  duly  recommended, 
as  above,  we  will  gladly  receive  them  as  brethren,  and  give  them  every  encour- 
agement in  our  power." 

An  appeal  from  a  judgment  of  New  Castle  Presbytery  respecting  a  call  to 
the  Kev.  Joseph  Smith,  was  brought  in.  The  consideration  of  this  affair  de- 
ferred till  next  Tuesday  morning. 

A  representation  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Ezra  Stiles  and  the  Rev.  Samuel  Hop- 
kins, respecting  the  sending  two  natives  of  Africa  on  a  mission  to  propagate 
Christianity  in  their  native  country,  and  a  request  that  the  Synod  would  coun- 
tenance this  undertaking  by  their  approbation  of  it,  was  brought  in  and  read. 
The  consideration  of  the  above  deferred. 

The  appeal  of  a  certain  Joseph  Zury  from  a  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  of 
New  Castle  was  brought  in  and  read,  as  also  the  minutes  of  the  Presbytery  and 
Session  respecting  that  affaii",  by  which  it  appears  that  the  said  Joseph  Zury 
had  been  charged  with  the  crime  of  fornication ;  in  judging  of  which  matter 
the  Presbytery  found  themselves  under  some  difficulty  to  determine  clearly  on 
the  one  side  or  the  other ;  the  Synod  after  duly  considering  the  affair,  unani- 
mously agree,  that  said  charge,  as  circumstanced,  ought  not  to  prevent  said 
Zury  from  sealing  ordinances,  and  do  therefore  declare  him  acquitted. 

The  Synod  appoint  Mr.  Treat,  Mr.  McWhorter  and  Mr.  Foster  a  commit- 
tee to  prepare  the  list  for  printing  which  was  to  have  been  done  by  Dr.  With- 
erspoon. 

A  query  was  brought  in,  about  Mr.  McGill,  labouring  in  the  ministry  within 
the  bounds  of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  especially  in  one  of  the  con- 
gregations under  their  care,  and  has  assisted  one  of  their  members  in  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  Lord's  supper. 

The  Synod  remit  this  affair  to  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  and  di- 
rect them  to  send  one  of  their  members  to  preach  on  a  Sabbath  in  that  congre- 
gation where  Mr.  McGill  has  been  preaching,  as  above,  and  read  to  them  the 
minute  of  the  Synod  last  year  respecting  that  gentleman,  and  warn  them  not 
to  encourage  him  among  them  whilst  matters  remain  in  their  present  situation. 
And  the  Synod  further  order  the  said  Presbytery  to  be  careful  that  none  of 
their  members  encourage  him  in  the  question  of  the  ministerial  office. 

Doctor  Witherspoon  had  liberty  of  absence  till  Tuesday  afternoon,  Mr.  Spen- 
cer till  Monday,  and  Mr.  Halsey  through  the  remaining  part  of  the  present 
session. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock  P.  M.  next  Monday.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

3Ionday,  May  23c7,  iliree,  o'clock,  P.  M.    The  Synod  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment.    Post  prcces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

IMr.  John  Thompson,  Mr.  Montgomery's  elder,  and  Mr.  John  McCalmont, 
BIr.  McKennan's  elder,  are  now  come. 

The  representation  and  request  relative  to  sending  negro  missionaries  to  Africa, 
was  taken  into  consideration,  in  consequence  of  which  the  subject  of  negro  sla- 
very came  to  be  considered,  and  after  much  reasoning  on  the  matter  Dr.  Rod- 
gers,  Messrs.  John  Miller,  Caldwell,  and  Montgomery,  were  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  bring  in  an  overture  on  this  subject  on  Wednesday  morning. 

The  consideration  of  the  overture  brought  in  by  Mr.  Tate,  viz  :  respecting 
"  The  power  by  which  the  Synod  makes  such  acta  to  restrain  Presbyteries  from 


1774.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  457 

acting  to  the  best  of  their  judgment  in  things,  that  before  these  acts,  were 
allowed  to  be  lawful,  and  not  forbidden  by  the  word  of  God/'  is  deferred  to 
next  Synod. 

The  call  for  the  overture  respecting  a  commission  of  Synod,  is  deferred  till 
Wednesday  morning. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.      Concluded  with  prayer. 

24<A  daij,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.    The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.  Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  siq)ra. 

Mr.  Andrew  Bryan,  Mr.  Reed's  elder,  and  William  Walker,  Mr.  Woodhull's 
elder,  are  now  come. 

David  Scott,  in  his  own  name,  and  in  the  name  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Great  Cove,  request  the  Synod  to  consider  their  destitute  state,  as  separated  so 
far  from  any  neighbouring  congregation  that  they  cannot  there  conveniently  at- 
tend divine  worship,  and  that  their  number  is  so  small,  that  they  are  not  able 
sufficiently  to  pay  ministers  that  supply  them,  especially  young  men  who  have 
no  congregations,  for  their  trouble ;  he  therefore  humbly  requests  the  reverend 
Synod  to  allow  something  out  of  their  fund  to  such  ministers  as  are  sent  to 
supply  them,  and  that  orders  be  given  to  some  of  the  neighbouring  ministers  to 
administer  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  among  them  some  time  conve- 
nient before  winter.  The  Synod  having  considered  his  request,  recommend  it 
to  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal  seasonably  to  administer  the  sacrament  in  the 
Great  Cove,  and  afford  them  as  many  supplies  as  they  conveniently  can ;  and 
the  Synod  agree  to  allow  a  reasonable  compensation  to  such  ministers  or  proba- 
tioners as  may  be  sent  on  these  services. 

The  order  of  the  morning  being  called  for,  the  appeal  from  the  judgment  of 
the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  respecting  a  call  to  the  Rev.  Joseph  Smith,  was 
taken  into  consideration,  and  after  the  parties  were  heard  in  part, 

Adjourned  till  three  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Postpreces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

(With  Mr.  Witherspoon  who  is  now  returned.) 

Ordered,  To  proceed  in  the  affair  of  the  appeal  entered  on  in  the  forenoon ; 
and  after  the  parties  were  further  heard, 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2hih  day,  nine  dcloch,  A.  M.   The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.  Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  To  proceed  in  the  appeal  entered  upon  yesterday. 

The  parties  being  fully  heard  and  ordered  to  withdi'aw,  the  Synod  proceeded 
to  consider  the  affair,  and  after  reasoning  on  the  case.  Dr.  Rodgers,  Messrs. 
Spencer,  John  Miller,  McWhorter,  and  Patrick  Alison,  were  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  converse  with  the  commissioners  from  Wilmington  on  both  sides  of 
the  question,  together  with  Mr.  McKennan,  and  Mr.  Smith ;  and  endeavour  to 
accommodate  matters  in  such  manner  as  may  be  most  likely  to  serve  the  in- 
terest of  the  church  in  those  parts. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 
58 


458  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1774. 

Three  o^ clock,  P.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment     Fostpreces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  Mr.  Steel  and  Mr.  Balch,  who  are  gone  home  without  leave ;  and 
Mr.  McCreary,  who  being  taken  sick  and  obliged  to  go  home,  sent  the  reason  of 
his  departure  to  the  Synod,  which  is  sustained.) 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  Presbytery  books  of  Orange, 
Donegal,  and  New  York,  brought  in  the  books  approved  except  a  few 
remarks. 

The  remaining  minutes  of  the  committee  of  overtures  were  called  for,  brought 
in  and  read. 

A  letter  was  brought  in  from  the  Rev.  John  William  Kahls,  respecting  the 
study  of  the  Hebrew  language  and  Divinity,  which  being  taken  into  considera- 
tion, the  Synod  expressed  their  sentiments  on  the  subject,  and  desired  the  mo- 
derator to  transmit  the  same  to  Mr.  Kahls. 

The  committee  appointed  in  the  forenoon  on  the  Wilmington  affair,  report, 
that  they  have  used  their  best  endeavours  to  accomplish  the  end  of  their  ap- 
pointment, but  have  not  been  so  happy  as  to  succeed ;  wherefore  the  Synod  re- 
sumed the  consideration  of  the  appeal  lying  before  them,  and  after  reasoning,  it 
was  moved,  that  waving  the  decision  of  the  merits  of  the  appeal  and  conduct  of 
the  Presbytery,  the  Synod  should  resolve  upon  the  whole  state  of  the  affair  laid 
before  them,  that  Mr.  Smith  be  allowed  to  accept  of  the  call  put  into  his  hand 
by  the  Presbytery,  and  that  the  call  be  described  by  the  terms  of  the  second  con- 
gregation in  Wilmington  united  with  Brandywine,  and  that  he  be  appointed  to 
preach  in  Wilmington  one  half  of  his  time,  and  the  other  half  in  such  place  as 
the  Brandywine  congregation  have  proposed  to  provide  on  the  west  side  of  the 
creek  in  the  country,  with  this  further  instruction,  that  in  case  the  eastern  part 
of  Brandywine  congregation  shall  build  another  house,  and  request  a  propor- 
tion of  his  time,  he  be  appointed  to  divide  it  among  the  three,  and  that  in 
either  case  care  be  taken  that  the  day  of  preaching  in  Wilmington  do  not  inter- 
fere with  the  day  of  preaching  at  Mr.  McKennan's  church,  but  that  they  cor- 
respond together  so  as  to  promote  the  common  benefit  of  all  as  much  as  may 
be ;  and  the  Synod  do  earnestly  recommend  to  all  the  members  of  that  Presby- 
tery to  cultivate  peace  and  harmony,  and  do  their  utmost  to  strengthen  one  an- 
other's hands  in  the  work  of  the  Lord, 

The  above  having  been  several  times  read  was  put  to  the  question,  agree  or 
not,  and  was  carried  by  a  great  majority — agree,  wherefore  the  Synod  did  and 
hereby  do  appoint  accordingly ; — parties  being  called  in,  this  was  intimated  to 
them. 

Dr.  Ptodgers,  and  his  elder,  Mr.  Kinley,  and  also  Messrs.  John  Miller, 
James  Boyd,  Alexander  Miller,  and  Patrick  Alison,  had  liberty  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2Qth  day,  nine  ddock,  A.  31.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Valentine  Dushane,  Mr.  Thomas  Smith's  elder,  being  taken  sick,  was 
obliged  to  go  home.  Mr.  Carmichael  having  last  Friday  obtained  liberty  of 
absence  till  Monday,  has  not  since  returned. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  overture  on  the  representation  from 
Dr.  Stiles  and  the  Kev.  Samuel  Hopkins,  and  also  on  the  subject  of  negro  sla- 
very, brought  in  a  draught,  the  first  part  of  which  being  read  and  amended,  was 
approved  and  is  as  follows  : 

The  consideration  of  Dr.  Stiles's  and  Mr.  Hopkins's  representation  and  re- 
quest resumed.     "  The  Synod  is  very  happy  to  have  an  opportunity  to  express 


1774.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  459 

their  readiness  to  concur  with  and  assist  in  a  mission  to  the  African  tribes,  and 
especially  where  so  many  circumstances  concur  as  in  the  present  case,  to  inti- 
mate that  it  is  the  will  of  God,  and  to  encourage  us  to  hope  for  success.  We 
assure  the  gentlemen  aforesaid,  we  are  ready  to  do  all  that  is  proper  for  us  in 
our  station  for  their  encouragement  and  assistance." 

And  it  is  ordered,  that  the  clerk  transmit  a  copy  of  this  minute  to  Doctor 
Stiles.  But  some  difficulties  attending  the  discussion  of  the  second  part  of  that 
overture,  the  Synod  agree  to  defer  the  affair  to  our  next  meeting. 

A  member  of  the  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  overture  respecting  a 
commission  of  Synod,  brought  in  a  draught,  which  being  read  and  amended, 
was  put  to  vote  and  carried  by  a  large  majority,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  Whereas,  there  have  arisen  doubts  in  the  minds  of  some  members  respect- 
ing the  utility  and  powers  of  what  is  called  by  us  the  commission,  the  Synod 
proceeded  to  take  this  matter  into  consideration,  and  after  due  deliberation,  in 
orded  to  remove  any  scruples  upon  this  head,  and  prevent  all  future  difficulties 
in  this  matter,  do  determine  that  the  commission  shall  continue,  and  meet  when- 
soever called  by  the  moderator,  at  the  request  of  the  first  nine  in  the  roll  of 
the  commission,  or  a  major  part  of  the  first  nine  ministers,  and  when  met  that 
it  shall  be  invested  with  all  the  powers  of  Synod  to  sit  by  their  own  adjourn- 
ments from  time  to  time ;  and  let  it  also  be  duly  attended  to,  that  there  can  lie 
no  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  the  commission,  as  there  can  be  none  from  the 
judgment  of  the  Synod;  but  there  may  be  a  review  of  their  proceedings  and 
judgments  by  the  Synod,  and  whensoever  this  is  done,  those  who  were  members 
of  the  commission  shall  be  present  and  assist  in  forming  all  such  judgments  as 
the  Synod  may  think  proper  to  make  upon  any  such  review." 

And  we  do  appoint  for  a  commission  the  ensuing  year,  Messrs.  John  Miller, 
Matthew  Wilson,  John  Todd,  David  Caldwell,  John  King,  Robert  Cooper,  Jo- 
seph Montgomery,  James  Finley,  William  Forster,  Richard  Treat,  Andrew 
Hunter,  George  Duffield,  Dr.  Francis  Alison,  Patrick  Alison,  William  Tennent, 
Elihu  Spencer,  Jeremiah  Halsey,  Alexander  McWhorter,  Azariah  Horton,  Dr. 
John  Rodgers,  James  Caldwell,  David  Rose,  Wheeler  Case,  James  Sproat,  Ben- 
jamin Chesnutt,  John  Simonton,  John  Brainerd,  Israel  Reed,  Thomas  Lewis, 
with  the  moderator ;  and  elders,  John  Thompson  of  New  Castle,  Joseph  Cowan 
of  Octorara,  John  McCalla  of  Philadelphia,  Daniel  Clark  of  Greenwich,  Wil- 
liam McMullen  of  Philadelphia,  William  Bresban  of  Pequea,  Andrew  Bryan 
of  Drawyers,  Anthony  Tate  of  New  Town;  and  twenty-two,  with  the  mode- 
rator, shall  be  a  quorum. 

Ordered,  To  proceed  in  appointing  supplies. 

Mr.  Latta  is  appointed  to  supply  up  the  West  Branch  of  Susquehanna  five 
Sabbaths  in  the  months  of  October  and  November ;  and  Mr.  Samuel  Dougal,  a 
probationer,  under  the  care  of  New  Castle  Presbytery,  seven  Sabbaths  in  July 
and  August. 

Mr.  John  Hanna  is  appointed  to  supply  eight  Sabbaths  between  this  and 
next  fall,  in  the  vacancies  beyond  the  Allegheny  mountains. 

Mr.  Samuel  Smith,  a  probationer,  under  the  care  of  New  Castle  Presbytery, 
is  appointed  to  supply  four  months  between  this  and  next  meeting  of  Synod,  on 
the  frontier  parts  of  Pennsylvania,  and  in  Virginia,  if  his  state  of  health 
shall  admit  of  it. 

Mr.  JolTn  Debow,  a  probationer,  under  the  care  of  New  Brunswick  Presby- 
tery, and  Mr.  Samuel  McCorkle,  a  probationer,  under  the  care  of  New  York 
Presbytery,  are  appointed  to  go  to  the  southward  as  soon  as  they  conveniently 
can,  and  supply  under  the  direction  of  the  Presbyteries  of  Hanover  and  Orange, 
each  of  them  one  whole  year  at  least. 

Mr.  Forster  is  appointed  to  supply  six  Sabbaths  in  the  frontier  parts  of  Penn- 
sylvania, in  the  months  of  September  and  October. 


460  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1774 

And  the  Synod  recommend  it  to  the  several  Presbyteries  to  afford  what  fur- 
ther assistance  they  can  to  the  Presbyteries  of  Hanover  and  Orange,  by  proba- 
tioners under  their  care. 

Messrs.  Clark  and  Thomas  Smith  had  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

TJiree  o'clock,    P.  31.      The  Synod  met   according  to  adjournment.      Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  sujjra. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Blair,  formerly  in  connection  with  this  Synod,  being 
now  present,  requested  to  be  enrolled  as  a  member,  which  request  was  granted, 
and  he  accordingly  took  his  seat,  and  the  Synod  desire  Mr.  Blair  to  join  him- 
self to  some  one  of  our  Presbyteries  as  soon  as  he  conveniently  can. 

The  Synod  taking  into  their  serious  consideration  the  dark  and  threatening 
aspect  of  our  public  affairs,  b(Hh  civil  and  religious,  as  loudly  calling  for  deep 
humiliation  before  God,  and  earnest  application  to  the  throne  of  grace,  do  agree 
to  observe  the  third  Thursday  of  June  next,  as  a  day  of  solemn  fasting  and 
prayer,  to  implore  the  Divine  compassion,  that  it  may  please  God  in  his  great 
mercy  to  avert  the  calamities  which,  on  account  of  our  manifold  provocations, 
we  have  great  reason  to  fear. 

An  overture  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Matthew  Wilson,  proposing  a  method  to  secure 
the  lasting  union  and  credit  of  the  Presbyterian  body,  was  brought  in  and  read, 
and  taken  into  consideration,  and  the  Synod  recommend  it  to  their  members  to 
make  themselves  well  acquainted  with  the  fundamental  principles  of  the  Pres- 
byterian constitution. 

A  paper  from  Mr.  S.  Kennedy  was  brought  in,  containing  a  complaint  against 
the  conduct  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal,  and  the  members  who  met  with 
them  according  to  appointment  of  last  Synod.  As  the  Synod  have  not  time  at 
present  to  enter  upon  the  consideration  of  this  matter,  and  if  they  had  time, 
Mr.  Kennedy  is  not  prepared  with  his  witnesses  for  trial,  they  agree  to  defer  it 
till  next  Synod,  and  order  Mr.  Kennedy  in  the  mean  time  to  submit  to  the 
judgment  of  the  Presbytery,  and  that  he  appear  then  prepared  to  support  his 
complaint  against  the  said  Presbytery,  and  that  the  Presbytery  be  careful  to 
prepare  for  their  own  vindication,  that  this  matter  may  then  be  fully  heard  and 
issued. 

A  letter  from  the  Associate  Presbytery,  in  Pennsylvania,  signed  by  the 
Rev.  William  Marshal,  Presbytery  clerk,  was  brought  in  and  read,  represent- 
ing that  for  reasons  which  to  them  appear  valid,  they  are  not  at  present  dis- 
posed to  unite  with  this  Synod,  which  letter  is  ordered  to  be  entered  in  the 
Appendix. 

The  Synod  finding  by  their  printed  accounts  that  many  members  have  not 
yet  collected,  according  to  the  order  of  Synod,  1772,  wherefore  they  now 
again  order  the  Presbyteries  to  require  those  who  have  not  collected,  as  ap- 
pears from  the  printed  lists,  that  they  should  collect  this  year,  and  bring  said 
collections  in  by  their  Presbyterial  treasurers  at  next  sessions  of  Synod. 

An  address,  on  a  matter  apprehended  to  be  of  great  importance  to  our  general 
interest,  was  brought  in  and  read ;  the  consideration  of  it  deferred  till  our  next 
meeting  of  Synod. 

An  overture  for  resolving  this  Synod  into  three  Synods  was  brought  in  and 
read ;  the  consideration  thereof  deferred  to  next  meeting  of  Synod. 

Adjourned  to  New  York,  to  meet  at  ten  o'clock,  on  the  third  Wednesday  of 
nest  May.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1775.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  461 

1775. 

New  Yorlc,  May  17th,  1775. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment, 
Uhi  post  prcccs  sederunt 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Dutchess  county :  The  Eev.  Messrs.  Wheeler  Case, 
Samuel  JMills,  and  Ichabod  Lewis. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York :  The  Kev.  Dr.  Rodgers,  the  Ptcv.  Messrs. 
Thomas  Lewis,  Alexander  McWhorter,  Benjamin  Hait,  Aaron  Richards,  Ben- 
jamin Woodruff,  Joseph  Treat,  James  Caldwell,  Jedidiah  Chapman,  Nathan 
Kerr,  John  Close,  Azel  Roe,  and  Alexander  Miller. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Dr.  Witherspoon,  William  Ten- 
nent,  Israel  Reed,  and  Francis  Peppard. 

Of  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Andrew  Hunter, 
and  James  Boyd. 

Of  the  New  Castle  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Robert  Smith. 

Of  Donegal  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Robert  Cooper. 

Elders :  JMessrs.  Elisha  Beart,  Nathaniel  Ball,  Peter  Ryker,  Robert  Ogden, 
and  Garret  Noel, 

Absent :  Of  the  Presbytery  of  Dutchess  county :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Elisha 
Kent,  Dunlap,  Eliphalet  Ball,  Chancey  Graham,  Solomon  Mead,  Blackleech 
Burnett,  and  David  Close. 

The  whole  of  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Simon  Horton,  Azariah  Hor- 
ton,  Jacob  Green,  Timothy  Jones,  John  Moffatt,  Abner  Brush,  Andrew  Bay, 
Hugh  Knox,  Jonathan  Elmer,  Amzi  Lewis,  and  Jacob  Vanarsdalen. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Charles  McKnight, 
Elihu  Spencer,  Samuel  Kennedy,  John  Guild,  Jeremiah  Halsey,  John  Hanna, 
Thomas  Smith,  John  Rosborough,  and  William  Schenck. 

Of  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery:  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Richard  Treat, 
James  Sproat,  George  Duffield,  Alexander  Mitchel,  Nathaniel  Erwin,  Daniel 
McCalla,  Benjamin  Chesnutt,  John  Brainerd,  Nehemiah  Greenman,  Enoch 
Green,  Samuel  Eakin,  William  HoUinshead,  and  James  Watt. 

The  whole  of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery. 

The  whole  of  the  Lewestown  Presbytery. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Alexander  McDowell, 
James  Finley,  William  McKennan,  John  Carmichael,  Joseph  Montgomery, 
John  Clark,  William  Foster,  Joseph  Smith,  John  McCreary,  John  WoodhuU, 
Thomas  Read,  James  Anderson,  and  Thomas  Smith. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Thompson,  John 
Roan,  John  Hoge,  Joseph  Rhea,  James  Hunt,  Amos  Thompson,  John  Slem- 
mons,  John  Craighead,  James  Lang,  John  King,  Hezekiah  Balch,  and  Hugh 
Vance. 

Absent,  the  Presbyteries  of  Hanover  and  Orange. 

Mr.  Robert  Smith,  moderator  for  the  last  year,  opened  the  Synod  with  a 
sermon  on  John  xxi.  15,  16, 17. 

Mr.  Hait  was  chosen  moderator,  Messrs.  Joseph  Treat  and  Robert  Cooper 
clerks. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Nathaniel  Whitaker,  of  the  Presbytery  of  Boston,  and  the  Rev. 
Levi  Frisby  being  present,  were  invited  and  sat  as  correspondents. 

The  Presbytery  of  Dutchess  county  report,  that  since  our  sessions  in  May, 
1773,  they  have  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  Messrs.  David 
Close  and  Blackleech  Burnet. 

New  York  Presbytery  report,  that  since  our  last  they  have  licensed  to  preach 


462  JIINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1775. 

the  gospel  iMr.  Ebenezer  Bradford ;  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry, 
Messrs.  Mathias  Burnet  and  Joseph  Grover ;  and  that  they  have  recalled  Mr. 
Periam's  license  to  preach ;  and  received  the  Rev.  Mr.  Vanarsdale  from  the 
Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick.  Mr.  Bui'net  being  present,  takes  his  seat  as  a 
member. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  report,  that  since  our  last  they  have 
licensed  to  preach  the  gospel,  3Ir.  Philip  Stockton,  and  received  from  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Sterling  in  Scotland,  the  Eev.  Mr.  James  Gourly. 

The  fii'st  Philadelphia  Presbytery  report,  that  since  our  last  they  have  licensed 
to  preach  the  gospel,  Messrs.  Philip  Vicars  Fithian,  Andrew  Hunter,  Israel 
Evans,  and  Robert  Keith  ;  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  Messrs. 
Nathaniel  Irwin  and  Daniel  McCalla. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  report,  that  since  our  last  they  have  licensed  to  preach 
the  gospel,  Messrs.  Ebenezer  Brooks  and  John  McMillan ;  and  deposed  from 
the  gospel  ministry  Mr.  Sampson  Smith. 

Donegal  Presbytery  report,  that  since  our  last  they  have  licensed  to  preach 
the  gospel,  Messrs.  William  Adolphus  Linn,  John  McKnight,  and  James 
McConnell;  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry  Mr.  Thomas  Mc- 
Pherrin ;  received  as  a  coiTespondent  member,  the  Rev.  Collin  McFarquhar 
from  the  Presbytery  of  Garloch  in  Scotland,  and  received  the  Rev.  Hezekiah 
Balch  from  the  Presbytery  of  Orange ;  and  that  on  the  twenty-first  of  May  last, 
the  Eev.  John  Strain  was  removed  by  death. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Joseph  Tate,  of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  has, 
since  our  last,  been  removed  by  death. 

The  Presbytery  of  Suffolk  have,  since  our  last,  ordained  to  the  work  of 
the  gospel  ministry,  Mr,  John  Davenport,  who  being  present  takes  his  seat  as  a 
member. 

Messrs.  Close,  Roe,  Kerr,  Peppard,  Ichabod  Lewis,  Boyd,  Davenport,  and 
Robert  Smith,  with  Messrs.  Ogden,  and  Ball,  elders,  are  appointed  a  committee 
of  overtures  to  meet  by  six  o'clock  at  this  place  to-morrow  morning,  and  by 
adjournments  afterwards  as  occasion  may  require. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  to-morrow.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

lS(h  dat/,  nine  o'clock,  A.  31.,     The  Si/nod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

I>Ir.  Joseph  Riggs,  Sir.  McWhorter's  elder,  is  now  come. 

Messrs.  Robert  Smith  and  Caldwell  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine 
the  Donegal  Presbytery  book.  As  no  other  Presbytery  books  are  brought, 
ordered,  that  each  Presbytery  bring  their  books  to  our  next  Synod,  and  par- 
ticularly inasmuch  as  the  books  of  Dutchess,  Suffolk,  and  Hanover,  have  not 
for  some  years  past  been  produced,  it  is  ordered  that  those  Presbyteries  be 
punctual  in  bringing  them  to  our  next  meeting  of  Synod. 

Messrs.  Timothy  Jones  and  Jonathan  Elmer  are  now  come,  their  reasons  for 
not  attending  sooner,  sustained. 

Dr.  "Witherspoon,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Messrs.  McWhorter  and  Caldwell,  are  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  bring  in,  as  soon  as  convenient,  a  draught  of  a  minute 
respecting  the  congregations  sending  elders  to  our  judicatures. 

The  committee  appointed  to  dispose  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of  the  trea- 
surer of  the  college  of  New  Jersey,  for  the  education  of  poor  and  pious  youth, 
report,  that  they  met  according  to  appointment,  and  disposed  of  the  money  in 
hand  last  year. 

Dr.  Witherspoon,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Messrs.  Tennent,  Guild,  Spencer,  Caldwell, 
Halscy,  Richard  Treat,  Israel  Reed,  Alexander  McWhorter,  and  Roe,  are  ap- 
pointed a  committee,  any  three  of  whom  to  be  a  quorum,  to  meet  at  Princeton 


1775.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  4G3 

the  third  Wednesday  of  next  August,  to  dispose  of  said  money  for  the  present 
year. 

Mr.  Halsey  is  now  come,  his  reason  for  not  attending  sooner,  sustained.  John 
Welch,  Mr.  Case's  elder,  i.s  now  come. 

The  committee  of  rhiladelphia  for  purchasing  and  distributing  books,  are  not 
present  to  make  any  report  agreeable  to  the  order  of  last  Synod. 

The  Synodical  treasurer  reports,  that  he  has  obtained  a  bond  with  sufficient 
security  for  the  payment  of  the  legacy  bequeathed  by  the  Rev.  Diodate  Johnston 
of  Connecticut. 

Doctor  Rodgers  fulfilled  the  mission  on  the  frontiers  as  appointed,  his  pulpit 
was  supplied  as  ordered.  The  Doctor's  report  concerning  said  mission  defen'ed 
till  to-morrow. 

Neither  3Ir.  Caldwell  nor  Mr.  McWhorter  fulfilled  the  mission  appointed 
them,  their  reasons  sustained. 

Doctor  Eodgcrs's  report  respecting  his  mission  deferred  till  next  sederunt. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  inform,  that  on  account  of  the  absence 
of  their  stated  clerk,  they  cannot  now  produce  the  certificates  on  which  they 
received  Mr.  Gourly,  agreeable  to  the  order  of  last  Synod  respecting  such 
cases. 

Ordered,  That  said  certificates  be  produced  at  the  next  Synod. 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegal  fulfilled  the  appointment  respecting  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  Lord's  Supper  at  Great  Cove. 

The  Synod  appoint  as  a  commission  for  the  present  year,  the  Ptev.  Messrs. 
Richard  Treat,  John  Miller,  Matthew  Wilson,  John  Todd,  David  Caldwell, 
John  King,  Robert  Cooper,  Joseph  Montgomery,  James  Finley,  William 
Foster,  Andrew  Hunter,  George  Duffield,  Dr.  AUson,  Patrick  Alison,  William 
Tennent,  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Elihu  Spencer,  Jeremiah  Halsey,  Alexander 
IMcWhorter,  Azariah  Horton,  Dr.  Rodgers,  James  Caldwell,  David  Rose, 
Wheeler  Case,  James  Sproat,  Benjamin  Chestnutt,  John  Simonton,  John 
Brainerd,  Israel  Reed,  and  Thomas  Lewis,  with  the  moderator;  and  elders, 
Messrs.  Robert  Ogden,  Garret  Noel,  Peter  Ryker,  Elisha  Beach,  Nathaniel 
Ball,  Joseph  Riggs,  Maskel  Ewing,  Gunning  Bedford,  McMillan,  and  George 
Bryan,  twenty-two  of  whom,  with  the  moderator,  to  be  a  quorum ;  and  in  case 
of  the  death  of  the  moderator,  the  fii'st  upon  the  above  list  to  be  moderator,  and 
to  call  the  commission. 

Mr.  Debow  has  not  fulfilled  the  mission  to  the  southern  colonies ;  the  reasons 
for  the  omission  were  sustained. 

Messrs.  Samuel  Smith  and  Samuel  Dugal  have  fulfilled  their  appointments. 

Messrs.  Latta,  John  Hannah,  and  Forster,  have  not  fulfilled  their  appoint- 
ments, ordered  by  the  last  Synod. 

The  Synod  are  not  informed  whether  the  Rev.  Samuel  Blair  has  become  a 
member  of  any  of  our  Presbyteries,  agreeable  to  the  order  of  last  Synod. 

The  order  of  Synod  respecting  a  fast  was  complied  with. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Tliree  o'clock,  P.  31.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Postpreces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

(With  Messrs.  Vanarsdale  and  Irwin,  as  also  Mr.  Bayley,  Mr.  Burnet's  elder, 
who  are  now  come,  their  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner,  sustained.) 

Mr.  Bay  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner,  sustained ;  his 
elder  is  John  Albertis,  who  is  also  present. 

Dr.  Witherspoon,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Messrs.  Caldwell,  Halsey,  Smith,  Kerr,  and 
Ogden,  are  appointed  a  committee  to  bring  in  to-morrow  in  the  afternoon,  a 
draught  of  a  pastoral  letter. 


464  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1775. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Brainerd  receive  this  year  the  interest  of  the  three  hun- 
dred pounds  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  New  Jersey  College  for  an  Indian 
mission. 

Messrs.  Hait,  Woodruff,  Roe,  Elmer,  Thomas  Lewis,  and  Chapman,  are  ap- 
pointed a  committee  in  behalf  of  the  Synod,  to  inquire  into  the  design  of  the 
aforesaid  fund,  and  to  endeavour  to  settle  with  the  trustees  of  the  said  college 
the  day  after  their  public  commencement,  to  what  purposes  the  interest  of  it 
ought  to  be  applied,  and  by  whom  the  objects  shall  be  nominated. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  19^A,  nine  o'clock,  A.  31.   The  Synod  met  aceording  to  adjournment.    Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  general  convention  were  brought  in  by  Dr.  Rodgers, 
their  stated  register,  and  read.^ 

The  Synod  appoint  as  delegates  for  the  next  convention,  Messrs,  Dr.  Wither- 
spoon.  Dr.  Alison,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Wheeler  Case,  Ichabod  Lewis,  Samuel  Mills, 
David  Rose,  John  Davenport,  Joseph  Treat,  Thomas  Lewis,  Benjamin  Wood- 
ruff, John  Close,  Benjamin  Hait,  Jeremiah  Halsey,  Elihu  Spencer,  Israel 
Reed,  John  Brainerd,  James  Sproat,  Nathaniel  Irwin,  Robert  Davison,  Joseph 
Montgomery,  and  John  Woodhull,  to  meet  at  Greenfield  in  Connecticut,  the 
first  Wednesday  of  next  September.  Mr.  Joseph  Treat  to  open  the  conven- 
tion with  a  sermon,  and  in  case  of  Mr.  Treat's  absence,  Mr.  Hait  to  preach  the 
sermon. 

By  the  committee  of  overtures  was  brought  in  an  application  from  the  Pres- 
byterian congregation  in  Salem,  in  the  province  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  under 
the  care  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Whitaker,  representing  that  in  October  last,  together 
with  many  other  valuable  buildings,  their  meeting-house  had  been  consumed 
by  fii'e ;  and  earnestly  soliciting  this  Synod  to  commiserate  their  case,  and  take 
such  methods  for  their  relief  as  to  them  may  appear  expedient.  As  also, 
an  earnest  address  from  the  Presbytery  of  Boston  to  the  Synod,  in  favour  of 
said  society. 

The  Synod,  considering  the  distressed  condition  of  said  people,  agree  in 
heartily  recommending  them  as  an  object  of  charity,  hoping  all  persons  of  ability 
will  contribute  to  their  relief. 

Mr.  John  Woodhull  is  now  come;  his  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner, 
sustained. 

Doctor  Rodgers  reports,  that  in  his  mission  on  the  frontiers  of  the  province 
of  New  York,  he  preached  at  many  different  places,  met  with  a  very  agree- 
able reception,  endeavoured  to  form  the  people  into  religious  societies  as  far 
as  circumstances  would  admit;  that  those  people  very  gratefully  acknow- 
ledged the  Synod's  care  respecting  them,  and  earnestly  request  the  continu- 
ance of  it. 

The  Synod  considering  the  present  alarming  state  of  public  affairs,  do  una- 
nimously judge  it  their  duty  to  call  all  the  congregations  under  thuir  care  to 
solemn  fasting,  humiliation,  and  prayer,  and  for  this  purpose  appoint  the  last 
Thursday  of  June  next  to  be  carefully  and  religiously  observed.  But  as  the 
Continental  Congress  are  now  sitting,  who  may  probably  appoint  a  fost  for  the 
same  purpose,  the  Synod,  from  respect  to  that  august  body,  and  for  the  greater 
harmony  with  all  other  denominations,  and  for  the  greater  public  order,  if  the 
Congress  shall  appoint  a  day  not  above  four  weeks  distant  from  the  said  last 
Thursday  of  June,  order  that  the  congregations  belonging  to  this  Synod  do 
keep  the  day  appointed  by  the  Congress,  in  obedience  to  this  resolution ;  and  if 
they  appoint  a  day  more  distant,  the  Synod  order  both  to  be  observed  by  all 
our  communion.     The  Synod  also  earnestly  recommend  it  to  all  the  congre- 


1775.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  465 

gations  under  their  care  to  spend  the  afternoon  of  the  last  Thursday  in  every 
month  in  public  solemn  prayer  to  God,  during  the  continuance  of  our  present 
troubles. 

The  Synod  order,  that  each  Presbytery  take  care  to  endeavour  to  obtain  col- 
lections for  pious  uses  in  all  those  congregations  who  have  not  yet  contributed 
agreeably  to  our  last  act  for  that  purpose,  and  be  prepared  to  make  report  re- 
specting this  matter  at  the  next  meeting  of  Synod;  and  that  the  clerks  serve 
the  absent  Presbyteries  with  copies  of  this  minute. 

A  reference  was  brought  in  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  respecting  the 
propriety  of  ordaining  Mr.  Ebenezer  Bradford  to  the  gospel  ministry  sine  titido. 
After  deliberation  and  reasoning  on  this  aifair  the  Synod  agree  to  remit  it  to 
the  Presbytery. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Application  was  made  to  the  Synod  by  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  for 
advice  respecting  the  propriety  of  Mr.  Samuel  Smith's  being  ordained  by  said 
Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  under  whose  care  he  is,  in  consequence  of  his  hav- 
ing accepted  a  call  from  a  congregation  within  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Hanover. 

The  Synod  having  heard  all  the  circumstances  relative  to  this  case,  and  de- 
liberated thereon,  agree  that  it  is  not  expedient  for  the  Presbytery  of  New  Cas- 
tle to  ordain  Mr.  Smith  as  the  matter  now  stands. 

The  committee  for  bringing  in  the  draught  of  a  Pastoral  Letter,  report  that 
tliey  have  not  yet  completed  said  draught. 

Ordered,  That  they  bring  it  in  to-morrow  morning. 

A  question  was  brought  into  Synod  by  the  New  Castle  Presbytery  respecting 
the  expediency  of  receiving  young  men  on  trials  for  the  ministry  without  their 
having  obtained  a  college  diploma. 

The  consideration  of  this  question  deferred  till  the  next  meeting  of  Synod. 

Messrs.  Tennent,  Thomas  Lewis,  and  Boyd,  have  leave  to  go  home. 

A  petition  was  brought  into  Synod  by  the  Rev.  Hugh  McGrill,  who  appeared 
before  the  Synod  in  the  year  1773,  representing  that  he  is  now  able  to  lay  be- 
fore this  Synod  further  light  respecting  his  character,  and  earnestly  requesting 
to  be  received  as  a  member. 

The  Synod  having  read  all  the  papers  produced  by  Mr.  McGill,  and  heard 
such  verbal  testimony  as  could  be  obtained  respecting  him ;  and  also  heard 
Mr.  McGill's  representation  of  his  own  case,  proceeded  to  serious  ^^consideration 
of  this  matter. 

After  some  time  spent  in  reasoning  on  the  affair,  agreed  to  defer  the  decision 
of  it  till  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  to-morrow  morning.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

May  lOth,  nine  o'clock,  A.  31.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  affair  of  Mr.  McGill  resumed.  The  Synod  having  heard  all  that  could 
at  present  be  further  offered  in  respect  to  Mr.  McGill,  and  again  deliberated  on 
his  case,  find  that  he  had  been  suspended  from  preaching  by  the  Burgher  As- 
sociate Presbytery  of  Monaghan  in  Ireland,  and  afterwards  deposed  by  the 
Burgher  Associate  Synod  of  Edinburgh;  and  do  therefore  judge,  that  however 
59 


466  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1775. 

we  have  credible  testimony  in  favour  of  his  character,  both  before  the  accusa- 
tion was  brought  against  him  in  his  own  Presbytery,  and  since  his  removal 
from  Ireland,  yet  we  cannot,  at  present,  receive  him  as  a  member.  But  willing 
to  do  every  thing  in  our  power  for  his  relief,  agree  in  the  mean  time,  to  take 
every  possible  method  to  obtain  information,  both  from  the  Presbytery  which 
suspended,  and  the  Synod  which  deposed  him.  And  accordingly  we  appoint 
Dr.  Rodgers  to  endeavour  to  obtain  all  the  light  he  can  from  the  Associate 
Presbytery  of  Monaghan,  and  Dr.  Witherspoon  to  procure  such  information  as 
he  can  from  the  above-mentioned  Synod,  respecting  said  Mr.  McGill,  to  be  laid 
before  the  Synod  at  their  next  meeting. 

The  committee  brought  in  a  draught  of  a  Pastoral  Letter,  which,  after  a  few 
alterations,  was  approved,  ordered  to  be  printed,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  A  Pastoral  Letter,  &c. 

"  Very  dear  Brethren — The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  being  met 
at  a  time  when  public  affairs  wear  so  threatening  an  aspect,  and  when  (unless 
God  in  his  sovereign  Providence  speedily  prevent  it)  all  the  horrors  of  a  civil 
war  throughout  this  great  Continent  are  to  be  apprehended,  were  of  opinion, 
that  they  could  not  discharge  their  duty  to  the  numerous  congregations  under 
their  care,  without  addressing  them  at  this  important  crisis.  As  the  firm  be- 
lief, and  habitual  recollection  of  the  power  and  presence  of  the  living  God, 
ought  at  all  times  to  possess  the  minds  of  real  Christians,  so  in  seasons  of  pub- 
lic calamity,  when  the  Lord  is  known  by  the  judgment  which  he  executeth,  it 
would  be  an  ignorance  or  indifference  highly  criminal  not  to  look  up  to  him 
with  reverence,  to  implore  his  mercy  by  humble  and  fervent  prayer,  and,  if 
possible,  to  prevent  his  vengeance  by  unfeigned  repentance. 

''  We  do  therefore,  brethren,  beseech  you  in  the  most  earnest  manner,  to  look 
beyond  the  immediate  authors  either  of  your  sufferings  or  fears,  and  to  ac- 
knowledge the  holiness  and  justice  of  the  Almighty  in  the  present  visitation. 
He  is  righteous  in  all  his  ways,  and  holy  in  all  his  works.  Affliction  springeth 
not  out  of  the  dust.  He  doth  not  afflict  willingly,  nor  grieve  the  children 
of  men ;  and,  therefore,  it  becomes  every  person,  family,  city,  and  province, 
to  humble  themselves  before  his  throne,  to  confess  their  sins,  by  which  they 
have  provoked  his  indignation,  and  intreat  him  to  pour  out  upon  all  ranks  a 
spirit  of  repentance  and  of  prayer.  Fly  also  for  forgiveness  to  the  atoning 
blood  of  the  great  Bedecmer — the  blood  of  sprinkling,  which  speaketh  better 
things  than  that  of  Abel.  Bemember  and  confess  not  only  your  sins  in  gene- 
ral, but  those  prevalent  national  offences,  which  may  be  justly  considered  as 
the  procuring  causes  of  jDublic  judgments;  particularly  profaneness  and  con- 
tempt of  God,  his  name,  Sabbaths,  and  sanctuary ;  pride,  luxury,  uncleanness, 
and  neglect  of  family  religion  and  government,  with  the  deplorable  ignorance 
and  security  which  certainly  ought  to  be  imputed  to  this  as  their  principal 
cause.  All  these  are,  among  us,  highly  aggravated  by  the  inestimable  privi- 
leges which  we  have  hitherto  enjoyed  without  interruption  since  the  first  settle- 
ment of  this  country.  If,  in  the  present  day  of  distress,  we  expect  that  God 
will  hear  our  supplications,  and  interpose  for  our  protection  or  deliverance,  let 
us  remember,  what  he  himself  requires  of  us  is,  that  our  prayers  should  be  at- 
tended with  a  sincere  purpose,  and  thorough  endeavour  after  personal  and  family 
reformation.  If  thou  prepare  thine  heart,  and  stretch  out  thine  hand  towards 
him,  if  iniquity  be  in  thine  hand,  put  it  far  away,  and  let  not  wickedness  dwell 
in  thy  tabernacles.     Job  xi.  13,  14. 

''  The  Synod  cannot  help  thinking  that  this  is  a  proper  time  for  pressing  all 
of  every  rank,  seriously  to  consider  the  things  that  belong  to  their  eternal  peace . 


1775.]  NEW  YORK  AXD  PHILADELPHIA.  4G7 

Hostilities,  long  feared,  have  now  taken  place ;  the  sword  has  been  drawn  in 
one  province,  and  the  whole  continent,  with  hardly  any  exception,  seem  deter- 
mined to  defend  their  rights  by  force  of  arms.  If,  at  the  same  time,  the  Brit- 
ish ministry  shall  continue  to  enforce  their  claims  by  violence,  a  lasting  and 
bloody  contest  must  be  expected.  Surely,  then,  it  becomes  those  who  have 
taken  up  arms,  and  profess  a  willingness  to  hazard  their  lives  in  the  cause  of 
liberty,  to  be  prepared  for  death,  which  to  many  must  be  certain,  and  to  every 
one  is  a  possible  or  probable  event. 

"  AVe  have  long  seen  with  concern,  the  circumstances  which  occasioned,  and 
the  gradual  increase  of  this  unhappy  diflference.  As  ministers  of  the  gospel 
of  peace,  we  have  ardently  wished  that  it  could,  and  often  hoped  that  it  would 
have  been  more  early  accommodated.  It  is  well  known  to  you,  (otherwise  it 
would  be  imprudent  indeed  thus  publicly  to  profess,)  that  we  have  not  been 
instrumental  in  iuHamiug  the  minds  of  the  people,  or  urging  them  to  acts  of 
violence  and  disorder.  Perhaps  no  instance  can  be  given  on  so  interesting  a 
subject,  in  which  political  sentiments  have  been  so  long  and  so  fully  kept  from 
the  pulpit,  and  even  malice  itself  has  not  charged  us  with  labouring  from  the 
press ;  but  things  are  now  come  to  such  a  state,  that  as  we  do  not  wish  to  conceal 
our  opinions  as  men  and  citizens,  so  the  relation  we  stand  in  to  you  seemed  to 
make  the  present  improvement  of  it  to  your  spiritual  bcneiit,  an  indispensable 
duty. 

"  Suffer  us  then  to  lay  hold  of  your  present  temper  of  mind,  and  to  exhort, 
especially  the  young  and  vigorous,  by  assuring  them  that  there  is  no  soldier  so 
undaunted  as  the  pious  man,  no  army  so  formidable  as  those  who  are  superior  to 
the  fear  of  death.  There  is  nothing  more  awful  to  think  of,  than  that  those 
whose  trade  is  war  should  be  despisers  of  the  name  of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  and 
that  they  should  expose  themselves  to  the  imminent  danger  of  being  immedi- 
ately sent  from  cursing  and  cruelty  on  the  earth,  to  the  blaspheming  rage  and 
despairing  horror  of  the  infernal  pit.  Let  therefore,  every  one,  who  from  gene- 
rosity of  spirit,  or  benevolence  of  heart,  offers  himself  as  a  champion  in  his 
country's  cause,  be  persuaded  to  reverence  the  name,  and  walk  in  the  fear  of 
the  Prince  of  the  kings  of  the  earth,  and  then  he  may,  with  the  most  unshaken 
firmness,  expect  the  issue  either  in  victory  or  death. 

"  Let  it  not  be  forgotten,  that  though  for  the  wise  ends  of  his  Providence  it 
may  please  God,  for  a  season  to  suffer  his  people  to  lie  under  unmerited  oppres- 
sion, yet  in  general  we  may  expect,  that  those  who  fear  and  serve  him  in  sin- 
cerity and  truth,  will  be  favoured  with  his  countenance  and  strength.  It  is  both 
the  character  and  the  privilege  of  the  children  of  Grod,  that  they  call  upon  him 
in  the  day  of  trouble,  and  he,  who  keepeth  covenant  and  truth  for  ever,  has 
said,  that  his  ears  are  always  open  to  their  cry.  We  need  not  mention  to  you 
in  how  many  instances  the  event  in  battles,  and  success  in  war,  have  turned 
upon  circumstances  which  were  inconsiderable  in  themselves,  as  well  as  out  of 
the  power  of  human  prudence  to  foresee  or  direct,  because  we  suppose  you 
firmly  believe  that  after  all  the  counsels  of  men,  and  the  most  probable  and 
promising  means,  the  Lord  will  do  that  which  seemeth  him  good ;  nor  hath  his 
promise  ever  failed  of  its  full  accomplishment ;  '  the  Lord  is  with  you  while  ye 
be  with  him,  and  if  ye  seek  him  he  will  be  found  of  you ;  but  if  ye  forsake 
him  he  will  forsake  you.'     2  Chrou.  xv.  2. 

"  After  this  exhortation,  which  we  thought  ourselves  called  upon  to  give  you 
at  this  time,  on  your  great  interest,  the  one  thing  needful,  we  shall  take  the 
liberty  to  offer  a  few  advices  to  the  societies  under  our  charge,  as  to  their  public 
and  general  conduct;  and, 

*■'  First.  In  carrying  on  this  important  struggle,  let  every  opportunity  be 
taken  to  express  your  attachment  and  respect  to  our  sovereign  King  George, 
and  to  the  revolution  principles  by  which  his  august  family  was  seated  on  the 


468  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1775. 

BritisH  throne.  We  recommend,  indeed,  not  only  allegiance  to  liim  from  duty 
and  principle,  as  the  first  magistrate  of  the  empire,  but  esteem  and  reverence 
for  the  person  of  the  prince,  who  has  merited  well  of  his  subjects  on  many  ac- 
counts, and  who  has  probably  been  misled  into  the  late  and  present  measures 
by  those  about  him ;  neither  have  we  any  doubt  that  they  themselves  have  been 
in  a  great  degree  deceived  by  false  information  from  interested  persons  resid- 
ing in  America.  It  gives  us  the  greatest  pleasure  to  say,  from  our  own  certain 
knowledge  of  all  belonging  to  our  communion,  and  from  the  best  means  of  in- 
formation, of  the  far  greatest  part  of  all  denominations  in  this  country,  that  the 
present  opposition  to  the  measures  of  administration  does  not  in  the  least  ariso 
from  disaffection  to  the  king,  or  a  desire  of  separation  from  the  parent  state. 
We  are  happy  in  being  able  with  truth  to  affirm,  that  no  part  of  America 
would  either  have  approved  or  permitted  such  insults  as  have  been  offered  to 
the  sovereign  in  Great  Britain.  We  exhort  you,  therefore,  to  continue  in  the 
same  disposition,  and  not  to  sniffer  oppression,  or  injury  itself,  easily  to  provoke 
you  to  any  thing  which  may  seem  to  betray  contrary  sentiments  :  let  it  ever  ap- 
peal', that  you  only  desire  the  preservation  and  security  of  those  rights  which 
belong  to  you  as  freemen  and  Britons,  and  that  reconciliation  upon  these  terms 
is  your  most  ardent  desire. 

"  Secondly.  Be  careful  to  maintain  the  union  which  at  present  subsists 
through  all  the  colonies ;  nothing  can  be  more  manifest  than  that  the  success  of 
every  measure  depends  on  its  being  inviolably  preserved,  and  therefore,  we  hope 
that  you  will  leave  nothing  undone  which  can  promote  that  end.  In  particular, 
as  the  Continental  Congress,  now  sitting  at  Philadelphia,  consists  of  delegates 
chosen  in  the  most  free  and  unbiassed  manner,  by  the  body  of  the  people,  let 
them  not  only  be  treated  with  respect,  and  encouraged  in  their  difficult  service 
— not  only  let  your  prayers  be  offered  up  to  God  for  his  direction  in  their  pro- 
ceedings— but  adhere  firmly  to  their  resolutions ;  and  let  it  be  seen  that  they 
are  able  to  bring  out  the  whole  strength  of  this  vast  country  to  carry  them  into 
execution.  AVe  would  also  advise  for  the  same  purpose,  that  a  spirit  of  can- 
dour, charity,  and  mutual  esteem,  be  preserved  and  promoted  towards  those  of 
different  religious  denominations.  Persons  of  probity  and  principle  of  every 
profession,  should  be  united  together  as  servants  of  the  same  master,  and  the 
experience  of  our  happy  concord  hitherto  in  a  state  of  liberty  should  engage 
all  to  unite  in  support  of  the  common  interest ;  for  there  is  no  example  in 
history,  in  which  civil  liberty  was  destroyed,  and  the  rights  of  conscience  pre- 
served entire. 

"Thirdly.  We  do  earnestly  exhort  and  beseech  the  societies  under  our 
care  to  be  strict  and  vigilant  in  their  private  government,  and  to  watch  over 
the  morals  of  their  several  members.  It  is  with  the  utmost  pleasure  we  re- 
mind you,  that  the  last  Continental  Congress  determined  to  discourage  luxury 
in  living,  public  diversions,  and  gaming  of  all  kinds,  which  have  so  fotal  an 
influence  on  the  morals  of  the  people.  If  it  is  undeniable  that  universal  pro- 
fligacy makes  a  nation  ripe  for  Divine  judgments,  and  is  the  natural  means  of 
bringing  them  to  ruin,  reformation  of  manners  is  of  the  utmost  necessity  in 
our  present  distress.  At  the  same  time,  as  it  has  been  observed  by  many  emi- 
nent writers,  that  the  censorial  power,  which  had  for  its  object  the  manners  of 
the  public  in  the  ancient  free  States,  was  absolutely  necessary  to  their  continu- 
ance, we  cannot  help  being  of  opinion  that  the  only  thing  which  we  have  now 
to  supply  the  place  of  this  is,  the  religious  discipline  of  the  several  sects  with 
respect  to  their  own  members;  so  that  the  denomination  or  profession  which 
shall  take  the  most  effectual  care  of  the  instruction  of  its  members,  and  main- 
tain its  discipline  in  the  fullest  vigour,  will  do  the  most  essential  service  to  the 
whole  body.  For  the  very  same  reason,  the  greatest  service  which  magistrates, 
or  persons  in  authority,  can  do,  with  respect  to  the  religion  or  morals  of  the 


1775.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  4G9 

people,  is  to  defend  and  secure  the  rights  of  conscience  in  the  most  equal  and 
impartial  manner. 

"  Fourthly.  We  cannot  but  recommend,  and  urge  in  the  warmest  manner,  a 
regard  to  order  and  the  public  peace ;  and  as  in  many  places,  during  the  confu- 
sions that  prevail,  legal  i)roccedings  have  become  difficult,  it  is  hoped  that  all 
persons  will  conscientiously  jiay  their  just  debts,  and  to  the  utmost  of  their  power 
serve  one  another,  so  that  the  evils  inseparable  from  a  civil  war  may  not  be  aug- 
mented by  wantonness  and  irregularity. 

"  Fifthly.  We  think  it  of  intportance,  at  this  time,  to  recommend  to  all  of 
every  rank,  but  especially  to  those  who  may  be  called  to  action,  a  spirit  of  hu- 
manity and  mercy.  Every  battle  of  the  warrior  is  with  confused  noise,  and 
garments  rolled  in  blood.  It  is  impossible  to  appeal  to  the  sword  without  being 
exposed  to  many  scenes  of  cruelty  and  slaughter ;  but  it  is  often  observed,  that 
civil  wars  arc  carried  on  with  a  rancour  and  spirit  of  revenge  much  greater  than 
those  between  independent  States.  The  injuries  received,  or  supposed,  in  civil 
wars,  wound  more  deeply  than  those  of  foreign  enemies,  it  is  therefore  the  more 
necessary  to  guard  against  this  abuse,  and  recommend  that  meekness  and  gentle- 
ness of  .spirit,  which  is  the  noblest  attendant  on  true  valour.  That  man  will 
fight  most  bravely,  who  never  fights  till  it  is  necessary,  and  who  ceases  to  fight 
as  soon  as  the  necessity  is  over. 

"  Lastly.  We  would  recommend  to  all  the  societies  under  our  care,  not  to 
content  themselves  with  attending  devoutly  on  general  fasts,  but  to  continue 
habitually  in  the  exercise  of  prayer,  and  to  have  frequent  occasional  voluntary 
meetings  for  solemn  intcrces.sion  with  God  on  the  important  trial.  Those  who 
are  immediately  exposed  to  danger  need  your  sympathy ;  and  we  learn  from  the 
Scriptures,  that  fervency  and  importunity  are  the  very  characters  of  that  prayer 
of  the  righteous  man  that  availeth  much. 

"  We  conclude  with  our  most  earnest  prayer,  that  the  God  of  heaven  may 
bless  you  in  your  temporal  and  spiritual  concerns,  and  that  the  present  unnatural 
dispute  may  be  speedily  terminated  by  an  equitable  and  lasting  settlement  on 
constitutional  principles. 

•'  Signed  in  the  name,  presence,  and  by  appointment  of  the  Synod. 

"  Benjamin  Hait,  Moderator. 
•"New  Torh,  May  lid,  1775." 

N.  B.  The  stated  clerk  is  to  insert  the  pastoral  letter  from  the  printed  copy. 
The  Synod  agree  that  five  hundred  copies  of  the  said  pastoral  letter  be  printed; 
and  order  the  Synodical  treasurer  to  pay  the  expenses  of  printing,  which  is  to 
be  by  the  Synod  refunded  at  their  next  meeting. 

Mr.  Halsey  dissents  from  that  paragraph  of  said  letter  which  contains  the 
declarations  of  allegiance. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  next  Monday.  Concluded  with 
prajer. 

Monday,  May  22,  three  d clock,  P.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment.   Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  with  the  corporation  of  the  widows'  fund, 
read  the  report  of  their  conduct  in  that  matter,  which  is  approved. 

The  Synod  appoint  as  a  committee  for  the  same  purpose,  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Dr.  Witherspoon,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Richards,  McWhorter,  and  Caldwell,  to  meet 
to-morrow  at  twelve  o'clock. 

Mr.  Samuel  Kennedy,  a  candidate  from  Ireland,  who  appeared  before  the 
Synod  iu  the  years  1772,  1773,  and  last  year,  again  appeared  and  offered  a 
paper  of  complaints  against  the  judicature,  which,  agreeable  to  order  of  Synod, 


470  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1775. 

had  sat  on  his  trial  in  June,  1773,  and  praying  the  Synod  to  give  him  a 
hearing. 

The  Synod  finding  that  said  Mr.  Kennedy  had  obeyed  their  last  year's  order, 
agreed  to  hear  him. 

Mr.  Kennedy  having  been  heard  at  great  length  against  said  judicature,  and 
Mr.  Cooper  having,  as  far  as  time  would  admit,  in  the  name  of  the  Presbytery, 
replied  to  Mr.  Kennedy's  charges,  the  Synod  agreed  to  defer  the  further  hearing 
of  this  affair  till  next  sederunt. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  23.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces  sederunt 
qui  supra. 

Proceeded  to  hear  Mr.  Kennedy's  complaint  against  the  judicature  as  men- 
tioned yesterday.  Both  parties  were  fully  heard,  and  the  Synod  unanimously 
agreed  that  Mr.  Kennedy  had  not  supported  his  complaint,  and  we  do  there- 
fore dismiss  it  as  frivolous  and  groundless. 

Mr.  John  Woodhull  requested  leave  of  absence,  which  was  granted. 

Adjourned  till  three  clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'cIocJc,  P.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment      Postjareces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Sacket,  a  member  of  New  York  Presbytery,  requests 
to  be  disannexed  from  the  Presbytery  to  which  he  now  belongs,  and  restored  to 
the  Presbytery  of  Dutchess  county.  His  request  is  granted,  and  he  is  accord- 
ingly to  be  received  and  enrolled  as  a  member  of  the  said  Presbytery. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  consider  the  business  of  supplies.  The  Synod  order 
the  Synodical  treasurer  to  pay  to  Mr.  Irwin  nine  pounds  nine  shillings  and 
three  pence,  on  account  of  his  mission  on  the  western  frontiers  of  Pennsylvania 
and  Virginia ;  to  Mr.  Jones  for  supplying,  one  pound  five  shillings  and  eight 
pence ;  to  Mr.  Richards  for  ditto,  three  pounds  eleven  shillings ;  to  Mr.  Hait 
for  ditto,  two  pounds  two  shillings ;  to  Mr.  Elmer  for  ditto,  seventeen  shillings  j 
to  Mr.  Kerr  for  ditto,  one  pound  six  shillings. 

Mr.  Ebenezer  Brooks  is  appointed  to  spend  five  months  in  supplying  amongst 
the  vacancies  in  the  colony  of  Virginia,  before  the  next  meeting  of  Synod,  under 
the  care  of  the  Hanover  Presbytery. 

Mr.  Debow  to  supply  nine  months  amongst  the  Carolina  vacancies  before  the 
next  meeting  of  Synod,  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery  of  Orange. 

Mr.  Keith,  Mr.  Hunter,  jun'r.,  and  Mr.  Fithian,  are  appointed  each  of  them 
to  supply  three  months  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal,  and  each 
of  them  three  months  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery  of  Hanover,  before  our 
next  meeting ;  and  also  to  spend  what  time  they  can  in  supplying  under  the 
care  of  the  Presbytery  of  Orange. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sproat,  the  stated  clerk,  fui'nish  each  of  the  above  men- 
tioned gentlemen  with  proper  certificates  for  their  mission. 

A  supplication  from  the  Presbyterian  Congregation  in  Albany,  praying  for 
supplies,  and  that  some  members  of  the  Synod  may  be  sent  to  visit  the  country 
to  the  northward  of  the  city,  and  that  their  congregation  may  be  taken  from 
under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery  of  Dutchess  and  put  under  the  care  of  the 
Presbytery  of  New  York,  was  brought  in  and  read ;  the  said  congregation, 
agreeable  to  their  request,  are  put  under  the  care  of  the  Presbytery  of  New 

Mr,  Ichabod  Lewis  is  appointed  to  spend  six  Sabbaths  in  supplying  in  Al- 
bany, Charlotte,  and  Tryon  counties,  in  the  province  of  New  York,  to  set  out 


1776.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PniLADELPHIA.  471 

on  tliis  mission  about  the  middle  of  Juno  next ;  Mr.  Burnet  to  supply  his  pul- 
pit the  fiiurth  Sabbath  in  Juue  at  the  White  Plains,  Mr.  Samuel  Sacket  the 
first  Sabbath  of  July  at  the  White  Plains,  Mr.  Mead  the  second  Sabbath  of 
July  at  the  White  Plains,  Dr.  Kodgers  the  third  Sabbath  of  July  at  New  Eo- 
chelle,  Mr.  jMills  the  fourth  Sabbath  of  July  at  the  White  Plains,  Mr.  Barret 
the  last  Sabbath  of  July  at  the  White  Plains. 

Mr.  Miller  is  ajipointed  to  supply  every  fifth  Sabbath  until  our  next  meeting, 
at  his  discretion,  in  the  vacancies  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Schenectady. 

Mr.  Kerr  is  appointed  to  set  out  about  the  middle  of  September  on  a  mis- 
sion in  the  above  mentioned  counties,  and  spend  six  Sabbaths  in  supplying  in 
those  parts. 

Mr.  John  Close  to  supply  Mr.  Kerr's  pulpit  the  last  Sabbath  of  September ; 
Mr.  Amzi  Lewis  the  first  Sabbath  of  October,  Mr.  Moffat  the  second,  Mr. 
David  Close  the  third,  jMr.  Case  the  fourth,  and  Mr.  Grover  the  fifth. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  the  fii'st  Presbyterian  church  in  Philadelphia,  the  third 
Wednesday  of  May  next,  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1776. 

Philadelphia,  May  lid,  1776,  ten  o^cloch,  A.  31. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment  at 
the  first  Presbyterian  church.      Uhi  post  p)reces  sederunt 

Present :  Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York :  The  Rev.  Benjamin  Hait  and 
Jedidiah  Chapman. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  :  The  Rev.  William  Zanchy. 

Of  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Richard  Treat,  Jameg 
Sproat,  George  Duffield,  Alexander  Mitchell,  William  Hollingshead,  and  Na- 
thaniel Irwin. 

Of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Dr.  Alison  and  Dr. 
Ewing. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle :  The  Rev.  Robert  Smith,  William  Forster, 
John  Woodhull,  James  Wilson,  and  James  Anderson. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal :  The  Rev.  John  Craighead  and  Robert 
Cooper. 

Elders  present :  Messrs.  Thomas  Bourne,  Benjamin  Snodgrass,  and  William 
Davidson. 

Absent :  Of  the  New  York  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Alexander  McWhorter, 
James  Caldwell,  Aaron  Richards,  Roe,  Jones,  Elmer,  Greer,  Vanarsdale, 
W^oodruff",  and  Treat. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  McKnight,  Smith,  Guild, 
Reed,  Kennedy,  Peppard,  Hannah,  and  Lyon. 

Of  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Greenman,  Brainerd, 
Green,  McCalla. 

Of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery:  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Steel  and  Si- 
monton. 

Of  the  New  Castle  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Clark,  IMontgomery,  and 
Read. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Thompson,  Rhea,  Hogg, 
Hunt,  Amos  Thompson,  Long,  King,  Vance,  Black,  Dougal,  and  McFerran. 

The  whole  Presbyteries  of  Lewestown,  Hanover,  Orange,  Dutchess,  and 
Sufi"olk. 

Mr.  Benjamin  Hait,  moderator  for  the  last  year,  opened  the  Synod  with  a 
sermon  from  1  Timothy  i.  12. 

The  Continental  Congress  having  appointed  a  general  fast  to  be  kept  on 
the  17th  of  this  instant,  several  members  from  different  Presbyteries  applied 


472  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1776. 

to  the  moderator,  requesting  him  to  give  public  notice  for  the  postponing  the 
meeting  of  Synod  until  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  this  month,  in  order  that  the 
ministers  might  attend  with  their  congregations  on  said  fast  day,  with  which 
the  moderator  complied;  and  accordingly  the  Synod  have  now  convened, 
and  however,  the  Synod  judge  and  hereby  declare,  that  the  Synodical  mode- 
rator has  not  authority,  either  with  or  without  the  concurrence  of  particular 
members,  to  alter  the  time  of  meeting  to  which  the  Synod  stands  adjourned, 
yet  in  the  present  extraordinary  case  they  approve  of  what  the  moderator  has 
done. 

The  time  being  now  elapsed,  and  few  members  being  present,  the  choice 
of  a  moderator  and  clerks  for  the  ensuing  sessions,  is  deferred  till  the  after- 
noon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'cloclc,  P.  M.     The  S^nod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  precei 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  James  Finley  is  now  Come,  his  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner,  sustained  j 
his  elder  is  Mr.  Amos  Alexander. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Elder,  Rosborough,  Latta,  and  Mitchell,  are  now  come, 
their  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner,  sustained. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  choose  a  moderator  and  clerks,  accordingly  Mr. 
Cooper  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Forster  and  Mr.  Chapman  clerks. 

Dr.  Witherspoon  and  Mr.  Carmichael  are  now  come,  their  reasons  for  not 
coming  sooner,  sustained.  Mr.  Samuel  HoUiday,  Mr.  Carmichael's  elder,  and 
Mr.  John  Whitehill,  Mr.  Robert  Smith's  elder,  are  now  come. 

Those  of  the  members  now  present,  who  did  not  attend  at  the  last  meeting 
of  Synod,  gave  reasons  for  their  non-attendance,  which  are  sustained. 

Mr.  Rosborough's  elder,  Mr.  John  Walker,  is  now  come. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  report,  that  since  our  last  they  have  ordained 
Mr.  Diboa  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  who  being  present  took  his  seat ; 
and  that  they  have  licensed  Messrs.  John  Worford  and  Hugh  White. 

The  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery  report,  that  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Andrew 
Hunter  and  Benjamin  Chesnutt  were  removed  by  death;  Mr.  Chesnutt  the 
twenty-first  day  of  July,  and  Mr.  Hunter  the  twenty-eighth  day  of  July,  1775  j 
and  have  ordained  Mr.  Israel  Evans  and  Mr.  William  Lynn  to  qualify  them 
to  act  as  chaplains  in  the  army,  to  which  they  had  been  appointed ;  and  have 
licensed  Mr.  James  Greer  since  our  last ;  Mr.  Lynn  being  present  took  his 
seat. 

Donegal  Presbytery  report,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Roan  was  removed  by 
death  the  second  day  of  last  October ;  and  have  ordained  Mr.  John  Black  and 
Samuel  Dougal  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry. 

They  also  report  that  they  have  received  the  Rev.  Mr.  McFarquhar  from 
Scotland,  and  laid  [the  credentials  upon  which  they  received  him  before  the 
Synod,  with  which  the  Synod  being  satisfied,  Mr.  McFarquhar  being  present, 
took  his  seat. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  dismissed  Mr.  Samuel  Stan- 
hope Smith,  to  join  Hanover  Presbytery,  and  Mr.  Ebenezer  Brooks,  to  join 
Lewestown  Presbytery,  and  Mr.  John  McMillan,  to  Donegal  Presbytery. 

Mr.  Tennent  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner,  sustained ; 
his  elder,  Peter  Firmin,  is  also  come. 

Mr.  Halsey  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner,  sustained. 

Messrs.  Benjamin  Hait,  Schanck,  Mitchell,  Finley,  Woodhull,  McFarqu- 
har, and  Craighead,  with  elders,  Messrs.  William  Davidson,  John  Whitehill, 
and  John  Walker,  are  appointed  a  committee  of  overtures,  to  meet  in  this 


1776.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  473 

place  to-morrow  morning,  at  six  o'clock,  and  by  adjournments  from  time  to 
time. 

The  minutes  of  the  last  Convention  were  brought  in  and  read. 

The  Synod  considering  the  distracted  situation  of  our  public  affairs,  judge 
that  an  attendance  on  the  Convention  by  any  of  their  members  the  ensuing 
appointment  will  be  impracticable,  and  order  Dr.  llodgers  to  inform  the  Gene- 
ral Association  as  early  as  possible  thereof,  together  with  their  design  of  send- 
ing members  to  attend  at  the  place  appointed,  on  the  third  Wednesday  of  Sep- 
tember, 1777. 

The  Synod  appoint  Dr.  Rodgers,  Dr.  Witherspoon,  and  Messrs.  "William 
Tennent,  John  Guild,, Elihu  Spencer,  Jeremiah  Halsey,  Richard  Treat,  Israel 
Rpad,  Alexander  MeWhorter,  and  Azel  Roe,  to  be  a  committee,  any  three  of 
whom  to  be  a  quorum,  to  meet  at  Princeton,  the  third  Wednesday  in  August, 
to  dispose  of  the  sum  appropriated  to  the  education  of  pious  youth,  for  the  pre- 
sent year;  and  also  to  inquire  into  the  state  of  the  three  hundred  pounds 
hitherto  appropriated  to  the  Indian  mission,  and  report  to  the  Synod  at  their 
next  meeting. 

The  Synod  agree  to  allow  Mr.  Brainerd  the  ftitcrest  of  the  tbreo  hundred 
pounds  in  the  hands  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey  for  the  Indian  mission,  the 
ensuing  year. 

Ordered,  That  the  several  Presbyteries  present,  give  in  a  list  of  their  absent 
members  to-morrow  morning. 

Mr.  Patrick  Alison,  and  Mr.  jMcPherrin,  are  appointed  a  committee  to  ex- 
amine the  New  York  Presbytery  book. 

Dr.  Witherspoon  requested  leave  to  go  home,  which  request  is  granted. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Nine  o'cloch,  A.  31.     The  Synod  met  accwding  to  adjournment     Postprecea 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  Dr.  Witherspoon,  who  had  leave  of  absence.) 

The  Synod  have  no  account  whether  Mr.  Brooks  fulfilled  his  appointment  of 
the  last  year. 

Messrs.  Debow,  Keith,  Hunter,  Fithian,  Ichabod  Lewis,  Nathan  Kerr,  and 
Alexander  Miller,  fulfilled  their  missions  as  appointed  at  our  last. 

Ordered,  That  the  minutes  of  the  committee  of  overtures  be  brought  in  and 
read. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  take  in  supplications  for  supplies. 

A  supplication  of  the  Presbyterian  Society  of  Buffalo,  Warrior's  Run,  and 
Penn's  Valley,  was  brought  in  and  read. 

Application  was  made  by  Mr.  Debow,  in  behalf  of  North  Carolina,  for  sup- 
plies. 

Application  was  made  by  the  moderator,  in  behalf  of  the  vacancies  in  the 
western  parts  of  this  province. 

The  Synod  made  inquiry  of  their  missionaries,  Messrs.  Keith  and  Hunter, 
respecting  the  support  they  received  during  their  mission,  and  find  that  Mr. 
Keith  received  for  the  term  of  one  year,  the  sum  of  forty-two  pounds;  Mr. 
Hunter,  for  eight  months,  the  sum  of  nineteen  pounds  ten'  shillings.  The 
Synod  not  being  able  now  to  ascertain  the  state  of  their  fund  for  the  supply  of 
missionaries,  leave  the  further  consideration  of  this  matter  until  the  afternoon. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  appoint  supplies. 

The  fu-st  Philadelphia  Presbytery  applied  to  the  Synod  for  their  concurrence 
to  ordain  Mr.  Keith,  a  licensed  candidate  under  their  care,  si7ie  titulo,  in  case 
of  his  going  out  to  sujjply  at  Canetuck,  to  which  the  Synod  agreed,  if  they  find 
their  way  clear  to  proceed  to  his  ordination. 
60 


474  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1776. 

The  Synod  received  the  Kev.  Mr.  Hugh  McGill,  as  a  member  of  the  second 
Presbytery  of  Philadelphia. 

The  Synod  appoint  Mr.  McGill  to  supply  in  the  western  parts  of  this  pro- 
vince for  the  space  of  eight  months,  between  this  time  and  our  next  meeting, 
under  the  direction  of  the  Donegal  Presbytery.  't 

The  Synod  also  appoint  Mr.  Hugh  White,  a  candidate  under  the  care  of 
New  Brunswick  Presbytery,  to  supply  four  months  within  the  bounds  of  Done- 
gal Presbytery,  at  their  direction,  and  the  remaining  part  of  his  time,  until  our 
next,  in  the  southern  provinces. 

The  Synod  also  appoint  Mr.  Carmichael  to  supply  the  two  months  of  Octo- 
ber and  November,  in  the  northern  and  western  parts  of  this  province. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  supply  his  place  four  Sabbaths 
during  his  absence. 

Whereas  the  Synod  cannot,  at  this  time,  make  sufficient  provision  for  the 
vacancies  under  their  care,  th^  recommend  it  to  the  first  Philadelphia  Pres- 
bytery, and  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  as  they  have  a  number  of  candidates 
under  their  care,  to  afford  what  supplies  they  can  until  our  next,  to  the  western 
and  southern  parts. 

Ordered,  That  the  missionaries  be  furnished  with  proper  testimonials  by  the 
stated  Synodical  clerk. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  applied  to  the  Synod  for  their  concurrence  in  > 
case  their  way  should  appear  clear,  to  ordain  Mr.  Power,  a  licensed  candidate 
under  their  care,  as  he  purposes  to  remove  to  the  western  parts  of  this  province. 
The  Synod  agree  to  grant  the  request. 

The  Synod  appoint  as  a  commission  for  the  present  year,  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Eichard  Treat,  John  Miller,  Matthew  Wilson,  John  King,  Joseph  Montgo- 
mery, David  Caldwell,  John  Todd,  James  Finley,  William  Forster,  G-eorge  Duf- 
field,  Dr.  Alison,  Patrick  Alison,  William  Tennent,  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Elihu 
Spencer,  Jeremiah  Halsey,  Alexander  McWhorter,  Azariah  Horton,  Dr.  Rod- 
gers,  James  Caldwell,  David  Roe,  Wheeler  Case,  James  Sproat,  John  Simon- 
ton,  John  Brainerd,  Israel  Read,  Dr.  Ewing,  and  Thomas  Lewis,  with  the 
moderator ;  and  elders,  Messrs.  Thomas  Bourne,  John  Whitehill,  Amos  Alex- 
ander, Benjamin  Snodgrass,  John  Walker,  James  Ewing,  Samuel  Holliday, 
William  Davidson,  and  Anthony  Tate,  twenty  of  whom  shall  be  a  quorum,  and 
in  case  of  the  death  of  the  moderator,  the  first  on  the  above  list  shall  be  mode- 
rator, and  shall  call  the  commission  if  necessary. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.     The  Synod  met  accordwg  to  adjournment.     Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Alexander  Miller  informed  the  Synod  that  he  had  supplied  for  eight 
Sabbaths  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Schenectady,  for  which  he  received  the  sum 
of  two  pounds  nine  shillings  and  four  pence,  and  further  proposes,  if  any 
moderate  compensation  should  be  allowed  from  the  Synod's  fund,  he  would  still 
continue  to  spend  a  fourth  part  of  his  time  in  those  places. 

The  Synod  appoint  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Halsey  and  Latta  a  committee,  to  ad- 
just and  lay  before  them,  against  to-morrow  morning,  the  sums  to  be  allowed 
the  several  missionaries  appointed  at  our  last. 

An  appeal  was  brought  in  by  Mr.  Bay,  from  a  judgment  of  the  Presbytery 
of  New  York,  of  June  the  20th,  1775,  by  which  the  pastoral  relation  between 
him  and  his  congregation  was  dissolved,  and  was  read. 

After  having  fully  heard  all  parties,  the  Synod  defer  the  consideration  thereof 
till  to-morrow. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1776.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  475 

Nine  o'doch,  A.  M.  the  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preccs 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  resumed  the  consideration  of  Mr.  Bay's  affivir,  and  after  some 
time  spent  thereon,  agreed  to  defer  the  final  determination  of  it  till  next 
sederunt. 

Messrs.  Spencer,  Carmichael,  and  Forster,  have  leave  of  absence. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock,  Monday  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  27th,  ten  o'cIocJc,  A.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  New  Castle  Presbytery  applied  for  the  opinion  of  Synod  concerning  a 
marriage,  the  cii'cumstances  whereof  were  particularly  related,  whether  it  was 
to  be  held  incestuous  or  not,  and  the  Synod  resolved  that  it  was  not  inces- 
tuous. 

The  Synod  renewed  the  consideration  of  Mr.  Bay's  appeal,  and  after  mature 
deliberation,  confirmed  that  part  of  the  Presbytery's  judgment  which  dissolves 
the  union  between  Mr.  Bay  and  his  congregation ;  and  with  respect  to  the  latter 
part  of  said  judgment,  the  Synod  are  of  opinion  that  it  would  have  been  proper 
to  have  recommended  to  the  parties,  to  leave  the  settlement  of  all  matters  re- 
specting the  glebe  and  its  appurtenances,  to  arbitrators  mutually  chosen;  and 
they  further  advise,  that  if  any  disagreement  should  hereafter  arise  between 
Mr.  Bay  and  the  congregation  of  Newtown,  respecting  said  glebe  and  appurte- 
nances, that  they  decide  them  in  the  same  way. 

Adjourned  till  five  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Five   o'clock,   P.    M.      The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.       Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

But  as  a  sufficient  number  to  do  business  did  not  attend,  it  was  thought 
proper  to  adjourn  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

May  2Sih,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  decision  of  the  Synod  on  Mr.  Bay's  appeal  was  read,  both  parties  being 
present. 

Dr.  Rodgers  in  the  behalf  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  requested  an  at- 
tested copy  of  the  above  judgment,  which  is  granted,  and  the  clerk  is  ordered 
to  give  it. 

Mr.  Bay,  in  a  solemn  manner,  declared  his  declining  the  jurisdiction  of  this 
Synod  for  the  future,  and  against  having  any  further  connection  with  it. 

The  reference  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  respecting  the  propriety 
of  admitting  young  men  upon  trials  for  the  ministry  without  their  having  ob- 
tained a  college  diploma,  was  taken  into  consideration,  in  answer  to  which  the 
Synod  observe,  that  the  superior  advantages  attending  an  education  in  public 
seminaries,  render  it  highly  expedient  to  encourage  the  young  men  to  finish 
their  academical  studies  in  such  institutions  as  means  of  securing  a  learned 
ministry ;  and  Presbyteries  are  ordered  to  promote  this  end  by  warmly  recom- 
mending it  to  those  who  have  the  ministry  in  view.  Yet  as  Presbyteries  are 
the  proper  judges  to  determine  concerning  the  literary  and  other  requisite  qua- 
lifications for  the  ministerial  office,  it  is  not  intended  to  preclude  from  admission 
to  trial,  those  who  have  not  had  the  opportunity  of  obtaining  public  testimo- 
nials or  degrees  from  public  seminaries. 


476  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1777 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  last  year  to  meet  with  the  corpora- 
tion of  the  widows'  fund,  and  dispose  of  the  money  in  their  hands,  not  yet 
brought  in.  The  Synod  appoint  for  the  same  purpose  this  year,  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  Richard  Treat,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Halsey,  Patrick  Alison,  and  Duffield,  to 
meet  with  the  corporation  as  soon  as  convenient. 

The  committee  appointed  to  receive  an  account  of  the  sums  received  by  the 
missionaries  appointed  by  the  Synod,  and  consider  what  additional  sums  may  be 
allowed  to  any  of  them,  recommend  that  Messrs.  Hunter  and  Fithian  be  allowed 
each  of  them  ten  pounds  in  addition  to  what  they  received  in  their  mission, 
which  the  Synod  approve  of,  and  direct  to  the  stated  clerk  to  furnish  them, 
when  required,  with  an  order  on  the  Synodical  treasurer  for  that  sum. 

A  letter  from  the  Presbytery  of  Orange  was  brought  in  and  read,  informing 
that  they  have  since  last  Synod  licensed  Messrs.  Robert  Archibald,  Thomas 
Harris  McCalla,  and  James  Hall,  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  request  the  Synod 
to  send  as  many  supplies  as  tfcey  can  to'  the  relief  of  the  numerous  vacancies 
in  those  parts. 

The  committee  formerly  appointed  at  Philadelphia  for  the  purpose  of  buying 
and  distributing  among  the  frontier  inhabitants,  books  of  practical  religion,  re- 
port that  they  have  executed  the  trust  committed  to  them. 

The  committee  appointed  to  review  the  New  York  Presbytery  book  make  no 
report. 

The  committee  appointed  to  review  the  first  Philadelphia  and  Donegal  Pres- 
bytery books,  brought  in  those  books  approved,  except  a  few  omissions  in 
transcribing. 

Adjourned  to  the  third  Wednesday  of  next  May,  to  meet  at  ten  o'clock, 
A.  M.  at  the  Second  Presbyterian  church  in  this  city.    Concluded  with  prayer. 


1777* 

F7iiladel^)7iia,  May  21s^,  1777. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  at  the  Second  Presbyterian 
church  according  to  adjournment.      Ubi  jwst preces  sederunt 

Present :  From  the  Presbytery  of  New  York :  Rev.  Dr.  Alexander  Mc- 
Whorter,  Messrs.  James  Caldwell,  Jacob  Vanarsdalen. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick :  Rev.  Dr.  John  Witherspoon,  Mr. 
Elihu  Spencer. 

From  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Rev.  Dr.  Richard  Treat,  Messrs. 
James  Sproat,  John  Brainerd,  Alexander  Mitchell,  Nathaniel  Irwin,  Daniel 
McCalla. 

From  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Rev.  Dr.  Francis  Alison,  Dr. 
John  Ewing,  Mr.  Robert  McMordie. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle :  Rev.  Messrs.  Robert  Smith,  Joseph 
Montgomery,  John  Carmichael,  James  Anderson,  Thomas  Read,  Joseph  Smith, 
Robert  Davidson, 

From  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Robert  Cooper,  Collin 
McFarquhar,  James  Martin. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  Lewestown :  Rev.  Mr.  Ebenezer  Brooks. 

From  the  Presbytery  of  Hanover :  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Stanhope  Smith. 

Absent :  Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York :  Rev.  Dr.  Rodgers,  Dr.  Knox, 
Messrs.  Jones,  Green,  Horton,  Ilait,  Woodrufi^,  Thomas  Lewis,  Treat,  Elmer, 
Richards,  Brush,  Roe,  Chapman,  Kerr,  Close,  Woodhull,  Miller,  Burnet,  Grover, 
Bradford,  Amzi  Lewis,  and  Moffat. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick :   Rev.  Messrs.   McKnight,  Thomas 


1777.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA,  477 

Smith,  Schenck,  Guild,  Israel  Reed,  Kennedy,  Halsey,  Peppard,  Prudden,  Lyon, 
Debow,  Worford,  and  Gurley. 

Of  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Rev.  Messrs.  Greenmau,  Duffield, 
Boyd,  "Watt,  Hollingshcad,  Keith,  and  Evans. 

Of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Steel,  Elder, 
Simonton,  Patrick  Alison,  and  McGill. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle :  Rev.  Messrs.  McDowell,  Finley,  McKen- 
nan,  Latta,  Clark,  Forster,  McCreary,  John  Woodhull,  James  Wilson,  and 
Joseph  Smith. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal :  Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Thompson,  Hunt,  Hogg, 
Amos  Thompson,  Rhea,  Slemmons,  Craighead,  King,  Lang,  Vance,  McFcrran, 
Black,  Dougal,  Linn,  McMillan,  McKnight. 

The  whole  Presbyteries  of  Suifolk,  Hanover  (except  the  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel 
Stanhope  Smith),  Orange,  and  Dutchess. 

The  whole  Presbytery  of  Lewes,  except  Mr.  Brooks,  ut  siq:>ra. 

Elders  present :  The  Hon.  Peartree  Smith,  Esq.,  Messrs.  James  Thomson, 
William  Faulconer,  William  Ramsey. 

Mr.  Robert  Cooper,  moderator  for  the  last  year,  opened  the  Synod  with  a 
sermon  from  John  v.  85. 

Mr.  John  Carmichael  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Dr.  Ewing  and  Mr.  McCalla, 
clerks. 

First  Philadelphia  Presbytery  report,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Enoch  Green  is  re- 
moved by  death  since  our  last,  likewise  Mr.  Philip  Fithian,  a  licensed  candidate ; 
and  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  Robert  Keith,  to  qualify  him  to  act  as  a  chap- 
lain in  the  army,  to  which  he  had  been  appointed. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  James  Power  to 
the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry ;  and  licensed  Messrs.  William  Smith,  James 
Armstrong,  and  George  Lucky,  to  preach  the  gospel. 

Donegal  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  gospel 
ministry,  Messrs.  John  McMillan  and  John  McKnight ;  and  licensed  to  preach, 
Messrs.  David  Bard,  Samuel  Waugh,  and  John  Linn. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  report,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  William  Tennent  de- 
parted this  life  March  8th,  1777 ;  and  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Rosborough  was 
barbarously  murdered  by  the  enemy  at  Trenton  on  January  second ;  they  fur- 
ther report,  that  they  have  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  sacred  ministry,  Mr. 
John  Worford ;  and  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel,  Mr.  John  Zelyne. 

New  York  Presbytery  report,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Azariah  Horton  was  removed 
by  death  since  our  last  Synod. 

Messrs.  Robert  Smith,  Spencer,  McFarquhar,  with  Mr.  James  Thomson, 
elder,  are  appointed  a  committee  of  overtures,  to  meet  in  this  place  to-morrow 
at  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  and  by  adjournments  afterward,  as  occasion  may 
require. 

The  Synod  are  of  opinion  that  they  cannot  send  any  members  to  meet  the 
general  convention  on  the  third  Wednesday  of  September  next,  and  order  Mr. 
Sproat  to  give  notice  thereof  to  the  General  Association  of  Connecticut,  and 
that  the  Synod  will  cheerfully  appoint  members  to  attend  said  convention  when- 
ever the  situation  of  public  affairs  will  admit  of  it. 

The  Synod  appoint  as  a  commission  for  the  present  year,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Richard  Treat,  Messrs.  John  Miller,  Matthew  Wilson,  Dr.  John  Ewing,  Jo- 
seph Montgomery,  David  Caldwell,  John  Todd,  James  Finley,  William  Foster, 
George  Dufiield,  Dr.  Francis  Alison,  Patrick  Alison,  Dr.  John  Witherspoon, 
Elihu  Spencer,  Jeremiah  Halsey,  Dr.  Alexander  McWhorter,  Dr.  John  llodgers, 
James  Caldwell,  Azel  Roe,  Wheeler  Case,  James  Sproat,  John  Simonton,  John 
Brainerd,  Israel  Reed,  and  Thomas  Lewis,  with  the  moderator;  and  elders, 
James  Thompson  and  William  Faulconer,  thirteen  of  whom  shall  be  a  quorum ; 


478  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1777. 

and  in  case  of  the  death  of  the  moderator,  the  first  on  the  above  list  shall  be 
moderator,  and  shall  call  the  commission,  if  necessary. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  bring  their  minutes  respecting 
the  case  of  a  marriage  referred  by  them  to  the  last  session  of  Synod,  and  entered 
on  the  Synod's  minutes,  page  475,  at  the  next  meeting  of  Synod,  that  they  may- 
be enabled  to  explain  or  correct  the  decision  then  given  by  them. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

22 c?  day,  nine  o'doch,  A.  31.    TJie  Si/nod  met  according  to  adjournment.    Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Together  with  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Brainerd,  Joseph  Smith,  and  Alex- 
ander Mitchel,  whose  reasons  for  not  attending  at  the  opening  of  Synod,  are 
sustained.) 

The  E,ev.  Messrs.  Dr.  McWhorter,  Nathaniel  Irwin,  James  Caldwell,  and 
Robert  Davidson,  are  now  com*8,  their  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner,  deemed 
sufficient.  Mr.  Irwin's  elder,  Mr.  William  Ramsay ;  Mr.  Caldwell's  elder,  the 
Hon.  Peartree  Smith,  Esquire. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  James  Martin,  a  member  of  the  Associate  Presbytery  of  Penn-- 
sylvania,  appeared  before  us,  and  signified  his  desire  to  converse  with  the  Synod, 
with  a  view  to  his  being  received  as  a  member  of  our  body ;  and  the  Synod 
having  conversed  with  him,  and  heard  at  considerable  length  his  sentiments  on 
the  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  and  terms  of  Christian  and  ministerial  communion, 
and  having  had  sufficient  testimonials  of  his  moral  character,  and  his  good 
standing  in  the  ministry,  in  the  church  of  which  he  has  been  a  member,  do 
unanimously  agree  to  receive  him  as  a  member  of  this  body,  and  appoint  him  a 
member  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal. 

Dr.  McWhorter,  Messrs.  Montgomery,  Spencer,  James  Caldwell,  and  Thomas 
Read,  three  of  whom  to  be  a  quorum,  are  appointed  the  Synod's  committee,  to 
meet  the  corporation  for  the  widows'  fund,  to  dispose  of  the  money  in  the  hands 
of  said  corporation  for  charitable  uses,  said  committee  to  meet  to-morrow  morn- 
ing, at  six  o'clock,  at  this  place. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Eodem  die,  three  d'cloch,  P.  M.     The  Si/nod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  sxipra. 

The  Synod  taking  into  consideration  the  low  and  declining  state  of  religion 
among  us,  and  the  abounding  of  iniquity,  for  which  an  holy  and  jealous  God 
yet  continues  to  visit  our  country  with  his  righteous  judgments,  appoint  the 
second  Thursday  of  June,  to  be  observed  by  the  churches  under  their  care, 
as  a  day  of  public  humiliation,  fasting,  and  prayer.  And  the  Synod  earnestly 
recommend  it  to  them,  to  improve  a  part  of  the  last  Thursday  in  every  month 
for  public  or  social  prayer,  as  their  circumstances  may  allow. 

A  petition  from  the  second  congregation  of  Wilmington,  in  conjunction  with 
Braudywine  congregation,  was  brought  before  the  Synod  through  the  hands  of 
the  committee  of  overtures,  requesting  the  Synod  to  review  a  judgment  of 
theirs  in  the  year  1774,  respecting  the  said  second  congregation.  But  as  the 
parties  are  not  present  the  Synod  judge  that  they  cannot,  at  present,  enter  into 
the  consideration  of  it,  but  order  it  to  be  laid  before  the  Presbytery  of  New 
Castle,  who  are  desired  by  this  Synod  to  notify  the  parties  to  attend,  and  to 
issue  the  whole  afiair,  any  thing  in  the  minute  of  the  Synod  to  the  contrary 
notwithstanding. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1778.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  479 

2dd  day,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  tlie  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  appoint  the  interest  of  three  hundred  pounds  in  the  hands  of  the 
corporatiuu  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  for  an  Indian  mission,  to  be  given  to 
Mr.  Braiuerd  for  his  last  year's  .services. 

The  Synod  do  agree  to  take  the  three  hundred  pounds  appointed  for  an  In- 
dian mission,  out  of  the  hands  of  the  corporation  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey, 
and  put  it  into  the  hands  of  Dr.  Ewing  as  their  treasurer,  who  is  to  put  it  into 
the  continental  loan  ofl&ce,  and  manage  the  same. 

Mr.  Samuel  Stanhope  Smith  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons  for  not  attending 
sooner  are  sustained. 

A  petition  from  the  congregation  of  Deep  Run,  in  Bucks  county,  request- 
ing that  they  may  be  set  off  from  the  second  Presbytery,  and  put  under  the 
care  of  the  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  was  brought  before  the  Synod 
through  the  hands  of  the  committee  of  overtures,  and  read.  The  Synod  hav- 
ing conversed  upon  it,  do  grant  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition,  and  the  first 
Philadelphia  Presbytery  is  ordered  to  take  the  care  of  that  congregation  for  the 
future. 

By  the  committee  of  overtures,  a  supplication  from  the  congregation  of  Allen- 
town,  in  the  forks  of  Delaware,  requesting  that  they  may  be  set  off  from  the 
Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick,  and  put  under  the  care  of  the  first  Presbytery 
of  Philadelphia,  to  whom  they  formerly  belonged,  was  brought  in  and  read. 
The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  freely  concurring,  the  Synod  grant  the  sup- 
plicants' request,  and  the  fii-st  Philadelphia  Presbytery  is  ordered  to  take  said 
congregation  under  their  care. 

A  supplication  from  a  society  of  Highland  Scots,  at  Southerland,  was 
brought  in  by  the  committee  of  overtures,  and  read,  requesting  that  the  Synod 
would  supply  them  with  books,  and  appoint  Mr.  McFarquhar  to  preach  and 
administer  gospel  ordinances  amongst  them.  This  Synod  taking  their  request 
into  consideration,  do  order  a  collection  of  books  to  be  made  throughout  their 
Presbyteries  for  those  people,  and  appoint  Mr.  McFarquhar  to  supply  them 
some  time,  and  administer  gospel  ordinances  as  he  sees  proper ;  and  also  to 
supply  the  adjacent  vacant  congregations,  in  Northumberland,  four  Sabbaths ; 
and  tiaey  order  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal  to  supply  Mr.  McFarquhar' s  pulpit 
in  the  mean  time. 

Dr.  Witherspoon  reports  that  there  is  a  balance  of  £58  6s.  9id.,  in  his  hands, 
due  to  the  Synod. 

]Mr.  Ebenezer  Brooks  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons  for  non-attendance  sooner, 
are  sustained. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  Philadelphia  the  third  Wednesday  in  May  next,  at  ten 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  at  the  First  Presbyterian  Church.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1778. 

Bedminster,  May  20th,  1778. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  at  Bedminster,  in  Somerset 
county.  New  Jersey,  in  consequence  of  an  advertisement  in  the  newspapers 
by  the  moderator,  agreeably  to  the  advice  of  a  number  of  the  members,  it  not 
being  practicable  to  meet  in  Philadelphia  according  to  the  adjournment  of  last 
year,  as  that  city  is  now  in  the  possession  of  the  enemy.  Ubi  post  preces 
sederunt 

Of  New  York  Presbytery :  The  Eev.  Messrs.  Timothy  Jones,  Dr.  Alexander 
McWhorter,  and  Jacob  Vanarsdalen. 


480  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1778. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Elihu  Spencer,  Israel 
Read,  Samuel  Kennedy,  Francis  Peppard,  and  Jeremiah  Halsey. 

Of  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Mr.  James  Boyd. 

Of  the  New  Castle  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Mr.  John  Carmichael. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Jehu  Adams,  Philip  Coudit,  and  William  Annan. 

Absent :  Of  New  York  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Dr.  John  Rodgers, 
Dr.  Hugh  Knox,  Joseph  Treat,  James  Caldwell,  Azel  Roe,  Benjamin  Hait^ 
Jonathan  Elmer,  Benjamin  Woodruff,  Aaron  Richards,  Jacob  Green,  Jedidiah 
Chapman,  Joseph  Grover,  Simon  Horton,  William  Woodhull,  Nathan  Kerr, 

Lewis,  John  Moffat,  Andrew  King,  John  Close,  Abner  Brush,  Mathias 

Burnet,  Alexander  Miller,  and  Ebenezer  Bradford. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Dr.  John  Witherspoon,  and  the 
Rev.  Messrs.  John  Guild,  Thomas  Smith,  William  Schenck,  John  Hanna,  John 
Warford,  and  James  Lyon. 

Of  the  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  The  Rev.  Dr.  Richard  Treat,  and 
the  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Sproat,  John  Brainerd,  Nehemiah  Greenman,  James 
Watt,  William  Hollingshead,  George  Duffield,  Alexander  Mitchell,  Nathaniel 
Irvine,  Daniel  McCalla,  Robert  Keith,  and  Israel  Evans. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Alexander  McDowell,  Ro- 
bert Smith,  Joseph  Smith,  Thomas  Smith,  William  Foster,  John  Woodhull, 
James  Latta,  John  Clark,  John  McCreary,  William  McKennan,  James  Fin- 
ley,  James  Wilson,  Joseph  Montgomery,  Thomas  Reed,  and  James  Anderson. 

And  the  whole  of  the  Presbyteries  of  Dutchess,  Suffolk,  the  second  Phila- 
delphia, Lewistown,  Donegal,  Hanover,  and  Orange. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Carmichael,  moderator  last  year, 
by  a  sermon  on  John  iii.  30,  first  clause. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Jones  was  chosen  moderator,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Halsey 
clerk. 

Neither  the  Synod  book  nor  the  minutes  of  last  year  being  present,  the  Sy- 
nod agreed  to  proceed  on  such  business  as  may  now  come  before  them. 
^  The  Presbytery  of  New  York  report,  that  the  Rev.  Thomas  Lewis  is  deceased 
since  our  last;  and  that  they  have  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Thaddeus  Dod,  sine  titulo,  in  consequence  of  liberty  obtained  from  the 
Synod  for  that  purpose. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  Mr.  George  Luckie  to 
preach  the  gospel,  and  ordained  the  Rev.  Mr.  James  Armstrong  to  the  work  of 
the  ministry,  sine  titulo.  As  the  New  Castle  Presbytery  book  is  not  present, 
the  consideration  of  the  propriety  of  Mr.  Armstrong's  ordination  is  deferred  till 
next  Synod. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  report,  that  the  Rev.  Mr,  Charles  McKnight  de- 
parted this  life  last  January ;  and  that  they  have  licensed  Mr.  George  Faitout 
to  preach  the  gospel. 

The  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  licensed  Mr.  Hugh 
Montgomery  Brackenridge  to  preach  the  gospel. 

The  reasons  assigned  by  Messrs.  Jones,  Read,  and  Halsey,  for  their  ab- 
sence from  last  Synod,  and  by  Messrs.  Kennedy  and  Peppard  for  their  absence 
from  Synod  for  several  years,  were  sustained. 

As  none  of  the  Presbytery  books,  except  that  of  New  Brunswick,  are  pre- 
sent, the  examination  of  that  book  is  deferred  till  next  Synod. 

The  Synod  appoint  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Van  Arsdalen,  Peppard,  Boyd,  and 
Carmichael,  with  Messrs.  Adams  and  Annan,  a  committee  of  bills  and  over- 
tures, to  meet  here  to-morrow  morning,  at  eight  o'clock. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1778.]  NEW  TORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  481 

21st  day,  nine,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  appoint  as  a  commission  for  the  ensuing  year,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
McWhorter,  the  Ivov.  Messrs.  James  Caldwell,  Azel  Hoe,  Elihu  Spencer,  Israel 
Read,  Jeremiah  llalsey.  Dr.  Richard  Treat,  James  Sproat,  James  Boyd,  Dr. 
Alison,  Alexander  McDowell,  Robert  Smith,  William  Forster,  John  Carmi- 
chael,  Robert  Cowper,  John  Craighead,  and  Thomas  McFerrin,  with  the  mode- 
rator; and  Messrs.  John  Adams,  William  Annin,  and  Philip  Condict,  elders, 
thirteen  of  whom  to  be  a  quorum.  The  commission  to  be  convened  by  the 
moderator,  (as  occasion  may  recjuire,)  who  is  also  to  preside ;  and  in  case  of  his 
death  or  disability,  the  first  surviving  member  on  the  roll  to  call  the  meeting ; 
and  the  first  on  the  roll  of  the  members,  when  met,  to  preside. 

Mr.  Warford  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  non-attendance  last  year,  and  not 
sooner  now,  sustained. 

Mr.  Warford  informs  the  Synod,  that  a  certain  David  Allen,  some  time  ago 
deceased,  in  the  Forks  of  Delaware,  did,  as  he  has  been  informed,  bequeath  a 
considerable  sum  to  the  Synod,  for  the  education  of  poor  and  pious  youth  for 
the  ministry.  Mr.  Warford  is  ordered  to  inquire  into  this  affair,  and  to  receive 
the  money,  if  to  be  had,  and  make  report  to  next  Synod. 

The  committee  appointed  last  year  to  dispose  of  the  interest  of  the  charita- 
ble fund  in  the  hand  of  the  trustees  of  the  college  of  New  Jersey,  for  the  edu- 
cation of  poor  and  pious  youth  for  the  ministry,  report,  that  they  met  accord- 
ing to  appointment,  but  as  no  objects  offered,  no  distribution  was  made  of  any 
part  of  it. 

The  Synod  appoint  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Spencer,  Read,  Halsey,  Caldwell,  and 
Dr.  McWhorter,  a  committee  to  meet  at  Princeton,  the  last  Wednesday  of  next 
September,  to  dispose  of  the  interest  of  said  fund. 

The  committee  appointed  last  year  to  dispose  of  the  interest  of  the  money 
belonging  to  the  Synod,  in  the  hand  of  the  corporation  for  the  widows'  fund, 
report,  that  they  met  as  appointed,  and  made  disposition. 

The  appointment  of  a  committee  to  dispose  of  the  interest  of  the  above  money 
for  the  past  yeai-,  was  deferred  till  the  meeting  of  next  Synod. 

The  committee  of  bills  and  overtures  report,  that  they  have  no  business  to 
lay  before  the  Synod. 

The  Synod,  taking  into  their  most  serious  consideration,  that  the  lamentable 
decay  of  vital  piety,  for  which  we  have  had  so  much  reason  to  mourn  for  sev- 
eral years  past,  still  continues ;  that  gross  immoralities  are  increasing  to  an 
awful  degree ;  and  that  the  calamities  of  war  are  yet  permitted  to  afilict  our 
land,  do  therefore  agree  to  renew  the  recommendation  of  last  Synod  to  all  our 
congregations,  to  spend  the  last  Thursday  of  every  month,  or  a  part  of  it,  in 
fervent  prayer  to  God,  that  he  would  be  pleased  to  pour  out  his  Spirit  on  the 
inhabitants  of  our  land,  and  prepare  us  for  deliverance  from  the  ehastenings  he 
hath  righteously  inflicted  upon  us  for  our  sins ;  that  he  would  graciously  smile 
on  our  arms,  and  those  of  our  illusti-ious  ally,  by  land  and  sea ;  and  grant  a 
speedy  and  happy  conclusion  to  the  present  war.  And  it  is  earnestly  recom- 
mended to  the  several  Presbyteries,  to  take  care  that  this  recommendation  be 
complied  with.  And  the  clerk  is  ordered  to  transmit  a  copy  of  this  minute  to 
the  moderator  of  every  Presbytery,  to  be  communicated. 

The  Synod  taking  into  their  consideration  the  non-attendance  of  many  of 
our  members  upon  Synodical  sessions  for  some  years  past,  and  especially  the 
present,  are  sincerely  affected  therewith,  as  it  appears  to  them  there  is  a  crimi- 
nal neglect  in  this  matter,  a  forgetfulness  of  their  ordination  obligation,  and  a 
want  of  that  public  spirit  and  benevolent  care  of  the  church  with  which  min- 
isters of  the  gospel  ought  ever  to  be  filled ;  and  do  therefore  order  the  several 
Presbyteries  belonging  to  this  body  to  be  reminded  of  their  negligence  herein, 
61 


482  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1779. 

and  to  endeavour  to  influence  tbem  to  a  more  punctual  discharge  of  this  im- 
portant duty  of  attending  the  meetings  of  the  judicatures  of  the  church. 

Ordered,  that  the  clerk  transmit  a  copy  of  this  minute  to  the  moderator  of 
each  Presbytery,  to  be  by  him  laid  before  them. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  Philadelphia,  on  the  third  Wednesday  of  next  May,  at 
10  o'clock,  A.  M. — but  if  that  place  be  in  the  enemy's  hand,  then  to  meet  here. 
Concluded  with  prayer. 

1779. 

Philadelphia,  May  l^ih,  1779. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Vhi  post  preces  sederunt 

Of  the  New  York  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Timothy  Jones  and  Joseph 
Treat. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Dr.  John  Witherspoon. 

Of  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Brainerd, 
James  Sproat,  George  Duffield,  Alexander  Mitchell,  and  Nathaniel  Irwin. 

Of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Drs.  Francis  Alison  and 
John  Ewing. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Alexander  McDowell,  Robert 
Smith,  John  Carmichael,  William  Foster,  James  Anderson,  John  McCreary. 
Thomas  Read,  John  WoodhuU,  and  Robert  Davidson. 

Of  Hanover  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Stanhope  Smith. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Jonas  Phillips,  Gunning  Bedford,  Lewis  Grant,  Richard 
Walker,  Arthur  Park,  William  Harris,  David  Forman. 

Absent :  Of  the  New  York  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Jacob  Green,  Dr. 
John  Rodgers,  Dr.  Alexander  McWhorter,  Benjamin  Hait,  Benjamin  Wood- 
ruff, James  Caldwell,  Azel  Roe,  Aaron  Richards,  Nathan  Kerr,  Samuel  Sacket, 
John  Moffat,  John  Close,  Joseph  Grover,  Dr.  Hugh  Knox,  Jonathan  Elmer, 
Abner  Brush,  and  William  Woodhull. 

Of  the  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  :  The  whole,  except  the  Rev.  Dr.  John 
Witherspoon. 

Of  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Nehemiah  Green- 
man,  James  Watt,  James  Boyd,  William  HoUinshead,  Daniel  McCalla,  Israel 
Evans,  Andrew  Hunter,  and  Robert  Keith. 

Of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Steel,  John 
Elder,  John  Simonton,  Robert  McMordie,  and  Patrick  Alison. 

The  whole  of  Lewestown  Presbytery. 

Of  the  New  Castle  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Latta,  John  Clark, 
William  McKennan,  James  Finley,  Thomas  Smith,  Joseph  Montgomery, 
James  Wilson,  Joseph  Smith,  James  Power,  Samuel  Eakin,  and  James  Arm- 
strong. 

Absent,  the  whole  of  Donegal  Presbytery.  The  whole  of  Hanover  Pres- 
bytery, except  the  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Stanhope  Smith.  The  whole  of  Orange 
Presbytery. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Jones,  the  last  year's  moderator, 
with  a  sermon  on  Rom.  xiii.  14. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Ewing  chosen  moderator,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Duffield,  clerk. 

Messrs.  McDowell,  Jones,  Treat,  and  Duffield,  their  reasons  for  absence  from 
the  Synod  in  1777,  sustained. 

Ordered,  That  all  the  Presbyteries  bring  in  their  reports  to-morrow  morning. 

Messrs.  Mitchell,  Treat,  and  McCreary,  with  Messrs.  Grant  and  Park,  elders, 


1779.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  483 

are  appointed  a  committee  of  overtures,  to  meet  here  to-morrow  morning,  at 
eight  o'clock,  and  afterwards  by  adjournment,  as  occasion  may  require. 

The  Synod  appoint  as  a  commission  for  the  ensuing  year,  the  Eev.  Dr.  Mc- 
Whorter,  Messrs.  James  Caldwell,  Azel  Roe,  Elihu  Spencer,  Israel  Read,  Jere- 
miah Halsey,  James  Sproat,  Alexander  Mitchell,  James  Boyd,  John  Simonton, 
Alexander  McDowell,  Robert  Smith,  William  Foster,  John  Carmicbael,  Robert 
Cooper,  John  Craighead,  and  Thomas  McFerrin,  with  the  moderator,  and  the 
following  elders,  viz.  Messrs.  Gunning  Bedford,  Lewis  Grant,  Richard  Walker, 
and  William  Harris ;  thirteen  of  whom  to  be  a  quorum,  and  that  the 
moderator  convene  the  commission  as  occasion  may  require,  and  preside  in  the 
meeting ;  or,  in  case  of  his  death  or  disability,  that  the  first  surviving  member 
on  the  roll  call  the  meeting,  and  the  first  on  the  roll  of  the  members  convened 
to  preside. 

The  Synod  appoint  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Read,  Brainerd,  Foster,  and  Woodhull, 
a  committee  to  dispose  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of  the  corporation  for  the 
widows'  fund. 

The  Synod  taking  into  consideration  the  great  and  increasing  decay  of  vital 
piety,  the  degeneracy  of  manners,  want  of  public  spirit,  and  prevalence  of  vice 
and  immorality  that  obtains  throughout  our  land,  and  that  the  righteous  God, 
by  continuing  still  to  afflict  us  with  the  sore  calamity  of  a  cruel  and  barbarous 
war,  is  loudly  calling  the  inhabitants  to  repentance  and  reformation,  and  as  a 
means  thereto,  to  deep  humiliation,  frequent  and  fervent  prayer,  do  therefore 
appoint  Thursday,  the  17th  day  of  August  next,  to  be  observed  by  all  under 
our  care,  as  a  day  of  humiliation,  fasting,  and  prayer ;  and  do  also  renew  the 
recommendation  of  former  Synods  to  all  their  congregations,  to  spend  a  part  of 
the  last  Thursday  in  every  month,  in  social  prayer,  as  their  circumstances  may 
admit. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  to-morrow.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

20th   dai/,  nine  o'clock,  A.  31.     3Iet  according  to  adjournment.    Post  preces 
sederunt  qui  stipra. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  James  Wilson,  of  New  Castle  Presbytery,  is  now  come. 

The  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery  report,  that  since  the  meeting  of  Synod, 
1777,  they  have  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  3Ir.  James  Grier, 
and  Mr.  Andrew  Hunter;  and  licensed  Mr.  Isaac  Keith,  and  Mr.  Hugh  Brack- 
enridge,  to  preach  the  gospel ;  the  latter  of  whom  has  since  resigned  his  license, 
which  the  Presbytery  accepted.  And  the  Rev.  Dr.  Richard  Treat  departed  this 
life  the  20th  of  last  November. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  report,  that  since  the  meeting  of  Synod,  1777,  they 
have  licensed  Messrs.  JMatthew  Tate,  Nathaniel  Semple,  and  John  Finley,  to 
preach  the  gospel;  and  dismissed  the  Rev.  Mr.  Woodhull,  in  order  to  his  join- 
ing the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick,  where  he  had  accepted  a  call. 

Mr.  Carmichael's  elder,  Mr.  Samuel  Holliday,  is  now  come. 

Dr.  Witherspoon  informs  the  Synod  that  he  has  lately  received  a  legacy,  left 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Diodati  Johnson,  of  New  England,  to  be  deposited  with  this 
Synod  for  their  disposal,  and  that  there  is  now  in  his  hand  three  hundred  and 
thirty-two  pounds,  twelve  shillings,  belonging  to  the  Synod. 

The  Synod  appoint  the  interest  now  due  on  the  three  hundred  pounds  in  the 
hand  of  the  corporation  of  the  New  Jersey  College,  for  an  Indian  mission,  to 
be  given  to  Mr.  Brainerd,  for  his  services  among  the  Indians. 

The  Synod  appoint  Dr.  Ewing  to  apply  to  the  corporation  of  the  College  of 
New  Jersey  for  the  three  hundred  pounds  belonging  to  this  Synod,  in  their 
hand,  to  dispose  of  it  as  directed  by  Synod  the  year  before  last. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


484  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1779 

The  Synod  met  at  three  ddoch,  P.  M.     Postjpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  dispose  of  the  money  in  the  hand  of  the  corpora- 
tion for  the  widows'  fund  report,  that  they  have  disposed  of  the  same,  and  their 
minutes  being  produced  and  read,  the  Synod  approve  of  the  disposition  they 
have  made. 

A  reference  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  was  brought  in  by  the  com- 
mittee of  overtures,  respecting  a  certain  Anthony  Duchane,  who  had  married 
the  sister  of  his  former  wife,  and  praying  the  advice  of  Synod,  whether  the 
said  Duchane  may  be  admitted  to  enjoy  church  privileges  in  his  present  situa- 
tion, or  what  ought  to  be  done  in  such  case. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  consider  the  above  case,  and  after  debating  to  a  con- 
siderable length,  agreed  to  defer  it  to  the  meeting  of  Synod  next  year. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  James  Caldwell  is  now  come ;  his  reasons  for  not  attending 
sooner,  sustained.  v 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

21st  day,  A.  M.      Met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui 
supra. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Eakin  is  now  come ;  his  reasons  for  not  attending 
sooner,  sustained. 

The  minutes  of  last  Synod  being  now  brought  in,  ordered,  that  they  be 
read. 

By  the  report  now  made  by  the  New  Castle  Presbytery,  it  appears  that  there 
was  a  mistake  in  the  report  of  last  year,  respecting  Mr.  Armstrong's  ordina- 
tion ;  that  he  was  not  ordained,  sine  titulo,  but  in  consequence  of  his  having 
accepted  a  chaplaincy  in  the  army. 

The  Synod  appoint  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Spencer,  Read,  Halsey,  Caldwell,  and 
Dr.  McWhorter,  a  committee  to  meet  at  Princeton,  the  last  Wednesday  of  next 
September,  to  dispose  of  the  interest  of  the  charitable  fund  in  the  hand  of  the 
trustees  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey  for  the  education  of  poor  and  pious 
youth  for  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry. 

An  application  by  a  member  of  Hanover  Presbytery  praying  that  some 
missionaries  might  be  sent  into  the  state  of  Virginia  to  preach  the  gospel,  and 
especially  that  a  few  ministers  of  genius,  prudence,  and  address,  might  spend 
some  considerable  time  in  attempting  to  form  that  people  into  regular  congre- 
gations, under  the  discipline  and  government  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  and 
to  settle  among  them,  and  undertake  the  education  of  their  youth,  representing 
that  there  appears  at  present  in  many  parts  of  that  state,  a  very  favourable  dis- 
position towards  religion  in  general,  and  towards  the  Presbyterian  church  in 
particular ;  that  it  is  greatly  for  the  interest  of  the  church  to  pay  a  particular 
attention  to  the  southern  and  western  parts  of  this  continent ;  that  congrega- 
tions which  may  be  formed  there  will  be  permanent  and  fixed,  whereas  the 
continual  migration  of  the  inhabitants  of  our  interior  congregations,  diminish 
their  importance  and  threaten  their  dissolution ;  that  it  is  not  desirable,  nor 
to  be  expected,  that  that  extensive  country  should  continue  long  without  some 
form  of  religion ;  that  this  Synod  has  now  an  opportunity  of  promoting  the 
interest  of  religion  extensively,  which  in  a  few  years  may  be  utterly  lost  by 
the  prevalency  and  pre-occupying  of  many  ignorant  and  irreligious  sectaries ; 
the  Synod  do,  therefore,  earnestly  recommend  it  to  all  their  Presbyteries  to 
turn  their  attention  to  this  object,  as  peculiarly  interesting  and  important ; 
and  if  it  is  by  any  means  possible,  to  furnish  some  missions  to  the  state  of 
Virginia,  and  such  especially  as  shall  endeavour  to  form  congregations,  and  to 
effect  a  settlement  among  them,  having  respect  to  the  popular  talents  as  well  as 


1780.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPniA.  485 

piety  of  such  missionaries,  and  to  their  capacity  for  directing  the  education  of 
youth. 

The  Synod  being  iuformed  that  the  Eev.  Mr.  Josiah  Lewis,  who  was  annexed 
to  the  Lewestown  Presbytery  by  the  Synod  at  their  meeting,  1773,  has  never 
yet  attended  at  any  of  the  meetings  of  that  Presbytery,  but  removed  to  a  distant 
part;  and  as  some  reports  have  arisen  to  the  disadvantage  of  his  moral  cha- 
racter, the  Synod  do  hereby  order  the  Lewestown  Presbytery  to  take  cogni- 
zance of  Mr.  Lewis  in  the  premises,  and  make  report  at  the  nest  meeting  of 
Synod. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas  Read  furnish  the  Presbytery  of  Lewes- 
town with  a  copy  of  this  minute. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  next  May,  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.  at 
the  First  Presbyterian  church  in  this  city.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


17S0. 

Philadelphia,  May  17th,  1780. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment, 
at  the  First  Presbyterian  church.      Ubi ptost  preces  sederunt 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Elihu  Spencer  and  John 
Woodhull. 

Of  the  First  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Sproat,  John 
Brainerd,  George  Duffield,  Alexander  Mitchell,  William  Schenck,  and  Nathaniel 
Irwin. 

Of  the  Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Dr.  John  Ewing  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Robert  Davidson. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Carmichael,  John  Mc- 
Creary,  Thomas  Read,  and  Samuel  Eakin. 

Of  Lewestown  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Mr.  John  Miller. 

Elders :  Capt.  Thomas  Bourn,  Messrs.  Robert  Porter,  Lewis  Grant,  and  Dr. 
Isaac  Harris. 

Absent :  Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Dr.  John  Witherspoon, 
Messrs.  John  Guild,  Israel  Reed,  Samuel  Kennedy,  John  Hannah,  Thomas 
Smith,  Francis  Peppard,  Philip   Stockton,  John  Warford,  Jeremiah  Halsey. 

Of  the  First  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Watt, 
James  Grier,  William  HoUingshead,  Daniel  McCalla,  Andrew  Hunter,  Israel 
Evans. 

Of  the  Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Elder,  Ro- 
bert McMordie,  John  Simonton,  and  Patrick  Alison. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Alexander  McDowell,  Wil- 
liam McKennan,  William  Forster,  Thomas  Smith,  Joseph  Smith,  John  Clark, 
Joseph  Montgomery,  James  Power,  James  Armstrong. 

Of  Lewestown  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Matthew  Wilson,  Jacob  Kerr, 
Alexander  Huston,  John  Rankin,  Samuel  McMasters. 

All  the  members  of  New  York,  Dutchess,  Suffolk,  and  Donegal  Presby- 
teries. 

The  whole  of  Hanover  Presbytery  being  absent,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Stanhope 
Smith,  late  a  member  of  that  Presbytery,  informed  the  Synod  of  their  names, 
viz.  :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Todd,  John  Brown,  Richard  Zanchy,  Charles 
Cummings,  James  Waddel,  David  Price,  Caleb  Wallace,  W^illiam  Irwin,  John 
B.  Smith,  Archibald  Scott,  Samuel  Doak,  Edward  Crawford.  Licensed  candi- 
dates of  said  Presbytery :  Messrs.  William  Wilson,  Benjamin  Irwin,  James 
Crawford,  Terah  Templin. 


486  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1780. 

Orange  Presbytery  absent :  The  Rev.  Dr.  McWhorter,  Henry  Patillo,  Hugh 
McCaden,  James  Campbell,  David  Caldwell,  James  Frazier,  James  McCorkel, 
Joseph  Alexander,  Thomas  Reese,  John  Sympson,  R.  Archibold,  Thomas  Mc- 
Call,  Harris,  Hall,  Edmund,  Thomas  Craighead,  James  Templeton,  Corson. 
Candidates :  Donnel,  McEwen,  Leak,  Barr,  Thacher. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  tiie  Rev.  Dr.  Ewing,  last  year's  moderator,  with  a 
sermon  on  1  Cor.  iv.  2. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Miller  chosen  moderator,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mitchell,  clerk. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Robert  Keith  is  now  come. 

The  Rev.  John  Debow  is  now  come. 

Messrs.  Spencer,  Keith,  Miller,  Eakin,  and  Debow,  who  were  absent  from 
our  last,  gave  their  reasons  for  absence,  which  were  sustained. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  James  Anderson  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not  attending 
sooner,  are  sustained. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbyteries  bring  in  their  reports  to-morrow  morning,  and 
a  list  of  absent  members. 

Messrs.  WoodhuU,  Irwin,  and  Read,  together  with  Porter  and  Grant,  are  ap- 
pointed a  committee  of  overtures,  to  meet  to-morrow  morning  at  six  o'clock,  and 
afterwards  by  adjournments,  as  occasion  may  require. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Blair  being  present,  but  not  having  united  himself  to 
any  Presbytery,  being  invited,  sat  as  a  correspondent. 

The  Synod  appoint  as  a  commission  for  the  ensuing  year,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Ewing,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Caldwell,  Azel  Roe,  Elihu  Spencer,  Israel  Reed, 
Jeremiah  Halsey,  James  Sproat,  Alexander  Mitchell,  James  Boyd,  John  Simon- 
ton,  Alexander  McDowell,  Robert  Smith,  William  Foster,  John  Carmichael, 
Robert  Cooper,  Thomas  McFerrin,  and  John  Craighead,  with  the  moderator 
and  the  following  elders,  viz.  Capt.  Bourn,  Dr.  Harris,  Dr.  Scudder,  and 
Messrs.  Porter  and  Grant ;  thirteen  of  whom  to  be  a  quorum,  and  the  mode- 
rator to  convene  the  commission*  as  occasion  may  require,  and  preside  in  the 
meeting ;  or,  in  case  of  his  death  or  disability,  the  first  surviving  member  on 
the  roll  to  call  the  meeting,  and  the  first  on  the  roll  of  the  members  convened, 
to  preside. 

The  Synod  appoint  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Spencer,  Duffield,  Woodhull,  McCreary, 
and  Read,  a  committee  to  dispose  of  the  interest  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of 
the  corporation  for  the  widows'  fund. 

Messrs.  Boyd  and  Stanhope  Smith  are  now  come,  and  their  reasons  for  not 
attending  sooner,  sustained. 

Dr.  Ewing  reports,  that  he  has  not  received  the  £300  lying  in  the  hands  of 
the  corporation  of  New  Jersey  college. 

The  Synod  agree  to  let  that  money  remain  for  the  present  in  the  hands  of 
said  corporation. 

The  committee  appointed  by  Synod  to  dispose  of  moneys  for  the  education  of 
poor  and  pious  youth  for  the  gospel  ministry,  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of 
New  Jersey  college,  not  meeting  according  to  appointment,  no  disposition  was 
made. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  the  Rev.  Mr. 
George  Faitout,  and  received  Mr.  Woodhull  as  a  member  of  that  Presbytery. 

First  Philadelphia  Presbytery  report,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nchemiah  Green- 
man  is  removed  by  death  since  our  last,  viz.  July,  and  that  they  have  received 
the  Rev.  William  Schenck  as  a  member  of  that  Presbytery. 

Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  report,  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Francis  Alison 
departed  this  life  the  28th  day  of  November,  1779,  and  that  they  have  received 
the  Rev.  Robert  Davidson  as  a  member  of  that  Presbytery.  They  further  report, 
that  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Steel  departed  this  life  the  —  day  of  August. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  the  Rev.  Mr.  William 


1780.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  487 

Smith  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and  that  they  have  dismissed  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Robert  Pavidsou  to  join  the  Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery. 

Lewcstown  l^rosbytcry  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Messrs.  John  Rankin 
and  Samuel  McMasters  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry. 

Orange  Presbytery  report,  that  they  have  ordained  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Craig- 
head, 31cCrea,  and  James  Templeton,  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and 
that  they  have  licensed  Messrs.  Jacob  Leak  and  McEwen  to  preach  the 
gospel. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  to  meet  at  nine  o'clock.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 


ISth  day,  ten  c>  clock,  A,  M.,  met  according  to  adjournment.     Post  prcces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Halsey  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner,  and  also 
of  his  absence  last  Synod,  are  sustained. 

Messrs.  Latta  and  Finley  are  now  come,  and  their  reasons  of  absence  last 
Synod,  and  not  attending  sooner,  are  sustained. 

Messrs.  Robert  and  William  Smith  are  now  come,  and  their  reasons  for  not 
attending  sooner,  sustained. 

Dr.  Nathaniel  Scudder,  Mr.  Woodhull's  elder,  is  now  come. 

On  reading  the  minutes  of  last  sederunt,  it  was,  on  motion,  resolved,  that  Mr. 
Duffield  be  appointed  to  apply  to  the  corporation  of  the  college  of  New  Jersey 
for  the  three  hundred  pounds  in  their  hands,  belonging  to  the  Synod,  with  the 
interest  due  at  the  time  of  receiving,  and  put  the  principal  into  the  Continental 
Loan  Office,  and  give  the  interest  to  Mr.  Brainerd  for  his  services  among  the 
Indians. 

The  Synod  appoint  Messrs.  Spencer,  Israel  Read,  Halsey,  Caldwell,  and  Dr. 
Witherspoon,  a  committee  to  dispose  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of  the  corpo- 
ration of  New  Jersey  College,  for  the  education  of  poor  and  pious  youth  for  the 
gospel  ministry,  and  to  meet  for  that  purpose  at  Princeton,  the  last  Wednesday 
of  next  September. 

On  motion,  resolved,  that  Messrs.  Halsey,  Duffield,  and  Latta,  be  a  committee 
to  review  the  minutes  of  Synod,  as  far  back  as  the  year  1774,  whether  any 
matters  brought  before  Synod  have  been  omitted,  and  make  report. 

As  the  Lewestown  Presbytery  have  not  yet  taken  cognizance  of  IMr.  Josiah 
Lewis,  as  ordered  last  Synod,  the  Synod  renew  their  order  in  that  matter,  and 
direct  that  Presbytery  to  proceed  in  the  affiiir  as  soon  as  possible. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


The  Synod  met  at  three  o'clock,   P.  M.      Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

As  the  sum  of  the  legacy  left  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Diodate  Johnson,  of  New  Eng- 
land, to  the  disposal  of  this  Synod,  and  received  by  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Synod 
treasurer,  is  not  specified  in  our  minutes,  the  Synod  appoint  Mr.  Spencer  to 
inquire  of  the  Doctor,  what  the  sum  is,  and  when  it  was  received,  and  make 
report  next  Synod,  if  the  Doctor  should  not  be  then  present. 

The  reference  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  respecting  a  certain  mar- 
riage, brought  in  last  year,  deferred  to  next  Synod. 

The  committee  appointed  to  review  the  records  of  Synod,  as  far  back  as  the 
year  1774,  report,  that  an  affair  respecting  the  enslaving  of  negroes,  appears  to 
have  been  before  the  Synod,  A.  D.  1774,  but  by  some  means  passed  over  the 
following  Synods,  and  not  since  resumed. 


488  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1781. 

The  Synod  resumed  the  consideration  of  that  affair,  and  after  debating  the 
same  to  considerable  length, 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

19th  day,  nine  dclock,  A.  31.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  review  the  minutes  of  Synod,  as  far  back  as 
1774,  report,  that  there  appears  to  have  been  before  the  Synod,  1774,  a  letter 
ftom  tlie  Rev.  Mr.  William  Marshall,  clerk  of  the  Associate  Presbytery,  which 
was  ordered  to  have  been  recorded  in  the  appendix,  and  an  address,  said  to  be 
an  affair  of  great  importance,  and  that  neither  of  these  appear  on  record. 

The  Synod  appoint  Mr.  Sproat,  the  stated  clerk,  together  with  Mr.  Duffield, 
to  collect  such  papers  of  importance  as  belong  to  the  Synod,  and  are  not  on 
record,  and  have  them  enteredvin  an  appendix  to  be  kept  for  such  purpose. 

The  said  committee  further  report,  that  an  order  of  Synod,  1777,  to  the 
Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  to  bring  in  their  minutes  of  an  affair  respecting  mar- 
riage, by  them  referred  to  Synod,  has  not  been  complied  with.  The  Synod 
renew  their  former  order  in  this  matter  to  that  Presbytery. 

The  committee  of  overtures  brought  in  a  reference  from  the  first  Presbytery 
of  Philadelphia,  requesting  the  advice  of  Synod,  whether  Mr.  Isaac  Keith,  a 
probationer  under  their  care,  may  be  ordained  sine  titulo. 

The  Synod,  after  hearing  the  above  ease  laid  before  them  by  said  Presbytery, 
and  considering  the  circumstances  attending  it,  apprehend  there  will  be  a  pro- 
priety in  their  ordaining  Mr.  Keith  as  proposed,  and  accordingly  authorize  the 
Presbytery  to  proceed. 

The  Synod  taking  into  consideration  the  great  and  increasing  decay  of  vital 
piety,  the  degeneracy  of  manners,  want  of  public  spirit,  and  prevalence  of  vice 
and  immorality,  that  obtain  throughout  our  land,  and  that  the  righteous  Grod, 
by  continuing  still  to  afflict  us  with  the  sore  calamity  of  a  cruel  and  barbarous 
war,  is  loudly  calling  the  inhabitants  to  repentance  and  reformation,  and  as  a 
means  thereto  to  deep  humiliation  and  frequent  fervent  prayer ;  do  therefore 
appoint  Thursday  the  17th  day  of  next  August  to  be  observed  as  a  day  of  humi- 
liation, fasting,  and  prayer,  by  all  the  congregations  under  our  care  ;  and  do 
also  renew  the  recommendation  of  former  Synods  to  all  their  congregations,  to 
spend  a  part  of  the  last  Thursday  of  every  month  in  social  prayer,  as  circum- 
stances may  admit. 

The  Synod  agree  to  pay  the  janitor  for  his  attendance  on  the  present  sessions, 
the  sum  of  two  hundred  dollars. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  next  May,  to  meet  at  ten  o'clock, 
A.  M.  in  the  Second  Presbyterian  church  in  this  city. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 


1781. 

Philadelphia,  May  KSth,  1781. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment, 
at  the  Second  Presbyterian  church.      TJhi post  preces  sederunt 

Of  the  New  York  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Mr.  Andrew  King. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  :  Rev.  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Messrs.  Elihu 
Spencer  and  Samuel  S.  Smith. 

Of  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Dr.  James  Sproat,  Messrs. 
George  Dufficld,  William  Schenck,  and  Nathaniel  Irwin. 


1781.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  489 

Of  the  Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Dr.  John  Ewing  and  Rev. 
Mr.  Robert  Davidson. 

Of  the  New  Castle  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Messrs  Robert  Smith,  James  Fin- 
ley,  John  McCreary,  William  Smith,  and  James  Anderson.] 

Of  the  Donegal  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Robert  Cooper  and  Isaac 
Keith. 

Of  the  Lewes  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Mr.  John  Miller. 

Of  the  Hanover  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Mr.  John  Smith. 

Of  the  Orange  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Dr.  Alexander  McWhorter. 

Absent :  Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York :  The  Rev.  Drs.  Jnlin  Rodgers 
and  Hugh  Knox,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Timothy  Jones,  James  Caldwell,  Aaron 
Richards,  Azel  Roe,  Jonathan  Elmer,  Benjamin  "WoodruflF,  John  Joline,  Nathan 
Kerr,  John  Moffatt,  Joseph  Treat,  Simon  Horton,  John  Close,  Abner  Brush, 
Alexander  IMiller,  Jedidiah  Chapman,  and  Van  Arsdalen. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick:  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Jonathan  _  Guild, 
Joseph  Reed,  Samuel  Kennedy,  John  Hannah,  Thomas  Smith,  Francis  Pep- 
pard,  Philip  Stockton,  John  Warford,  and  John  Woodhull. 

Of  the  First  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Watt, 
William  Hollingshead,  Alexander  Mitchell,  James  Boyd,  James  Grier,  Daniel 
McCalla,  Israel  Evans,  Andrew  Hunter,  and  Robert  Keith. 

Of  the  Second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Simon- 
ton,  John  Elder,  and  Robert  McMordie. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Alexander  McDowell, 
William  McKennan,  Joseph  Montgomery,  James  Latta,  Thomas  Smith,  Joseph 
Smith,  Thomas  Reed,  James  Francis  Armstrong,  James  Power,  Samuel  Eakin, 
John  Clark,  and  John  Carmichael. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Thompson,  James 
Hunt,  Hugh  McGill,  John  Hogg,  James  Martin,  Colin  McFarquhar,  Amos 
Thompson,  John  Slemmons,  James  Lang,  John  King,  John  Craighead,  Samuel 
Dougal,  John  Linn,  John  McKnight,  Hezekiah  Balch,  William  Linn,  John 
BIcMillan,  John  Black,  David  Bard,  and  Samuel  Waugh. 

Of  the  Lewes  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Matthew  Wilson,  Jacob  Kerr, 
Alexander  Houston,  John  Ranken,  and  Samuel  McMasters, 

The  whole  Presbytery  of  Hanover  except  Mr.  John  Smith. 

The  whole  Presbytery  of  Orange,  except  Dr.  McWhorter. 

The  whole  Presbytery  of  Dutchess. 

Elders  present :  Messrs.  John  Williams,  Robert  Mead,  Lewis  Grant,  Robert 
Porter. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Miller,  the  moderator  last  year,  with 
a  sermon  on  Acts  xx.  28. 

Mr.  Duffield  chosen  moderator,  and  Messrs.  Irwin  and  Samuel  S.  Smith 
clerks. 

The  several  Presbyteries  are  ordered  to  bring  in  their  reports  by  to-morrow 
morning. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Cooper,  Fiuley,  and  King,  together  with  Messrs.  Porter 
and  Grant,  elders,  are  appointed  a  committee  of  overtures  to  meet  here  to-mor- 
row morning  at  six  o'clock,  and  afterward  upon  adjournment,  as  occasion  may 
require. 

The  Synod  as  a  commission  for  the  ensuing  year,  appoint  the  Rev.  Drs. 
Ewing  and  Sproat^  the  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Caldwell,  Azel  Roe,  Elihu  Spencer, 
Israel  Reed,  Alexander  Mitchell,  James  Boyd,  John  Simonton,  Robert  Smith, 
John  Carmichael,  Robert  Cooper,  Thomas  McFerrin,  and  John  Craighead, 
with  the  moderator;  together  with  Messrs.  John  Williams,  Robert  Mead,  Lewis 
Grant,  and  Robert  Porter,  elders ;  thirteen  of  whom  to  be  a  quorum,  and  the 
moderator  to  convene  the  commission  as  occasion  may  require,  and  preside  in 
62 


490  MNUTES  OF  TIIE  SYNOD  OP  [1781. 

the  meeting,  or  in  case  of  his  death  or  disability,  the  first  surviving  member  on 
the  roll  to  call  the  meeting,  and  the  first  on  the  roll  of  the  members  convened, 
to  preside. 

Some  members  of  the  committee  appointed  by  Synod  last  year,  to  dispose  of 
the  interest  of  the  money  in  the  hands  of  the  corporation  for  the  widows'  fund, 
inform  that  the  committee  met  and  disposed  of  the  money  according  to  order ; 
their  minutes  not  being  present,  they  are  ordered  to  bring  them  at  the  next 
meeting  of  Synod.  The  Rev.  Dr.  McWhorter,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Duffield,  Mc- 
Creary,  Davidson,  and  Irwin,  are  appointed  a  committee  to  dispose  of  the  in- 
terest arising  from  said  money  this  year. 

Mr.  Dufl&eld  has  not  fulfilled  the  order  of  last  Synod  respecting  the  three 
hundred  pounds  in  the  hands  of  the  corporation  of  the  college  of  New  Jersey. 
The  Synod  on  consideration,  agreed  that  that  money  be  continued  for  the  pre- 
sent in  the  hands  of  the  corporation. 

The  committee  appointed  by  last  Synod,  to  dispose  of  the  money  in  the 
hands  of  the  corporation  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey,  for  the  education  of 
poor  and  pious  youth,  met,  but  no  proper  object  offering,  the  distribution  was 
not  made. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Drs.  McWhorter  and  Witherspoon,  the.  Rev.  Messrs. 
Israel  Read,  Elihu  Spencer,  and  James  Caldwell,  be  appointed  a  committee  to 
dispose  of  said  money,  and  to  meet  at  Princeton  the  last  Wednesday  of  Septem- 
ber next,  for  that  purpose. 

No  report  being  made  from  Lewes  Presbytery  respecting  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Lewis, 

Ordered,  That  they  bring  in  their  report  at  our  next  meeting. 

The  committee  appointed  to  collect  and  insert  in  the  Synod's  book,  papers 
of  importance  belonging  to  Synod,  inform  that  they  have  collected  said  papers 
according  to  order,  but  have  not  yet  inserted  them. 

On  further  consideration,  instead  of  inserting  them  in  the  Appendix,  the 
Synod  order,  that  the  stated  clerk,  file,  date,  and  indorse  all  such  papers,  and 
preserve  them  for  the  use  of  Synod. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  have  not  brought  in  their  minutes  respecting 
a  case  of  marriage,  as  ordered  in  our  last. 

The  Synod  renew  their  orders  to  that  Presbytery. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

17th  day,  nine  dclock,   A.   M.      Synod  met.      Post  preces  sederunt  qui 
supra. 

Mr.  Alison  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner,  sustained. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  York  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  John  Jo- 
line  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and  licensed  Messrs.  Fish  and  Ford- 
ham  to  preach  the  gospel;  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hait  departed  this  life  the  27th 
of  June,  1779 ;  and  that  Messrs.  Green,  Lewis,  Grover,  and  Bradford,  have 
withdrawn  from  that  Presbytery. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  report,  that  they  have,  since  the  last 
meeting  of  Synod,  received  as  a  member  the  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Stanhope  Smith, 
and  licensed  Mr.  Peter  Wilson  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  that  the  Rev.  Jere- 
miah Halsey  departed  this  life  the  beginning  of  October  last. 

The  First  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr. 
Isaac  Keith  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and  dismissed  him  to  join  the 
Presbytery  of  Donegal,  and  that  the  Rev.  John  Brainerd  departed  this  life  the 
21st  day  of  March  last. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  report,  that  the  Rev.  William  Foster  was  re- 
moved by  death  in  September  last. 


1781.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PniLADELPIIIA.  491 

The  Donegal  Presbytery  report,  that  in  the  four  years  past,  they  have 
licensed  Messrs.  Samuel  Waugh,  James  Dunlap,  David  Bard,  Stephen  Balch, 
Joseph  Henderson,  and  Matthew  Woods,  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  that  they 
have  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  IMessrs.  John  Linn,  David 
Bard,  Samuel  Waugh,  and  received  from  the  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia, 
the  Rev.  Isaac  Keith. 

Dr.  IMcWhorter  reported  to  the  Synod,  that  the  distressed  circumstances  of 
North  Carolina,  arising  from  the  war,  have  rendered  the  objects  of  his  removal 
thither  abortive,  and  prevented  him  from  obtaining  a  regular  dismission  from 
the  Orange  Presbytery. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  McWorter  be  re-united  to  the  New  York  Presbytery. 

Mr.  Spencer  reported,  that  agreeably  to  the  order  of  Synod  last  year,  he  had 
waited  on  Dr.  Withcrspoon,  the  treasurer  of  Synod,  and  received  from  him  the 
following  account  of  moneys  in  his  hand : 

1777,  May  20th,  By  balance  of  this  date  due  to  Synod        -  £54     9     5^ 

good  money.  

1779,  Feb.  26th,  By  cash  received  of  Rev.  Mr.  Johnson's 

legacy,                ....  £278     3     4 
Out  of  which   he   has  paid,  by  order  of 

Synod,            -            -            -            -  39     0     0 


Remains  due,     ....  £239     3     4 

of  the  value  of  money  of  26th  February,  1779.     Together  with  £54     9     5J 
the  good  money,  above-mentioned. 

The  consideration  of  the  reference  from  the  New  Castle  Presbytery,  respect- 
ing the  marriage  of  a  certain  Anthony  Duchane,  deferred  till  next  Synod, 

Whereas,  the  Synod  is  deeply  affected  that  the  judicatures  of  the  church  are 
so  exceedingly  neglected,  both  by  ministers  and  elders,  especially  the  latter, 
and  taking  this  matter  into  serious  consideration,  and  apprehending  that  one 
reason  of  this  non-attendance,  particularly  on  the  sessions  of  Synod,  arises  from 
the  congregations  making  no  provision  for  defraying  the  expenses  of  ministers 
and  elders,  do  therefore  request  the  Presbyteries  to  direct  their  members  to 
recommend  it  to  their  respective  congregations  to  make  contributions  for  this 
purpose ;  and  the  Synod  do  further  request,  that  the  Presbyteries  take  every 
proper  measure  to  excite  their  members  to  attend  upon  this  judicature. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

18^^  day,  nine,   o^doclc,  A.   31.       Si/nod  met.      Post  preces   sederunt  qui 
supra. 

Messrs.  Boyd,  Clark,  and  Robert  Keith,  are  now  come ;  their  reasons  for  not 
attending  sooner,  sustained. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Joseph  Smith,  John  McMillan,  James  Powers,  and  Thad- 
deus  Dodd,  having  requested  to  be  erected  into  a  separate  Presbytery,  to  be 
known  by  the  name  of  the  Presbytery  of  Redstone,  the  Synod  gi-ant  their  re- 
quest, and  appoint  their  fii-st  meeting  to  be  held  at  Laurel  Hill  Church,  the 
third  Wednesday  of  September  next,  at  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  applied  to  Synod  for  liberty  to  ordain  Mr. 
Daniel  Jones,  sine  titulo,  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  which  was 
granted. 

The  Synod  renew  the  recommendation  of  some  former  Synods,  to  all  their 
congregations,  to  spend  a  part  of  the  last  Thursday  of  every  month  in  social 
prayer,  as  their  respective  circumstances  will  admit. 

The  Synod  agree  to  pay  the  janitor  three  dollars  specie,  for  his  attendance 


492  MINUTES  OF  THE   SYNOD  OF  [1782. 

on  the  present  session ;  and  the  stated  clerk  forty  shillings  specie,  for  tran- 
scribing the  minutes  of  Synod  for  two  years  past. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Sproat  draw  upon  the  treasurer  of  Synod  for  the  above 
sums  of  money. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  the  fii'st  Presbyterian  church  in  Philadelphia,  the  third 
Wednesday  of  May  next,  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1782. 

PhiladdpMa,  May  Ibth,  1782. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment  at 
the  First  Presbyterian  church.      Ubi  j^ost  j^reccs  sederunt 

Of  New  York  Presbytery  :  Rev.  Alexander  Miller. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  :  Rev.  Drs.  Witherspoon  and  Spencer,  Rev. 
Messrs.  John  Woodhull,  John  Warford,  Samuel  Stanhope  Smith.  Elder, 
Kenith  Henkinson. 

Of  the  First  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Rev.  Dr.  Sproat,  Rev.  Messrs.  Alex- 
ander Mitchell,  James  Boyd,  Nathaniel  Irwin,  William  Hollinshead,  William 
Schenck,  Robert  Keith.  Elders,  Messrs.  Hugh  Hodge,  John  Burley,  John 
Hutton. 

Of  the  Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  Rev.  Drs.  John  Ewing,  Patrick 
Alison,  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Simonton,  Robert  Davidson.  Elders,  Robert  Por- 
ter, John  Boyd. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery:  Rev.  Messrs.  Robert  Smith,  James  Finley, 
James  Latta,  James  Anderson,  James  Armstrong,  Daniel  Jones,  William 
Smith.     Elders,  Messrs.  John  Clark,  J.  Sharpe,  W.  Cooke. 

Of  Donegal  Presbytery :  Rev.  Messrs.  Colin  McFarquhar,  Robert  Cooper, 
John  Craighead,  John  King,  I.  Black,  Isaac  Keith. 

Of  Lewes  Presbytery  :  Rev.  John  Miller. 

Of  Redstone  Presbytery  :  Rev.  James  Power. 

Absent :  Of  New  York  Presbytery :  Rev.  Drs.  John  Rodgers,  Hugh  Knox, 
Alexander  McWhorter,  Rev.  Messrs.  Timothy  Jones,  Aaron  Richards,  Simon 
Horton,  Abner  Brush,  Jonathan  Elmer,  Benjamin  Woodruff,  Joseph  Treat, 
Azel  Roe,  Nathan  Kerr,  John  Close,  Jedidiah  Chapman,  Jacob  Vanarsdalen, 
Andrew  King,  and  John  Joline. 

Of  the  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  :  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Guild,  Samuel 
Kennedy,  Israel  Reed,  John  Hannah,  Thomas  Smith,  Philip  Stockton,  and 
Francis  Peppard. 

Of  the  First  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Watt,  George 
Duffield,  James  Grier,  Daniel  McCalla,  Israel  Evans,  Andrew  Hunter,  and 
George  Faitout. 

Of  the  Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Elder,  and  Ro- 
bert McMordie. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery:  Rev.  Messrs.  William  McKennan,  John  Mc- 
Creary,  John  Clark,  Thomas  Read,  Thomas  Smith,  Samuel  Eakin,  Joseph 
Montgomery,  John  Carmichael,  Nathaniel  Semple,  and  John  Finley. 

Of  Donegal  Presbytery :  Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Thompson,  James  Hunt, 
Amos  Thompson,  John  Hoge,  Hugh  McGill,  James  Lang,  Hugh  Vance, 
James  Martin,  John  Slemmons,  Thomas  McFerrin,  William  Linn,  John  Mc- 
Knight,  John  Linn,  David  Bard,  Samuel  Waugh,  Samuel  Dougall,  Joseph  Hen- 
derson. 

The  whole  of  Lewes  Presbytery  absent,  except  the  Rev,  John  Miller. 

The  whole  Presbytery  of  Redstone,  except  Mr.  Power. 

The  whole  Presbyteries  of  Hanover,  Orange,  Suffolk,  and  Dutchess,  absent. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  Blair  was  invited  to  sit  as  a  correspondent  member. 


1782.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  493 

The  moderator  of  last  year  being  absent,  the  Synod  was  opened  by  Dr. 
Elihu  Spencer,  with  a  sermon  from  Matthew  xxviii.  20. 

The  llev.  James  Latta,  of  New  Castle  Presbytery,  was  chosen  moderator,  and 
Messrs.  Nathaniel  Irwin  and  Samuel  S.  Smith,  were  chosen  clerks. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  A.  Miller,  W.  Hollingshead,  John  Woodhull,  A.  Mitchell, 
J.  Simonton,  James  Power,  John  King,  John  Craighead,  and  John  Black,  who 
were  absent  last  year,  being  now  present,  gave  reasons  for  their  absence,  which 
were  sustained. 

Ordered,  That  the  several  Presbyteries  bring  in  their  reports  to-morrow 
morning. 

The  Piev.  Messrs.  John  Craighead,  John  Woodhull,  James  Boyd,  James  An- 
derson, Robert  Keith,  and  Messrs.  John  Clarke  and  Thomas  Sharp,  were  ap- 
pointed to  be  a  committee  of  overtures,  to  meet  here  to-morrow  morning,  at  six 
o'clock,  and  afterwards  by  adjournments,  as  occasion  may  require. 

The  Rev.  Drs.  John  "NVitherspoon,  John  Ewing,  James  Sproat,  Elihu  Spen- 
cer, Alexander  McWhortcr,  and  Messrs.  Azel  Roe,  Israel  Reed,  Alexander 
Mitchell,  James  Boyd,  John  Simonton,  Robert  Smith,  John  Carmichael,  Robert 
Cooper,  Thomas  McFerrin,  John  Craighead,  with  the  moderator,  together  with 
Messrs.  Hugh  Hodge,  John  Boyd,  Robert  Porter,  John  Clarke,  elders,  were 
appointed  to  be  a  commission  of  Synod  for  the  ensuing  year ;  thirteen  of 
whom  shall  be  a  quorum.  The  moderator  shall  have  power  to  convene  a  meet- 
ing, and  to  preside  therein,  and  in  case  of  his  death  or  disability,  the  first  sur- 
viving member  on  the  list  shall  call  a  meeting,  and  the  first  on  the  list  present 
shall  preside. 

The  distribution  made  by  the  committee  for  disposing  of  certain  moneys  in 
the  hands  of  the  corporation  of  the  widows'  fund,  in  the  year  1780,  was  re- 
ported to  the  Synod. 

The  committee  appointed  last  year  for  disposing  the  said  moneys  met,  and  in 
consideration  of  the  difficulties  under  which  the  corporation  labour,  through  the 
decay  of  their  funds,  agree  to  remit  these  moneys  to  the  corporation,  to  be  by 
them  applied  to  the  ends  of  their  institution. 

Adjoui'ned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer, 

Tliursday  morning,  nine  ddock.    The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Uhi post preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  York  reported,  that  the  Rev.  James  Caldwell  was 
removed  by  death  on  the  24th  of  November,  1781. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  reported,  that  they  have  dismissed  the 
Rev.  George  Faitout  to  join  the  First  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  and  licensed  Mr. 
Joseph  Reed  to  preach  the  gospel. 

The  First  Philadelphia  Presbytery  reported,  that  the  Rev.  William  Mackey 
Tennent  of  Connecticut,  and  the  Rev.  George  Faitout,  had  been  received  by 
them,  and  that  Mr.  Faitout  had  been  installed  in  the  congregation  of  Green- 
wich. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  reported,  that  the  Rev.  Alexander  McDowell, 
was  removed  by  death  on  the  12th  of  January,  1782,  and  that  they  have  or- 
dained the  Rev.  Messrs.  Daniel  Jones,  John  Evans  Finley,  and  James  Dunlap, 
to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and  that  since,  Mr.  Dunlap  is  removed 
within  the  bounds  of  Redstone  Presbytery. 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegal  reported,  that  they  have  ordained  and  installed 
Mr.  Joseph  Henderson,  as  pastor  of  the  church  of  Great  Canawaga,  and  that 
they  have  dismissed  the  Rev.  Hezekiah  Balch  to  join  the  Presbytery  of 
Hanover. 

The  Presbytery  of  Orange  reported,  by  a  letter  from  their  moderator,  that 


494  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1782. 

they  have  ordained  Messrs.  Kobert  Archibald,  Thomas  McCade,  Thomas  Craig- 
head, James  McKee,  Daniel  Thatcher,  Samuel  McCorkle,  James  Templeton, 
John  Casson,  James  Hall,  William  Hill,  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry, 
and  licensed  Messrs.  Thomas  Donnell,  David  Barr,  Samuel  Lake,  and  Francis 
Cummings,  to  preach  the  gospel. 

The  Synod  taking  up  the  consideration  of  the  interest  of  certain  money  in 
the  hands  of  the  corporation  of  the  widows'  fund,  to  be  disposed  of  by  them, 
or  their  committee,  in  conjunction  with  said  corporation,  appoint  the  Rev. 
Drs.  Elihu  Spencer,  Joseph  Montgomery,  Patrick  Alison,  Messrs.  Robert 
Cooper,  John  Black,  Nathaniel  Irwin,  and  Samuel  S.  Smith,  for  the  ensuing 
year,  a  committee,  who  are  particularly  instructed  to  collect  all  the  papers  and 
vouchers  they  can  procure  for  elucidating  this  matter  and  exhibiting  it  in  its 
true  light,  to  examine  what  is  now  the  real  state  of  the  money  in  question, 
and  to  dispose  of  whatever  there  may  be  subject  to  their  disposal. 

The  Rev.  Drs.  John  Witherspoon,  Alexander  McWhorter,  Elihu  Spencer, 
and  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Israel  Read,  John  Woodhull,  and  Samuel  S.  Smith,  were 
appointed  to  be  a  committee  to  dispose  of  the  interest  of  moneys  in  the  hands 
of  the  corporation  of  the  college  of  New  Jersey,  for  the  educating  poor  and 
pious  youth,  to  meet  at  Princeton  on  the  last  day  of  September  next. 

The  Synod  renewed  their  recommendation  to  the  Presbyteries  under  their 
care,  to  take  proper  measures  to  engage  their  members  to  attend  the  sessions  of 
Synod,  and  to  remind  the  congregations  in  their  bounds,  of  their  duty  to  make 
provision  for  defraying  the  expenses  of  ministers  and  elders  in  attending  the 
judicatures  of  the  church. 

The  Presbytery  of  Redstone  reported,  that  they  met  and  constituted  accord- 
ing to  the  order  of  the  last  Synod. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  James  Finley  endeavour  to  procure  the  act  of  Synod 
of  the  year  1729,  adopting  the  standards  of  the  Church  of  Scotland,  and  pro- 
duce it  the  next  sessions. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  ddoch,  P.  31.     The  Synod  met. 

Ordered,  That  the  several  Presbyteries  produce  their  Presbyterial  records  at 
the  next  session  of  Synod. 

An  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal,  on  an  accusa- 
tion of  fornication,  was  introduced  by  William  Duffield,  junior;  after  delibera- 
tion, ordered,  that  the  further  consideration  of  it  be  deferred  till  to-morrow. 

An  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  was  brought 
in  by  the  Rev.  James  Finley,  upon  the  subject  of  his  removal  from  his  congre- 
gation ;  ordered,  that  it  be  deferred  till  to-morrow. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

VJth  day,  nine  d clock,  A.  M.      The  Synod  met. 

Messrs.  Simonton  and  Clarke  had  leave  of  absence. 

A  letter  was  brought  in  from  the  Presbytery  of  Orange  to  the  Synod,  re- 
questing liberty  to  ordain  Mr.  David  Barr,  sine  titulo,  to  the  work  of  the  gospel 
ministry.     Resolved,  that  they  be  permitted  to  ordain  him  accordingly. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  consider  Mr.  Finley's  appeal  from  the  judgment  of 
New  Castle  Presbytery.  The  parties  were  fully  heard,  and  the  Synod  having 
deliberated  on  the  matter,  are  of  opinion  that  the  pastoral  relation  between  Mr. 
Finley  and  his  congregation  ought  to  be  dissolved,  and  they  do  accordingly 
dissolve  it. 

Mr.  Tennent  had  leave  of  absence  during  the  remainder  of  the  session. 


1782.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  495 

The  subject  of  Mr.  Duffield's  appeal  was  resumed.  Ordered,  that  the  cause 
be  remitted  back  to  the  Presbyter}'  of  Donegal. 

As  it  appears  the  interest  of  religion  is  in  danger  of  suifering  greatly  at  pre- 
sent, from  the  many  discouragements  under  which  the  ministers  of  the  gospel 
labour,  from  the  want  of  a  sufficient  support  and  liberal  maintenance  from  the 
congregations  they  serve,  the  Synod  appoint  a  committee  to  take  this  matter 
into  consideration,  and  report  thereon  to  the  next  Synod  (3rdercd,  that  Drs. 
Witherspoou,  Ewing,  and  Spencer,  be  a  committee  for  this  purpose. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.     The  Si/nod  met. 

The  Rev.  John  Blair  Smith,  of  the  Presbytery  of  Hanover,  is  come  j  the 
reasons  for  his  not  coming  sooner  are  sustained. 

Mr.  Smith  reports,  that  the  Presbytery  of  Hanover  have  ordained  Messrs. 
William  Wilson,  and  John  Montgomery,  and  had  licensed  Messrs.  James 
Mitchell,  and  Samuel  Shannon. 

Anthony  Dushane,  who  has  married  the  sister  of  his  former  wife,  and  whose 
case  has  been  before  the  Synod  for  two  years  past,  preferred  a  petition,  that 
he  might  no  longer  be  debarred  the  privileges  of  the  Church,  on  the  account 
of  said  marriage.  After  full  and  deliberate  discussion,  the  question  was  put. 
Shall  Anthony  Dushane  and  his  wife  be  capable  of  Christian  privileges,  their 
marriage  notwithstanding  ?  which  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  by  a  considera- 
ble majority. 

The  following  gentlemen  chose  to  express  their  dissent  from  the  preceding 
decision,  viz :  Alexander  Miller,  John  King,  John  Craighead,  Colin  Mc'Far- 
quhar,  James  Power.  The  Rev.  James  Finley,  and  Robert  Cooper,  chose  to 
protest  against  it,  and  had  the  liberty  of  sending  their  reasons  hereafter. 

Dr.  John  Witherspoon,  Joseph  Montgomery,  and  Dr.  Elihu  Spencer,  were 
appointed  to  be  a  committee  to  prepare  an  address  to  the  minister  of  France, 
congratulating  him  on  the  birth  of  a  dauphin,  son  and  heir  to  the  crown  of  his 
royal  master,  expressing  the  pleasure  the  Synod  feel  on  this  happy  event. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  seven  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer, 

18^^  da^,  seven  o'clock,  A.  M.     The  Synod  met. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  draught  of  an  address  to  the  minister 
of  France,  brought  in  one ;  which  being  read,  paragraph  by  paragraph,  ordered, 
that  it  be  signed  by  the  moderator,  and  that  the  moderator.  Dr.  Witherspoon, 
and  Mr.  Montgomery,  be  a  committee  to  wait  upon  the  minister,  and  to  present 
the  above  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  the  Synod. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Nork  represented  to  Synod  that  one  of  their  mem- 
bers now  resided  in  the  bounds  of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery,  whose  moral 
character  laboured  under  some  imputations,  and  requested  the  advice  of  Synod 
as  to  which  of  the  Presbyteries  should  make  the  inquiry  into  that  matter, 
whereupon  the  Synod  judged  it  to  be  the  duty  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York. 

Notwithstanding  the  decision  of  last  evening  in  the  particular  case  of  Anthony 
Dushane,  the  Synod,  in  consideration  that  such  marriages  are  of  ill  report  in 
many  parts  of  the  Church,  do  recommend  it  to  their  people,  to  abstain  from 
them,  in  order  to  avoid  giving  offence. 

Agreed,  to  pay  the  janitor  forty  shillings  for  his  attendance  on  the  present 
session.  Ordered,  that  Dr.  Sproat  draw  upon  the  treasurer  of  Synod  for  the 
same. 

Adjourned  to  meet  in  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church,  in  Philadelphia,  the 
third  Wednesday  of  May  next,  at  eleven   o'clock,  ante  meridiem. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 


496  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1783. 

1783. 

PMladelpMa,  May  list,  1783. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment, 
^t  the  Second  Presbyterian  church.      Uhi  po&t  preces  sederunt 

Of  New  York  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Drs.  John  Rodgers  and  Alexander 
McWhorter,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Nathan  Kerr,  Jonathan  Elmer,  and  Alexander 
Miller. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Drs.  John  Witherspoon  and  Elihu 
Spencer,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  S.  Smith.  Samuel  Kennedy,  and  Francis 
Peppard. 

Of  the  First  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Dr.  James  Sproat,  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  George  Duffield,  Alexander  Mitchell,  William  Hollingshead,  William 
Tennent,  Daniel  McCalla,  George  Faitout,  Nathaniel  Irwin,  and  Samuel  Blair. 

Of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Dr.  John  Ewing,  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  Robert  McMordie,  and  Robert  Davidson. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Latta,  Robert 
Smith,  James  Finley,  Thomas  Read,  William  Smith,  John  Carmichael,  John 
McCreary,  James  Anderson,  and  Daniel  Jones. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Robert  Cooper,  James  Lang, 
John  Craighead,  John  King,  Colin  McFarquhar,  Thomas  McFerrin,  William 
Linn,  and  John  Black. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Redstone :  The  Rev.  Mr.  John  McMillan. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Lewes :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Miller  and  Samuel 
McMasters. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Orange  :  The  Rev.  Mr.  James  Edmunds. 

Elders  :  Messrs.  William  Faulkner,  John  Pinkerton,  William  Mclntire,  John 
Bergen,  Robert  Porter,  James  Porter,  William  Brizben,  Samuel  Waugh,  Lucas 
Aldridge,  and  Patrick  Scott. 

Absent :  Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  :  The  Rev.  Dr.  Hugh  Knox,  the 
Rev.  Messrs.  Timothy  Jones,  Simon  Horton,  Aaron  Richards,  John  Moffatt, 
Benjamin  Woodruff,  Abner  Brush,  Joseph  Treat,  Azel  Roe,  Jedidiah  Chapman, 
Jacob  Vanarsdalen,  Matthias  Burnet,  Andrew  King,  and  John  Joline. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Guild,  Israel 
Read,  John  Hannah,  John  Woodhull,  John  Warford,  Thomas  Smith,  and  Philip 
Stockton. 

Of  the  First  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Watt, 
William  Schenck,  James  Grier,  Andrew  Hunter,  Israel  Evans,  and  Robert 
Keith. 

Of  the  Second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Elder  and 
John  Simonton. 

Of  the  New  Castle  Presbytery:  The  Rev.  Messrs.  William  McKennan, 
Joseph  Montgomery,  James  Armstrong,  John  Finley,  Thomas  Smith,  and 
Samuel  Eakin. 

Of  the  Donegal  Presbytery:  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Thompson,  John 
Hogg,  James  Martin,  Hugh  McGill,  Amos  Thompson,  James  Hunt,  Hugh 
Vance,  Samuel  Dougal,  John  McKnight,  John  Linn,  David  Bard,  Samuel 
Waugh,  Joseph  Henderson,  Matthew  Woods,  and  Stephen  Balch. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Redstone  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Clark,  James  Power, 
Thaddeus  Dodd,  James  Dunlap,  and  Joseph  Smith. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Orange  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Hill,  Joseph  Alex- 
ander, John  Debeau,  Casson,  Roe,  Archibald,  McCall,  Barr,  Harris,  Thacher, 
Caldwell,  Patillo,  Craighead,  McCorkle,  Templeton, 


1783.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  497 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Lewes :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Matthew  Wilson,  Jacob 
Kerr,  Alexander  Huston,  and  John  llankin. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  Mr.  Latta,  the  last  year's  moderator,  with  a  ser- 
mon from  1  Tim.  iv.  16. 

The  llev.  John  ]McCreary,  of  New  Castle  Presbytery,  was  chosen  mode- 
rator, and  the  llev.  Messrs.  Nathaniel  Irwin  and  John  Black  were  chosen  clerks. 

The  members  who  were  absent  from  last  Synod,  as  also  from  preceding 
Synods,  and  now  present,  gave  their  reasons  of  absence,  which  were  sustained. 

Ordered,  That  the  several  Presbyteries  bring  in  their  reports  to-morrow 
morning. 

Tlie  llev.  Messrs.  Alexander  Miller,  Peppard,  Mitchell,  McMordie,  William 
Smith,  Lang,  John  Miller,  McMillan,  Edmunds;  with  the  elders,  Messrs. 
Brizban,  Porter,  Faulkner,  and  Scott,  were  appointed  a  committee  of  overtures, 
to  meet  here  to-morrow  morning  at  six  o'clock,  and  afterwards  by  adjournment, 
as  occasion  may  recjuire. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  a  commission  for  the  ensuing  year, 
when  the  following  gentlemen  were  appointed,  viz.  Drs.  Witherspoon,  Ewing, 
Sproat,  Spencer,  and  McWhorter,  Messrs.  Roe,  Israel  Read,  Mitchell,  Boyd, 
Simonton,  Robert  Smith,  Carmichael,  Cooper,  McFerrin,  John  Miller,  Matthew 
Wilson,  and  John  McCreary,  with  elders  Faulkner,  Pinkerton,  Mclutire,  Ber- 
gen, R.  Porter,  J.  Porter,  and  Brizban ;  of  these,  thirteen  shall  be  a  quorum. 
The  moderator,  with  advice  of  six  members,  shall  have  power  to  call  a  meeting, 
and  to  preside  there;  in  case  of  his  death  or  disability,  the  first  surviving  mem- 
ber on  the  list  shall  call  the  meeting,  and  the  fii'st  on  the  list  of  the  members 
convened,  shall  preside. 

The  committee  appointed  last  Synod  to  examine  into  the  state  of  the  widows' 
fund  with  regard  to  certain  moneys  in  the  hands  of  the  corporaton  of  said  fund, 
which  is  subject  to  be  disposed  of  by  Synod,  or  their  committee,  report,  that 
they  have  not  transacted  that  business. 

The  Synod  then  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  a  new  committee  for  the  same 
business,  when  the  following  gentlemen  were  chosen,  viz.  Rev.  Drs.  Elihu 
Spencer  and  Alexander  McWhorter,  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Boyd,  Robert  David- 
son, and  Nathaniel  Irwin,  who  are  instructed  to  report  to  Synod  before  the  con- 
clusion of  the  present  sessions. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


Thursday  morning,  at  nine  o'clock,  the  Synod  met.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui 
supra. 

The  Rev.  John  Slemmons  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner,  as 
also  for  being  absent  from  several  preceding  meetings  of  Synod,  sustained ;  his 
elder,  Mr.  William  Ross. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Patrick  Alison  and  Rev.  Nathaniel  Semple  are  now  come,  their 
reasons  for  not  attending  sooner,  sustained;  Mr.  Semple' s  elder  is  Mr.  Robert 
Bayly. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  York  report,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  William  Woodhull, 
one  of  their  members,  appeared  before  them  at  their  last  meeting,  and  stated  to 
them  his  situation,  as  being  still  incapable  of  exercising  his  ministry  by  his 
continued  indisposition,  and  the  little,  or  rather  no  probability  of  his  ever  being 
able  to  attempt  the  exercise  of  it  in  future,  and  that  he  was  at  the  same  time 
engaged  in  certain  secular  employments  that  would  seem  to  render  it  improper 
to  have  his  name  in  their  records  as  a  member,  while  he  is  incapable  of  attend- 
ing their  meetings,  or  discharging  any  of  the  great  duties  of  his  ministry,  and 
therefore  submits  to  them  the  propriety  of  their  continuing  and  considering  him 
63 


498  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1783. 

as  a  member  from  time  to  time  ;  and  that  the  Presbytery,  on  considering  his 
situation,  thought  it  best  to  leave  his  name  out  of  their  records  in  futm-e,  till 
he  shall  be  able  to  return  to  the  exercise  of  his  ministry,  an  event  that  would 
give  them  great  pleasure. 

The  Synod  considered  the  above  report,  and  are  of  opinion,  that  Mr.  Wood- 
hull  ought  to  be  continued  a  member  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  and  there- 
fore direct  that  Presbytery  to  insert  his  name  in  their  roll. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Isaac  Keith  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner, 
sustained. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  reported,  that  they  had  licensed  since 
our  last  meeting,  Mr.  Joseph  Clark  to  preach  the  gospel. 

The  First  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  reported,  that  they  have  installed  the 
Rev.  William  Mackey  Tennent  in  the  united  congregations  of  Abington,  Nor- 
rington,  and  New  Providenc^,  and  that  they  have  received  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Blair  as  a  member ;  and  also  received  under  their  care  Mr.  Simeon  Hyde,  a 
probationer  from  the  eastern  churches. 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegal  reported,  that  they  have  ordained  the  Rev.  Mat- 
thew Woods,  and  the  Rev.  Stephen  Balch  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry, 
and  licensed  Mr.  William  Boyd  and  Mr.  James  Johnston  to  preach  the  gospel, 
since  our  last  meeting. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  reported,  that  they  have  dismissed  the  Rev. 
Mr.  John  Clark  from  them  to  join  the  Presbytery  of  Redstone,  since  our  last 
meeting.' 

The  Presbytery  of  Redstone  reported,  that  they'  have  received  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  John  Clark  and  James  Dunlap,  as  members,  since  our  last  sessions. 

Ordered,  To  proceed  in  reading  the  minutes  of  the  last  session. 

Mr.  Finley  reports,  that  he  has  not  been  able  to  procure  the  act  of  Synod  ofj 
the  year  1729,  adopting  the  standards  of  the  Church  of  Scotland. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cooper  and  Mr.  Boyd  be  a  committee  to  examine  the  New 
York  Presbytery  book,  that  Mr.  Tennent  and  Mr.  King  be  a  committee  to  ex- 
amine New  Brunswick  Presbytery  book,  that  Mr.  Elmer  and  Mr.  Kerr  be  a 
committee  to  examine  the  First  Philadelphia  Presbytery  book,  and  to  report  on 
Friday  morning. 

Whereas,  the  Presbyteries  of  Donegal,  New  Castle,  Lewes,  Orange,  and  Red- 
stone, have  not  produced  their  Presbytery  books,  ordered,  that  they  be  careful 
in  future  to  lay  the  said  books  before  Synod. 

Upon  motion,  ordered,  that  the  clerk  of  the  Synod  write  to  the  Presbyteries 
of  Hanover,  Suffolk,  and  Dutchess,  that  they  be  careful  to  attend  the  meetings 
of  Synod  in  future ;  and  that  if  any  circumstances  should  necessarily  prevent 
any  of  those  Presbyteries  from  attending  at  any  particular  time,  they  should 
make  the  necessary  reports  to  Synod  by  letter,  and  send  their  Presbytery  books 
for  examination. 

Mr.  Francis  Gamer,  Mr.  Carmichael's  elder,  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not 
attending  sooner,  sustained. 

The  Rev.  James  Grrier  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner, 
sustained. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  d clock,  P.  M.  the  Synod  met.     Post  jyreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Joseph  Smith  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not  attending 
sooner,  sustained. 

Whereas,  there  was  an  order  of  last  Synod  for  the  expunging  of  a  minute  in 
the  proceedings  of  Synod  of  1781,  the  Synod  now  taking  up  the  matter,  agree. 


1783.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  499 

that  our  minutes  ought  not  to  be  expunged  in  any  instance,  and  that  the  said 
minute  ought,  therefore,  to  be  now  revived  and  inserted  in  the  present  records  j 
accordingly  it  is  hereby  revived  and  is  as  follows,  viz  : 

"  It  having  been  represented  to  Synod,  that  the  Presbyterian  church  suffers 
greatly  in  the  opinion  of  other  denominations,  from  an  apprehension  that  they 
hold  intolerant  principles,  the  Synod  do  solemnly  and  publicly  declare,  that 
they  ever  have,  and  still  do  renounce  and  abhor  the  principles  of  intolerance ; 
and  we  do  believe  that  every  peaceable  member  of  civil  society  ought  to  be  pro- 
tected in  the  full  and  free  exercise  of  their  religion." 

Remonstrances  from  sundry  congregations  were  brought  in  by  the  committee 
of  overtures,  requesting  a  reversing  of  the  decision  of  last  Synod,  respecting  the 
marriage  of  a  man  with  his  former  wife's  sister.  After  much  deliberation, 
Synod  agree  to  reconsider  the  subject  to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

23t?   day,    nine   o'doch,  A.  M.       Synod  met.       Post  preces   sederunt   qui 
supra. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Keith  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner, 
sustained. 

Mr.  Carmichael  hath  leave  of  absence  during  the  remainder  of  the  present 
sessions. 

Agreeably  to  the  order  of  this  day,  the  Synod  proceeded  to  reconsider  the 
case  of  marriage,  and  discussed  the  subject  at  considerable  length;  the  further 
consideration  thereof  deferred  till  the  afternoon. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  McWhorter  hath  leave  of  absence  during  the  remainder  of  the 
present  sessions. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Tliree  d clock,  P.  M.     The  Synod  met.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Ross,  Mr.  Slemmons's  elder,  hath  leave  of  absence  till  to-morrow 
morning. 

The  Synod  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  case  of  marriage,  and  after 
debating  the  matter  at  some  length,  agreed  to  defer  the  final  decision  thereof 
till  to-morrow  morning. 

Through  the  committee  of  overtures,  it  was  requested  by  the  first  Presby- 
tery of  Philadelphia,  that  the  Synod  declare  to  them  their  sense  on  this  point, 
viz :  whether  a  person  without  a  liberal  education  may  be  taken  on  trials  or 
licensed  to  preach  the  gospel  ?  The  question  being  put,  it  was  carried  in  the 
negative. 

A  committee  was  appointed  last  sessions  of  Synod  to  take  into  considera- 
tion the  difficulties  under  which  gospel  ministers  labour,  for  want  of  a  liberal 
maintenance  from  the  congregations  they  serve,  and  report  to  this  Synod; 
said  committee  brought  in  their  report,  which  was  read  and  considered  : 
Whereupon  ordered,  that  Drs.  Witherspoon  and  Spencer,  with  Mr.  S.  Smith, 
be  a  committee  to  prepare  a  draught  of  a  pastoral  letter  to  the  congregations, 
under  the  inspection  of  Synod,  as  also  to  prepare  some  resolves  to  be  past  by 
Synod,  and  accompany  said  letter;  the  whole  to  be  brought  in  to-morrow 
morning. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


500  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1783. 

24ith   day,  nine  o'clocTc,  A.  M.  tlie   Synod  met.     Post  preces  sederunt   qui 
supra. 

The  Synod  having  again  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  judgment  which 
they  passed  hxst  year  concerning  Anthony  Dushane,  declare  their  dissatisfaction 
with  all  such  marriages  as  are  inconsistent  with  the  Levitical  law,  and  that 
persons  marrying  within  the  degrees  of  consanguinity  prohibited  in  that  law, 
ought  to  suffer  the  censures  of  the  church;  and  they  further  judge,  that 
although  the  marriage  of  a  man  to  two  sisters  successively,  viz :  to  the  one 
after  the  death  of  the  other,  may  not  be  a  direct  violation  of  the  express  words 
of  that  law,  yet  as  it  is  contrary  to  the  custom  of  the  Protestant  churches  in 
general,  and  an  evidence  of  great  untenderness  towards  many  serious  and  well 
disposed  Christians,  and  may,  through  the  prejudices  or  generally  received 
opinions  of  the  members  of  our  church,  be  productive  of  very  disagreeable 
consequences ;  the  persons  contracting  such  marriages  are  highly  censurable, 
and  the  practice  ought  to  be  disallowed  in  express  terms  by  the  Synod,  and  we 
do  therefore  condemn  such  marriages  as  imprudent  and  unseasonable.  Yet  as 
some  things  may  be  done  very  imprudently  and  unseasonably,  which  when  done 
ought  not  to  be  annulled,  we  are  of  opinion,  that  it  is  not  necessary  for  the 
persons  whom  this  judgment  respects  to  separate  from  one  another,  yet  they 
should  not  be  received  into  the  communion  of  the  church  without  a  solemn 
admonition,  at  the  discretion  of  the  session  of  the  congregation  to  which  they 
belong ;  and  the  Synod  publicly  recommend  it  to  all  their  members  to  abstain 
from  celebrating  such  marriages,  and  to  discountenance  them  by  all  the  proper 
means  in  their  power. 

Mr.  Finley  dissented  from  the  above  judgment,  and  requested  leave  to  enter 
his  reasons  of  dissent  in  the  minutes,  which  was  granted. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  draught  of  a  pastoral  letter  to  the 
congregations  under  the  inspection  of  Synod,  reported  one,  which,  after  a  few 
alterations,  was  approved  of,  and  Dr.  Witherspoon  and  Mr.  Black  were  directed 
to  have  it  fairly  transcribed,  signed  by  the  moderator,  and  printed. 

The  consideration  of  the  resolves  brought  in  by  the  committee  which  draughted 
the  pastoral  letter,  deferred  till  next  Synod. 

The  Synod  taking  into  consideration  the  situation  of  many  people  under  their 
care,  who,  through  the  indigence  of  their  circumstances  are  not  able  to  pur- 
chase Bibles,  and  are  in  danger  of  perishing  for  lack  of  knowledge  : 

Ordered,  That  every  member  of  this  body  shall  use  his  utmost  influence  in 
the  congregation  under  his  inspection,  and  in  the  vacancies  contiguous  to  them, 
to  raise  contributions  for  the  purchasing  of  Bibles,  to  be  distributed  among 
such  poor  persons ;  and  that  Dr.  Sproat  and  Ewing,  and  Mr.  Du.ifield,  be  a 
committee  to  receive  such  contributions,  to  purchase  Bibles  therewith,  and  send 
them  to  the  several  members  of  this  Synod,  who,  in  conjunction  with  their  re- 
spective sessions,  shall  distribute  them.  And  as  Mr.  Aitken,  from  laudable 
motives,  and  with  great  expense,  hath  undertaken  and  executed  an  elegant  im- 
pression of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  which,  on  account  of  the  importation  of  Bibles 
from  Europe,  will  be  very  injurious  to  his  temporal  circumstances  :  Synod 
further  agree,  that  the  above  committee  shall  purchase  Bibles  of  the  said  im- 
pression and  no  other,  and  earnestly  recommend  it  to  all,  to  purchase  such  in 
preference  to  any  other. 

The  committees  appointed  to  examine  the  Presbytery  books  reported  accord- 
ingly. 

Agreed  to  pay  the  stated  clerk  forty  shillings  for  transcribing  the  minutes  of 
two  years ;  to  discharge  the  bill  of  one  pound,  one  shilling,  and  six  pence,  con- 
tingent expenses ;  and  to  pay  the  janitor  forty  shillings  for  his  attendance  on 
the  present  sessions. 


1784.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  501 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Sproat  draw  upon  the  treasurer  of  Synod  for  the  above 
sums. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  in  Philadelphia,  the 
third  Wednesday  of  May  next,  at  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 


1784* 

Philadelphia,  May  l^lh,  1784. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met  according  to  adjournment, 
at  the  First  Presbyterian  church. 

Present :  Of  the  New  York  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Jonathan  Elmer, 
Nathan  Kerr,  Alexander  jMiller. 

Of  the  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  :  Rev.  Dr.  Elihu  Spencer. 

Of  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Dr.  James  Sproat,  the  Rev. 
Messrs.  George  Duffield,  Alexander  Mitchell,  James  Boyd,  James  Grier,  Andrew 
Hunter,  William  Schenck,  Francis  Peppard,  Samuel  Blair,  Israel  Evans,  Na- 
thaniel Irwin. 

Of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Drs.  John  Ewing,  Patrick 
Alison,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Robert  Davidson. 

Of  the  New  Castle  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Robert  Smith,  William 
McKennan,  James  Anderson,  and  John   McCreary. 

Of  the  Donegal  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Craighead,  William 
Linn,  Isaac  Keith,  Matthew  Woods,  and  Robert  Cooper. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Lewes :  The  Rev.  Mr.  John  Miller. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Redstone  :  The  Rev.  Mr.  James  Dunlap. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Orange  :  The  Rev.  James  Edmunds. 

Elders  present :  Mr.  Benjamin  Gale,  Col.  John  Bayard,  Messrs.  Hosea  Law- 
rence, Robert  Porter,  Robert  Boggs,  and  Robert  Patterson. 

Absent :  Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York :  The  Rev.  Dr.  Timothy  Jones, 
the  Rev.  Drs.  John  Rodgers,  and  Hugh  Knox,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Simon  Hor- 
ton,  Aaron  Richards,  John  Moffatt,  Abner  Brush,  Benjamin  Woodruff,  Joseph 
Treat,  Azel  Roe,  Jedidiah  Chapman,  John  Close,  Jacob  Vanarsdalen,  William 
Woodhull,  Matthias  Burnet,  Andrew  King,  John  Joline,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Alex- 
ander McWhorter. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick :  The  Rev.  Drs.  John  Witherspoon 
and  Samuel  Smith,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Guild,  Israel  Read,  John  Hannah, 
John  Woodhull,  Samuel  Kennedy,  John  Warford,  Thomas  Smith,  and  Philip 
Stockton. 

Of  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  IMessrs.  James  Watt,  Daniel 
McCalla,  George  Faitout,  Robert  Keith  and  William  Tennent. 

Of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Elder,  John 
Simonton,  and  Robert  McMordie. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  :  The  Rev.  Joseph  Montgomery,  Thomas 
Read,  Thomas  Smith,  James  Finley,  John  Finley,  Nathaniel  Semple,  James 
F.  Armstrong,  William  Smith,  James  Latta. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal :  The  Rev.  Samuel  Thompson,  John  Hoge, 
James  Hunt,  Hugh  Magill,  James  Martin,  Colin  McFarquar,  Amos  Thompson, 
John  Slemmons,  James  Lang,  John  King,  Hugh  Vance,  John  Black,  John 
McKnight,  David  Beard,  John  Linn,  Samuel  Waugh,  Joseph  Henderson,  Ste- 
phen Balch,  and  Samuel  Dougal. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Lewes  :  The  Rev.  Matthew  Wilson,  Jacob  Kerr,  Alex- 
ander Huston,  John  Rankin,  Samuel  McMasters. 


502  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1784. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Redstone :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  McMillanj  James 
Power,  Joseph  Smith,  Thaddeus  Dodd,  John  Clark. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Orange  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Joseph  Alexander,  Robert 
Archibald,  David  Barr,  David  Caldwell,  John  Casson,  Francis  Cummings, 
Thomas  Craighead,  James  Frazier,  James  Hall,  John  Harris,  Thomas  Hill, 
Thomas  McCall,  Samuel  McCorkle,  James  McKee,  Henry  Pattillo,  Thomas 
Rees,  John  Simpson,  James  Templeton,  Daniel  Thatcher. 

The  whole  Presbyteries  of  Hanover,  Dutchess,  and  Suffolk. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  the  Rev.  John  McCreary,  the  moderator  of  last 
year,  with  a  sermon  from  Jeremiah  iii.  22. 

The  Rev.  Jonathan  Elmer  was  chosen  moderator,  Messrs.  William  Linn,  and 
Nathaniel  Irwin,  clerks. 

The  members  who  were  absent  from  last  Synod,  and  are  present  now,  gave 
their  reasons  of  absence,  which  were  satisfactory. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  Nathaii  Kerr,  James  Boyd,  Robert  Davidson,  John 
McCreary,  Isaac  Keith,  James  Dunlap,  and  James  Edmunds,  with  Col.  Bayard, 
Messrs.  Robert  Porter,  Benjamin  Gale,  and  Robert  Patterson,  elders,  were  ap- 
pointed a  committee  of  overtures,  to  meet  here  to-morrow  morning,  six  o'clock, 
and  afterwards  by  adjournment,  as  occasion  may  require. 

Ordered,  That  the  Presbyteries  bring  in  their  reports  to-morrow  morning. 

Dr.  Alison  and  Mr.  Keith  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the  Orange 
Presbytery  book. 

Mr.  Craighead  and  Mr.  Cooper  were  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the 
New  Castle  Presbytery  book. 

Mr.  Mitchell  and  Mr.  Dufl&eld  to  examine  the  Donegal  Presbytery  book. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  James  Finley  sent  in  his  reasons  for  dissenting  from  judgment 
of  last  Synod,  respecting  a  certain  Anthony  Dushane,  and  Eliza,  his  wife,  which 
were  ordered  to  be  inserted.     They  are  as  follows  : 

"  The  subscriber  begs  the  following  may  be  inserted,  as  containing  his  rea- 
sons for  protesting  against  the  judgment  formed  by  the  Synod,  the  year  1783, 
upon  a  review  of  the  judgment  or  judgments  formed  the  preceding  year,  respect- 
ing Anthony  Dushane  and  his  supposed  wife.     The  reasons  are : 

"  1st.  That  although  this  year's  judgment  differs  from  the  judgment  of  the 
preceding  year,  in  words,  yet  the  substance  is  nearly  the  same ;  the  first  year's 
judgment  allows  the  above  said  persons  to  be  admitted  to  privileges,  notwith- 
standing their  marriage,  the  second  does  the  same ;  the  former  cautions  against 
such  marriages  purely  because  offensive  to  many,  the  latter  does  the  same,  and 
goes  no  further  than  to  say  that  marriages,  contrary  to  the  prohibitions  in  Levi- 
ticus, are  imprudent  and  unseasonable,  many  in  our  church  being  offended  at 
them,  and  they  are  offended  for  a  reason  very  different  from  that  given  by  the 
Synod.  The  last  of  the  former  judgments,  by  implication,  reproves  persons 
guilty  of  such  marriages,  for  it  blames  them  as  acting  imprudently,  this  year's 
goes  little  further;  for  it  only  requires  them  to  be  rebuked,  and  that  at  the  dis- 
cretion of  the  session,  which  may  be  done  very  privately,  and  it  neither  requires 
them  to  confess  their  fault  nor  forsake  it. 

"  2dly.  This  year's  judgment  appears  to  be  worse  than  that  of  the  last,  for 
the  former,  however  unsoundly  intended,  yet  was  more  safely  worded;  for 
they  say  nothing  about  the  persons  cohabiting  for  the  future,  but  only  respect 
the  marriage,  which  is  a  crime,  that  upon  confessing  and  then  forsaking  the 
marriage  bed,  ought  to  be  passed  over,  and  had  this  been  added,  the  judgment 
would  have  been  very  viudicable ;  but  this  year's  judgment  allows  them  to 
cohabit,  which  is  the  crime  directly  forbidden  by  Almighty  God;  so  that 
hereby  the  Synod  allow  them  to  continue  in  the  constant  violation  of  a  moral 
negative  precept.  Therefore,  since  there  is  such  an  agreement,  and  the  last 
judgment  worse  than  the  former,  I  firmly  adhere  to  the  reasons  given  in  my  first 


1784.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  503 

protest  as  applicable  here.  I  would  add,  that  the  Synod  has  treated  with  dis- 
regard the  petitions  of  many  Avorthy  persons,  who  begged,  that  if  the  Synod 
should  confirm  their  former  judgment,  they  would  let  them  know  their  reasons 
for  so  doing,  which  I  think  is  not  done.  The  only  thing  like  it  is  their  saying 
in  the  minute  that  some  things  may  be  done  very  imprudently  and  unseasona- 
bly, which  when  done  ought  not  to  be  annulled,  which  nobody  doubts;  but  the 
petitioners  expected  a  proof  that  this  was  a  thing  of  that  nature,  and  to  have 
been  instructed  in  it.  Upon  the  whole,  although  I  desire  not  to  promote  uneasi- 
ness, yet  knowing  it  to  be  my  duty  to  testify  against  the  declensions  and  dan- 
gerous innovations  in  our  church,  I  am  obliged  by  conscience  to  act  as  I  do  in 
this,  and  may  go  further,  be  ofiendcd  who  will. 

"James  Finley." 
Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

20th,  nine  o'doch,  A.  31.     Synod  met. 

Mr.  Peppard  obtained  leave  of  absence  from  the  remainder  of  the  sessions. 

The  Rev.  John  Linn  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  absence  from  several  former 
meetings  of  Synod,  and  not  attending  sooner  at  this,  sustained. 

The  llev.  Dr.  McWhorter  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rodgers  are  now  come,  their 
reasons  for  not  attending  sooner,  sustained. 

Whereas,  the  Synod  last  year  recommended  it  to  their  members  to  make 
collections  for  the  purpose  of  buying  Bibles  of  Mr.  Aitken's  impression,  to  be 
distributed  among  the  poor :  And  as  it  appears  that  that  recommendation  has 
not  been  fully  executed,  the  Synod  now  renew  the  order,  and  earnestly  recom- 
mend it  to  those  who  have  yet  done  nothing  in  that  business,  to  do  every 
thing  in  their  power  to  promote  so  good  a  design,  either  by  purchases  in  the 
said  impression,  or  any  other  they  may  prefer.  The  Synod  further  order  the 
several  Presbyteries  to  pay  a  special  attention  to  this  matter,  and  that  the  clerk 
write  to  the  Presbyteries  that  are  not  represented  in  the  Synod,  on  the  same 
subject. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  receive  the  reports  of  the  several  Presbyteries,  when 
the  Presbytery  of  New  York  reported,  that  they  have  re-inserted  the  name  of 
the  Rev.  William  Woodhull  in  their  records,  agreeably  to  the  order  of  last  Sy- 
nod; and  that  they  have  installed  the  Rev.  Alexander  Miller  to  the  pastoral 
charge  of  the  congregation  of  South  Hanover,  since  the  last  Synod. 

The  First  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  report,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr. 
Simeon  Hyde  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and  installed  him  in  the  con- 
gregation of  Deerfield,  and  that  he  has  been  removed  by  death ;  they  further 
report,  that  they  have  received  the  Rev.  Mr.  Francis  Peppard  from  the  Presby- 
tery of  New  Brunswick,  and  dismissed  the  Rev.  William  HoUingshead  in  con- 
sequence of  his  having  accepted  an  invitation  from  a  congregation  in  Charles- 
town,  South  Carolina,  all  since  the  last  session  of  Synod. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  reported,  that  the  Rev.  Samuel  Eakin  has 
been  removed  by  death  since  last  Synod. 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegal  reported,  that  they  have  dismissed  Mr.  William 
Boyd,  a  licensed  candidate  under  their  care,  that  he  may  put  himself  under  the 
care  of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery. 

The  Presbytery  of  Orange  reported,  that  they  have  since  their  last  report  to 
Synod,  ordained  Mr.  David  Barr,  and  installed  him  in  the  congregation  of  Sandy 
river ;  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  Francis  Cummings,  and  installed  him  in  the 
congregation  of  Bethel ;  and  also  ordained  Mr.  James  McKee,  and  installed 
him  in  the  congregation  of  Steel  Creek;  that  they  have  licensed  Messrs. 
Robert  Finley,  Robert  Hall,  Robert  Mechlin,  and  James  Newton,  to  preach  the 
gospel,  and  that  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Debow  and  James  Campbell  have  been 
removed  by  death. 


504  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1784. 

The  Presbyteries  of  New  Brunswick,  Redstone,  and  the  Second  Presbytery 
of  Philadelphia,  informed  Synod  that  they  have  nothing  to  report. 
Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  d clock,  P.  M.     Synod  met. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  McMordie  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner, 
sustained. 

Dr.  Spencer  informed  Synod  that  the  Rev.  David  McClure,  of  New  England, 
proposed  a  journey  to  the  southward  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  that  he  was  de- 
sirous of  obtaining  recommendations  from  Synod  to  the  vacancies  in  that  part 
of  the  church.  The  Synod  direct  the  stated  clerk,  together  with  Mr.  Duffield,  to 
furnish  him  with  such  recommendations,  provided  he  produces  to  them  sufficient 
testimonials. 

Mr.  Boggs  had  leave  of  absence  during  the  remainder  of  the  sessions. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock  .     Concluded  with  prayer. 

21s<,  nine  d clock,  A.  M.     Synod  met. 

Mr.  Walker  Smith,  Dr.  Spencer's  elder,  is  now  come. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  S.  Smith  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not  attending 
sooner,  sustained. 

The  Synod  having  reason,  by  information  given  since  their  present  meeting, 
to  apprehend  the  churches  under  their  care  in  imminent  danger  from  ministers 
and  licensed  candidates  of  unsound  principles  coming  among  us,  do  hereby 
renew  their  former  injunction  to  the  respective  Presbyteries  within  their 
bounds,  relative  to  this  matter,  and  do  also  strictly  enjoin  on  every  member  of 
this  body,  under  pain  of  censure,  to  be  particularly  careful  in  this  respect. 
And  the  stated  clerk  of  the  Synod  is  hereby  directed  to  furnish  each  of  our 
Presbyteries  with  an  attested  copy  of  the  said  injunctions,  together  with  a  copy 
of  this  minute. 

The  Presbytery  of  Orange  applied  to  the  Synod  for  their  advice  respecting 
an  irregular  member  of  their  body,  cited  to  appear  and  neglecting  to  attend,  or 
living  at  so  great  a  distance  that  he  cannot  be  cited.  Ordered,  that  Mr.  Cooper 
and  Sir.  Kerr  be  a  committee  to  prepare  and  bring  in  a  report  on  this  affair  ia 
the  afternoon. 

The  Presbytery  of  Orange  represented  to  Synod  that  their  numbers  are  so 
increased,  and  their  bounds  so  extensive,  as  to  render  it  very  inconvenient  for 
them  to  meet  in  one  place.  They,  therefore,  request  the  Synod  to  form  a  num- 
ber of  their  members  into  a  distinct  Presbytery,  to  be  known  by  the  name  of 
the  Presbytery  of  South  Carolina.  The  Synod  grant  their  request,  and  order 
the  Rev.  Messrs.  Joseph  Alexander,  Francis  Cummings,  James  Edmunds,  John 
Harris,  Thomas  Rees,  and  John  Simpson,  to  be  set  off  from  the  Orange  Pres- 
bytery and  formed  into  a  Presbytery  as  aforesaid,  and  appoint  their  first  meet- 
ing to  be  at  the  Wexaws,  the  second  Tuesday  of  April  next,  at  eleven  o'clock, 
A.  M.,  and  the  Rev.  James  Edmunds  to  preside  in  said  meeting.  The  Synod 
further  direct  that  the  line  that  divides  North  and  South  Carolina  be  in  future 
the  line  of  separation  between  the  Presbytery  of  Orange  and  the  Presbytery  of 
South  Carolina. 

Adjourned  till  half-past  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Half-past  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Synod  met. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  report  this  afternoon  on  the  case 
committed  to  them,  brought  in  one  accordingly,  which  not  being  approved,  the 
Synod  adopted  the  following,  viz :  In  answer  to  an  application  from  the  Orange 
Presbytery  for  advice  in  a  particular  case,  which  is  expressly  provided  for  in 


1785.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  505 

the  discipline  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  advised  that  they  strictly  conform 
themselves  to  its  known  rules  in  such  cases  provided. 

The  Rev.  Dutch  Classis  of  New  Brunswick  having  expressed  an  uneasi- 
ness with  regard  to  some  members  of  the  Presbyteries  of  New  York  and 
New  Brunswick,  it  was  moved  that  a  committee  of  this  Synod  be  appointed, 
conditionally,  to  meet  with  a  committee  expected  to  be  appointed  by  the 
Dutch  Synod,  now  meeting  at  New  York,  at  a  time  and  place  to  be  fixed  by 
them,  in  order  to  compromise,  if  possible,  all  subjects  of  difference  existing 
between  them,  and  to  determine  a  line  for  their  future  conduct  with  regard  to 
each  other,  and  to  enter  into  an  amicable  correspondence  with  the  Dutch  com- 
mittee upon  subjects  of  general  utility  and  friendship  between  the  churches. 

The  Synod  upon  the  motion  resolved,  that  Drs.  llodgers,  McWhortcr,  Spencer, 
and  Smith,  and  Messrs.  Alexander  Miller,  J.  Woodhull,  and  Israel  Ilcad,  be  a 
committee  accordingly,  to  meet  a  committee  of  the  Dutch  Synod,  for  the  above 
mentioned  objects,  at  the  time  and  place  the  said  Synod  may  please  to  appoint  j 
and  that  Dr.  llodgers  be  appointed  to  give  timely  notice  to  the  above  mem- 
bers, of  the  time  and  place  of  the  meeting  of  the  committees,  as  appointed  by 
the  Dutch  Synod. 

Agreed  to  pay  the  stated  clerk  twenty  shillings  for  transcribing  the  minutes 
of  this  yeai ;  and  to  pay  the  janitor  thirty  shillings  for  his  attendance  on  the 
present  sessions. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Sproat  draw  upon  the  treasurer  of  Synod  for  the  above 
sums. 

Adjourned  to  meet  in  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church,  in  Philadelphia,  on 
the  third  Wednesday  of  May,  1785,  at  eleven  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

1785. 

Philadelphia,  May  ISth,  1785. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  met  according  to  adjournment^ 
in  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church.      Ubi  2iost  preces  sederunt 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York :  The  Rev.  Drs.  John  Rodgers,  and  Alex- 
ander McWhorter,  and  Rev.  Messrs.  Alexander  Miller,  and  Jonathan  Elmer. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick :  The  Rev.  Dr.  John  Witherspoon, 
and  Rev.  Mr.  John  Woodhull. 

Of  the  First  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  The  Rev.  Dr.  James  Sproat,  and 
Rev.  Messrs.  George  Dufl&eld,  James  Boyd,  William  Mackay  Tennent,  William 
Schenck,  George  Faitout,  and  Nathaniel  Irwin. 

Of  the  Second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  The  Rev.  Dr.  John  Bwing,  and 
Rev.  Mr.  Robert  McMordie. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Robert  Smith,  John 
McCreary,  John  Carmichael,  Thomas  Read,  James  Anderson,  Daniel  Jones, 
and  William  Smith. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Robert  Cooper,  James 
IMartin,  John  Linn,  Isaac  Keith,  and  James  Johnston. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Lewes  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Matthew  Wilson,  John 
Miller,  and  William  Linn. 

Elders :  Messrs.  Jacob  Wikoff,  William  Falconer,  John  Pinkerton,  Joseph 
Neely,  the  Hon.  John  Whitehill,  and  David  McClure. 

Absent :  Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  l^'ork :  The  Rev.  Dr.  Hugh  Knox,  the 
Rev.  Messrs.  Simon  Horton,  Timothy  Jones,  John  Moffatt,  Abner  Brush, 
Benjamin  Woodruff,  Aaron  Richards,  Nathan  Kerr,  Azel  Roe,  Jedidiah  Chap- 
man, Jacob  Vanarsdaleu,  William  Woodhull,  Matthias  Burnet,  John  Joline, 
Andrew  King,  and  John  Close. 
64 


506  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1785. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery:  The  Eev.  Messrs.  John  Guild,  Samuel 
Kennedy,  Israel  Read,  Thomas  Smith,  John  Hanna,  Philip  Stockton,  Joseph 
Rue,  Peter  Wilson,  John  Warford,  James  Armstrong,  and  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Samuel  Stanhope  Smith. 

Of  the  First  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Francis  Peppard, 
James  Grier,  James  Watt,  Daniel  McCalla,  Israel  Evans,  Andrew  Hunter,  and 
Samuel  Blair. 

Of  the  Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Elder,  and 
John  Simonton,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Patrick  Alison. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  William  McKennan,  James 
Latta,  Alexander  Mitchell,  Thomas  Smyth,  Nathaniel  Semple,  John  Evans 
Finley,  and  George  Luckey. 

Of  Donegal  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Thompson,  John  Hoge, 
James  Hunt,  James  Lang,  John  King,  John  Craighead,  Hugh  McGill,  Amos 
Thompson,  Hugh  Vance,  Tkomas  McFerrin,  John  Black,  Colin  McFarqu- 
har,  John  Slemmons,  Samuel  Dougal,  John  McKnight,  Joseph  Henderson, 
Samuel  Waugh,  Stephen  Balch,  David  Beard,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Robert  Da- 
vidson. 

Of  Lewestown  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Jacob  Kerr,  John  Rankin, 
Samuel  McMasters,  and  Alexander  Huston. 

Of  Hanover,  Orange,  Dutchess,  Suffolk,  Redstone,  and  the  South  Carolina 
Presbyteries,  the  whole  of  their  members. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  Mr.  Elmer,  the  moderator  of  last  year's  meeting, 
by  a  sermon  on  Daniel  xii.  3. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Matthew  Wilson  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Dufl&eld  and 
Mr.  Tennent  clerks. 

The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Woodhull,  George  Faitout,  William  Mackay  Ten- 
nent, Thomas  Read,  William  Smith,  and  James  Martin,  gave  reasons  for  ab- 
sence from  last  Synod,  which  were  sustained. 

The  present  moderator's  reasons  for  absence  from  several  past  meetings  of 
Synod,  were  sustained. 

Ordered,  That  the  clerks  prepare  against  to-morrow  morning,  a  draught  of 
a  letter  to  the  Presbyteries  of  Hanover,  Orange,  Dutchess,  and  Suifolk,  re- 
specting their  neglect  of  attending  Synod,  and  urging  their  attendance  in 
future. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  McWhorter,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Woodhull,  Boyd,  McMordie, 
Thomas  Read,  Keith,  and  William  Linn,  with  Messrs.  Faulkner,  and  White- 
hill,  elders,  were  appointed  a  committee  of  overtures  to  meet  here  to-morrow 
morning  at  six  o'clock,  and  afterwards  by  adjournment. 

Mr.  Elmer  and  Mr.  Tennent,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the 
New  Brunswick  Presbytery  book.  Mr.  John  Miller  and  Mr.  Woodhull,  to 
examine  the  Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  book.  Dr.  Ewing  and  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Smith,  to  examine  the  Donegal  Presbytery  book.  The  books  of  the  other 
Presbyteries  have  not  been  brought  in. 

Mr.  Mitchel  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner  were  sus- 
tained. 

The  Synod  observing  with  great  regret,  that  the  recommendation  of  the 
year  before  last,  and  renewed  last  year,  respecting  a  collection  to  provide  a 
supply  of  Bibles  for  the  poor,  especially  those  on  the  frontiers,  has,  by  some 
means,  been  greatly  neglected,  do  again  renew  the  said  recommendation,  and 
earnestly  request  the  respective  Presbyteries  that  have  not  attended  thereto,  to 
pay  a  special  attention  to  this  matter,  and  to  send  the  money  that  may  be  col- 
lected to  the  committee  formerly  appointed,  and  to  make  report  at  om*  next 
meeting. 


1785.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPIIIA.  507 

Mr.  Mitcliel  was  appointed  a  member  of  tlie  committee  to  examine  Donegal 
Presbytery  book. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  York  reported,  that  they  have,  since  our  last,  dis- 
missed the  Kev.  Mr.  Joseph  Treat,  in  order  to  his  joining  the  Presbytery  of 
New  Brunswick ;  and  that  they  have  taken  under  their  care  Messrs.  John 
Burton,  James  Wilson,  and  John  McDonald,  candidates  for  the  ministry  from 
Scotland ;  Mr.  Wilson's  and  Mr.  McDonald's  credentials  were,  according  to  the 
order  of  Synod  respecting  ministers  and  probationers  from  foreign  parts,  laid 
before  the  Synod  and  approved. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  reported,  that  the  Rev.  Dr.  Spencer  was 
removed  by  death  the  27th  of  last  December;  and  that  they  have,  since  our 
last,  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  Messrs.  Joseph  Roe  and  Joseph 
Clark,  sine  titnlo,  agreeably  to  the  liberty  obtained  last  Synod ;  and  have  also 
ordained  Mr.  William  Boyd  to  a  charge,  and  Mr.  Peter  Wilson,  sine  titnlo,  in 
order  to  go  on  a  mission,  of  whom  Messrs.  Clark  and  Boyd  being  present,  took 
their  seats  as  members. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Thursday,  \^th  day,  nine  o  clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qni  supra. 

Messrs.  Slemmons,  McFarquhar,  Armstrong,  Warford,  Dr.  Alison  and  Dr- 
Smith  are  now  come,  their  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner,  sustained ;  as  also 
Mr.  Slemmons's  and  Mr.  McFarquhar's  reasons  for  not  attending  last  year,  and 
Mr.  Warford' s  and  Mn  Armstrong's  for  non-attendance  for  some  years  past. 

Mr.  Daniel  Thatcher,  of  Orange  Presbytery,  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not 
attending  for  some  years  past,  nor  sooner  at  this  meeting,  were  sustained. 

The  First  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  reported,  that  Mr.  Robert  Keith  has 
been  removed  by  death  since  our  last;  and  that  they  have  dismissed  Mr. 
Mitchel  in  order  to  his  joining  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle. 

The  Second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  reported,  that  they  have,  since  our 
last,  dismissed  Dr.  Davidson,  to  take  a  charge  in  the  bounds  of  Donegal  Pres- 
bytery. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  reported,  that  they  have,  since  our  last,  dis- 
missed Mr.  James  Finley,  to  join  the  Presbytery  of  Redstone;  and  have 
ordained  Mr.  George  Luckey  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  as  pastor  at  Bethel ; 
and  have  received  Mr.  Mitchel  from  the  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia ;  and 
have  employed  in  their  bounds  the  Rev.  Mr.  James  Munro,  an  ordained  minister 
from  Scotland ;  and  have  taken  under  their  care,  Mr.  Samuel  Barr,  a  licensed 
candidate  from  the  Presbytery  of  Derry,  in  Ireland ;  and  that  in  consequence 
of  Mr.  Joseph  Montgomery's  having  informed  them,  that  through  bodily  indis- 
position he  was  incapable  of  officiating  in  the  ministry,  and  having  also  accepted 
an  office  under  the  civil  authority,  they  have  left  his  name  out  of  their  records. 
Mr.  Munro's  credentials,  agreeably  to  a  former  order  respecting  foreign  minis- 
ters and  probationers,  were  laid  before  the  Synod  and  approved,  in  consequence 
whereof,  Mr.  Munro  being  present,  took  his  seat  in  Synod  as  a  member  of  that 
Presbytery.     Mr.  Barr's  testimonials  were  also  produced  and  approved. 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegal  reported,  that  they  have,  since  our  last,  ordained 
Mr.  James  Johnson  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  as  pastor  at  Kisahcoquillas ; 
and  dismissed  Mr.  William  Linn  to  join  the  Lewistown  Presbytery;  and  have 
received  Dr.  Robert  Davidson  from  the  second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia ;  and 
licensed  Mr.  Samuel  Wilson  to  preach  the  gospel ;  and  have  also  employed  in 
their  bounds  the  Rev.  Mr.  Matthew  Stevens,  an  ordained  minister  from  the 
Presbytery  of  Letterkenny,  in  L-eland ;  and  that  Mr.  Woods,  one  of  their 
members,  was  removed  by  death  on.  the  thirteenth  of  last  September;  IMr. 


SOS  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1785. 

Stevens's  testimonials  were  produced  and'  approved,  and  he  being  present,  took 
his  seat  in  Synod  as  a  member  of  that  Presbytery. 

The  Presbytery  of  Lewestown  reported,  that  Mr.  Alexander  Huston,  one  of 
their  members,  departed  this  life  on  the  third  of  last  January ;  and  that  they  have, 
since  our  last,  received  Mr.  William  Linn  from  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal. 

A  difficulty  having  arisen  respecting  Mr.  Montgomery's  name  being  left  out 
of  the  records  of  New  Castle  Presbytery,  for  the  reasons  assigned  in  their 
report,  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Dr.  McWhorter,  and  Dr.  Alison,  were  appointed  a 
committee  to  consider  that  part  of  their  report,  and  to  prepare  against  to- 
morrow morning,  a  draught  of  a  plan  to  direct  the  conduct  of  Presbyteries  in 
such  cases. 

A  recommendation  of  last  Synod,  respecting  members  of  Presbyteries  be- 
coming contributors  to  the  widows'  fund,  having  been  omitted  in  transcribing 
the  minutes  into  the  Synod  book,  was  ordered  now  to  be  entered,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows, viz :  *^ 

''  The  corporation  of  the  widows'  fund  represented  to  the  Synod,  that  the 
benevolent  purposes  of  their  institution  were  likely  to  be  frustrated  through  the 
delinquency  of  some  ministers  who  have  been  formerly  contributors,  and  have 
not  been  punctual  in  paying  their  annual  rates ;  and  by  reason  also  of  the  young 
members  of  Synod,  through  the  distracted  state  of  public  affairs,  not  having 
become  contributors." 

The  Synod,  after  seriously  considering  said  representation,  agree  to  recom- 
mend it  to  all  their  members,  that  those  who  have  not  become  contributors, 
should,  as  soon  as  possible,  become  such,  and  embrace  the  privileges  offered 
them  by  the  said  corporation ;  and  likewise,  that  thoSe  who  are,  or  may  be 
contributors,  should  be  careful  and  punctual  in  their  annual  payments.  It  is, 
moreover,  enjoined  by  the  Synod  on  all  their  Presbyteries,  that  they  be  very 
exact  in  laying  before  every  young  minister  whom  they  may  settle,  all  the  ad- 
vantages of  being  a  contributor  to  the  said  fund.  And  the  Synod  agree,  yearly 
to  inquire  of  the  Presbyteries,  when  the  reports  from  the  same  are  given  in, 
with  respect  to  their  diligence  in  recommending  this  matter  to  their  young  mem- 
bers. And  it  is  likewise  recommended  to  all  the  congregations,  where  they 
shall  settle  a  minister,  to  be  careful  to  encourage  their  minister  to  become  a 
contributor  to  the  said  fund. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  Synod  last  year,  to  meet  with  the  com- 
mittee of  the  Low  Dutch  Reformed  Synod  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey, 
report,  that  they  were  disappointed  of  meeting  by  a  mistake,  and  one  of  the 
members  of  the  committee  informing  the  Synod  that  some  of  the  brethren  of 
the  Dutch  Synod,  and  one  of  the  members  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod, 
had  expressed  a  desire  of  some  measures  being  taken  for  promoting  a  friendly 
intercourse  between  the  three  Synods,  or  laying  a  plan  for  some  kind  of  union 
among  them,  whereby  they  might  be  enabled  to  unite  their  interests,  and  com- 
bine their  efforts,  for  promoting  the  great  cause  of  truth  and  vital  religion  j 
and  at  the  same  time  giving  it  as  their  judgment,  that  such  plan  was  practi- 
cable :  The  Synod  were  happy  in  finding  such  a  disposition  in  the  brethren 
of  the  above  Synods,  and  cheerfully  concur  with  them  in  thinking  that  such  a 
measure  is  both  desirable  and  practicable,  and  therefore  appoint  Drs.  Wither- 
spoon, Jones,  Rodgers,  McWhorter,  Smith,  Messrs.  Martin,  Duffield,  Alex- 
ander Miller,  Israel  Read,  John  Woodhull,  and  Nathan  Kerr,  a  committee  to 
meet  with  such  committees  as  may  be  appointed  by  the  Low  Dutch  Synod  now 
sitting  in  New  York,  and  by  the  Associate  Synod,  to  meet  in  that  city  next 
week,  at  such  time  and  place  as  may  be  agreed  upon,  to  confer  with  the  brethren 
of  said  Synods  on  this  important  suljject,  and  to  concert  such  measures  with 
them  for  the  accomplishment  of  these  great  ends  as  they  shall  judge  expedient, 
and  report  the  same  to  the  next  meeting  of  this  Synod. 


1785.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  509 

The  above  committee  are  also  to  do  what  may  bo  'necessary  on  tbe  business 
for  which  the  committee  first  mentioned  in  this  minute  were  appointed. 

Ordered,  That  Pr.  llodgers  give  notice  to  the  above  committee  of  the  time 
and  place  of  their  meeting. 

Adjom-ned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

19lh  day,  three  oWoch,  P.  M.     Postprcces  sederunt  qui  sxqna. 

Mr.  Hunter  and  Mr.  Grier  are  now  come,  their  reasons  for  not  attending 
sooner,  sustained. 

The  clerks  brought  in,  agreeably  to  the  order  of  yesterday,  a  draught  of  a  letter 
to  be  sent  to  the  Presbyteries  of  Hanover,  Orange,  Suffolk,  and  Dutchess,  which, 
after  some  amendments,  was  approved,  and  is  as  follows,  viz : 

"  It  is  with  great  concern  the  Synod  have  observed,  that  for  several  years 
past,  very  few  members  have  attended  from  some  of  our  distant  Presbyteries ; 
and  that  some  others  have  been  entirely  unrepresented  in  our  meetings.  They 
are  very  sensible  that  your  great  distance,  and  the  diflSiculties  of  the  times,  have 
rendered  an  attendance  very  inconvenient ;  but  they  cannot  refrain  from  ex- 
pressing their  apprehensions,  lest,  if  such  non-attendance  continue,  the  mem- 
bers of  the  body  may  become  entire  strangers  to  each  other,  and  the  general 
interests  of  the  churches  under  our  care  sustain  damage,  through  want  of  pro- 
per information  and  joint  counsel  respecting  the  state  of  affairs  in  the  various 
parts ;  and,  therefore,  most  earnestly  request,  that,  as  the  difficulties  which 
may  for  some  time  past  have  greatly  obstructed  are  now  happily  removed,  you 
will  endeavour  to  have  some  of  your  members  at  each  of  our  meetings,  who 
may  afford  information  of  the  state  of  the  churches,  and  report  to  you  such 
measures  as  may  be  devised  for  the  general  good.  The  Synod  wish  also  to  sug- 
gest their  fears,  lest  a  habit  of  neglect  should  be  insensibly  introduced,  to  the 
weakening  of  each  other's  hands,  the  discouraging  the  comparatively  few  that 
attend,  and  the  great  injury,  if  not  entirely  mouldering  away  of  the  body ; 
events,  which  they  rest  assured,  you  would  by  no  means  wish  to  take  place,  and 
will,  therefore,  they  persuade  themselves,  endeavour,  as  far  as  in  your  power,  to 
prevent.  But  should  it  at  any  time  so  happen,  that  it  may  not  be  in  the  power 
of  any  of  your  members  to  attend,  (which  it  is  hoped  will  be  but  very  seldom 
the  case,  if  due  care  be  taken,)  it  will  give  the  Synod  great  pleasure  to  hear 
from  you  by  letter,  of  the  state  of  your  affairs,  and  the  circumstances  which 
shall  have  rendered  it  impracticable  to  attend.  You  will  do  us  the  justice  to 
believe,  that  a  sincere  desire  to  promote  your  comfort  and  ours,  and  the  prospe- 
rity of  the  churches  committed  to  our  common  care,  induces  us  thus  earnestly 
to  solicit  your  careful  attention  to  this  matter." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  said  letter,  signed  by  the  moderator  in  the  name  of 
the  Synod,  be  sent  to  each  of  those  Presbyteries. 

The  following  question,  referred  to  Synod  by  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal  for 
their  decision,  was  brought  in  by  the  committee  of  overtures,  viz  : 

''  Whether,  on  full  proof  of  adultery  by  one  party,  the  Presbytery  has  a 
right  to  declare  the  marriage  so  far  void  as  that  the  innocent  party  may  marry 
again  without  being  liable  to  church  censure  ?" 

And  after  some  time  spent  in  debating  the  case,  it  was  moved  and  agreed, 
that  each  member  should  speak  to  the  question  in  the  order  of  the  roll.  After 
which  the  vote  was  put,  and  the  question  carried  in  the  affirmative,  by  a  small 
majority. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


510  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1785. 

20th  day,  nine  o^cloch,  A.  31.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Samuel  Doak,  of  Hanover  Presbytery,  is  now  come,  his  reasons  for  not 
attending  for  several  years  past,  nor  sooner  now,  were  sustained. 

No  report  has  been  made  from  Hanover  Presbytery. 

Mr.  John  Burton,  who  was  reported  by  New  York  Presbytery  to  have  been 
taken  under  their  care,  produced  his  testimonials,  which  were  approved. 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday,  on  a  part  of  the  report  of  New  Castle 
Presbytery,  brought  in  a  draught,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows, viz : 

"  The  Synod  disapprove  of  the  conduct  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  in 
striking  the  name  of  Mr.  Montgomery  oif  their  roll  for  the  reasons  given  in 
their  report,  neither  of  which,  nor  both  together,  seem  to  be  suflBcient ;  and  in 
future  recommend  to  all  Presbyteries,  when  any  ministers  under  their  inspection 
resign  their  charge,  or  discontinue  the  exercise  of  their  office  while  they  remain 
in  the  same  bounds,  to  pass  a  regular  judgment  on  the  reasons  given  for  such 
conduct ;  and  continue  their  inspection  of  those  who  shall  not  have  deserved  to 
be  deprived  of  the  ministerial  character,  though  they  may  be  laid  aside  from 
immediate  usefulness. 

An  application  was  made  from  the  corporation  of  the  widows'  fund  by  a  de- 
putation from  that  body,  requesting  the  Synod  to  urge  such  of  their  members  as 
have  become  contributors  to  the  said  fund,  to  be  punctual  in  their  payments,  that 
the  benevolent  designs  of  the  fund  may  not  be  prevented ;  and  to  recommend 
it  to  such  of  their  members,  and  especially  those  lately  ordained,  as  have  not 
become  contributors  and  may  yet  be  admitted,  to  apply  as  speedily  as  possible 
for  that  purpose,  as  the  corporation  have  agreed  that  if  the  number  of  ministers 
contributing  to  the  fund  do  not  soon  amount  to  a  sufficiency  for  preserving 
the  fund,  they  will  be  under  the  disagreeable  necessity  of  admitting  as 
many  laymen  as  may  be  necessary  to  complete  that  number,  at  the  same  time 
fixing  it  as  a  rule  to  be  invariably  observed,  to  give  a  preference  to  ministers 
when  any  offer ;  reserving  always  to  young  ministers  the  privilege  of  becoming 
contributors. 

The  Synod  agree  to  recommend,  and  do  hereby  recommend  to  all  their  mem- 
bers who  have  become  contributors  to  the  said  fund,  to  observe  the  greatest 
punctuality  in  paying  their  annual  rates,  that  the  benevolent  designs  of  the  in- 
stitution may  not  be  prevented ;  and  to  such  as  have  not  already  become  contri- 
butors, and  have  it  yet  in  their  power,  that  they  embrace  without  delay  so  fa- 
vourable an  opportunity  of  providing  for  their  families  after  their  decease.  The 
Synod  also  earnestly  recommend  to  their  Presbyteries  to  represent  to  young  men 
that  may  be  under  their  care,  the  advantage  of  becoming  contributors,  and  to 
endeavour  to  engage  them  thereto. 

Dr.  McWhorter  obtained  leave  of  absence  for  the  remaining  part  of  the 
sessions. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

20<^  day,  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Doak  laid  before  Synod  an  application,  signed  by  Messrs.  Hezekiah 
Balch,  Charles  Cummings,  and  Samuel  Doak,  members  of  Hanover  Presby- 
tery, requesting  that  that  part  of  Hanover  Presbytery  lying  south  of  New 
River,  might  be  erected  into  a  separate  Presbytery,  by  the  name  of  Abingdon 
Presbytery ;  to  be  bounded  by  New  River,  on  the  side  next  to  Hanover  Pres- 
bytery, and  by  the  Apalachian  Mountains  on  the  side  next  to  Orange  Presby- 
tery. A  certificate  of  the  concurrence  of  Hanover  Presbytery  with  the  above 
request  being  produced. 


1785.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  511 

Resolved,  That  the  Synod  grant  the  request ;  and  they  do  hereby  constitute 
those  members  of  Hanover  Presbytery  who  are  settled  within  the  above  de- 
scribed bounds  to  be  a  distinct  Presbytery,  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Abingdon,  and  appoint  their  fu'st  meeting  to  be  held  at  Salem 
church,  the  first  Tuesday  of  next  August,  and  that  Mr.  Doak  preside  as  mode- 
rator in  the  said  meeting ;  and  that  they  make  report  to  the  Synod  at  our  next 
session. 

Mr.  Clark  had  leave  to  go  home 

On  motion,  ordered,  that  Dr.  Sproat,  Mr.  DuflSeld,  and  Mr.  Daniel  Jones, 
be  a  committee  to  revise  the  records  of  Synod  from  its  earliest  meeting,  and 
point  out  such  inaccuracies  and  improprieties  as  may  occur,  and  select  the  re- 
gulations made  by  Synod  from  time  to  time,  that  they  may  be  transcribed  into 
a  book  to  be  provided  for  that  purpose,  and  lay  the  whole  before  Synod  at  their 
next  meeting. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  to-morrow.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

21st  day,  nine  o'chcJc,  A.  31.     Postpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

An  application  was  made  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  for  leave  to 
ordain  Mr.  Barr,  a  licensed  candidate  under  their  care,  in  order  that  he  may 
travel  through  the  vacancies  in  the  southern  states,  which  was  granted. 

Mr.  John  Hiddleson,  an  ordained  minister  from  the  Presbytery  of  Belfast, 
in  Ireland,  produced  his  credentials  to  the  Synod,  and  prayed  to  be  received 
into  this  body  as  a  member  of  New  Castle  Presbytery. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Messrs.  Robert  Smith,  John  Miller,  Mc- 
Farquhar,  Cooper,  and  Woodhull,  be  a  committee  to  examine  into  the  authenti- 
city of  the  said  credentials,  and  to  enter  into  free  conversation  with  the  young 
gentleman,  and  to  report  their  opinion  upon  the  whole  to  the  Synod  on  Monday 
morning. 

Ordered,  That  the  Synod  books  of  the  old  Synods  of  New  York  and  Phila- 
delphia, before  the  union  of  the  said  Synods,  as  well  as  the  Synod  book  of  the 
united  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  and  all  other  necessary  papers, 
be  deposited  in  the  hands  of  the  stated  clerk  of  the  Synod,  that  it  may  be  easy 
to  have  recourse  to  them  on  all  occasions. 

Mr.  William  McKee,  an  ordained  minister  from  the  Presbytery  of  Belfast, 
in  Ireland,  who  had  been  received  as  a  member  of  the  first  Presbytery  of  Phila- 
delphia, produced  his  credentials  to  the  Synod,  agreeably  to  order,  which  being 
examined  and  approved,  ]Mr.  McKee  took  his  seat  in  Synod  as  a  member  of  said 
Presbytery. 

An  overture  was  brought  in,  in  the  following  terms,  viz  : 
"  Whether  in  the  present  state  of  the  church  in  America,  and  the  scarcity 
of  ministers  to  fill  our  numerous  congregations,  the  Synod,  or  Presbyteries, 
ought  therefore  to  relax,  in  any  degree,  in  the  literary  qualifications  required 
of  intrants  into  the  ministry  ?''  And  it  was  carried  in  the  negative  by  a  great 
majority. 

An  appeal  was  brought  in  by  Mr.  Francis  Hindman,  from  a  judgment  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Donegal,  expressed  in  the  following  words,  viz  : 

"  3Ir.  Hindman  having  appealed  from  a  judgment  of  the  session  of  Han- 
over, because  he  was  not  regularly  cited ;  because  the  session  did  not  take  be- 
fore them  the  merits  of  the  cause ;  because  he  considered  them  as  his  accusers ; 
and  because  he  was  refused  the  privilege  of  introducing  witnesses  in  his  de- 
fence. The  minutes  of  the  session  were  read,  and  Mr.  Hindman  heard  in  sup- 
port of  his  appeal,  and,  upon  a  full  view  of  the  whole,  the  Presbytery  are  of 
opinion,  that  the  reasons  of  the  appeal  are  entirely  unsupported ;  that  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  session  were  regular,  and  their  judgment  well  founded  j  and 


512  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1785. 

therefore  judge,  that  the  said  Francis  Hindman,  before  he  be  admitted  to  the 
distinguishing  privileges  of  the  church,  shall  publicly  acknowledge  his  fault  in 
treating  the  Rev.  Mr.  Woods,  a  member  of  Presbytery,  and  Mrs.  Woods,  his 
wife,  in  an  injurious,  abusive,  and  insulting  manner ;  profess  his  repentance 
for  it,  and  be  rebuked  and  admonished  for  the  same  in  the  presence  of  the  con- 
gregation of  Hanover  on  a  Sabbath  day  after  sermon. — Extract  of  the  minutes 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal. 

Joseph  Henderson,  Presbytery  clerk. 

Mr.  Hindman  was  called  upon  to  produce  to  Synod  the  reasons  of  his  appeal ; 
after  a  long  and  full  hearing  of  which,  the  hearing  of  the  Presbytery  in  justifi- 
cation of  their  decision,  was  deferred  till  Monday  morning. 

Adjourned  till  JMonday  morning  ten  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2Bd  daj/,  Monday,  tm  o'clocJc,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  Mr.  Hiddleson's  credentials,  and  to 
converse  with  him,  brought  in  their  report  in  the  following  terms,  viz.  "  Your 
committee  report  it  as  their  opinion,  that  Mr.  Hiddleson  ought  not,  at  present, 
to  be  annexed  as  a  member,  to  any  Presbytery  belonging  to  your  body ;  but 
that,  if  he  choose,  he  may  be  committed  to  the  care  of  some  Presbytery,  who 
may  proceed  with  him  as  they  may  judge  best,  and  make  report  to  the  Synod 
at  their  next  meeting  :"  which  was  approved. 

The  afiair  of  Mr.  Hindman's  appeal  was  resumed;  and  after  the  minutes 
of  the  session  of  Hanover  were  read,  together  with  the  judgment  of  the  Pres- 
bytery on  the  aflfair,  and  the  Presbytery  were  heard  in  their  defence,  as  also 
Mr.  Hindman's  reply,  the  Synod  proceeded  to  consider  the  matter,  and  after 
some  time  spent  in  debating  on  the  case,  the  question  was  put  to  affirm  or  re- 
verse the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery,  and  was  carried  to  affirm  it,  by  a  very 
great  majority. 

Adjourned  till  four  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

23<^  day,  four  o^ clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

A  motion  was  made  and  seconded,  that  no  person  be  admitted  on  trials  as 
a  candidate  for  the  ministry,  until  he  shall  have  employed  two  years  at  least  in 
the  study  of  Divinity,  after  his  having  passed  the  usual  course  of  a  liberal  edu- 
cation ;  and  after  some  time  spent  on  the  subject,  the  further  consideration  of 
it  was  deferred  till  our  next  meeting. 

On  motion.  Ordered,  That  it  be  enjoined,  and  it  is  hereby  enjoined,  on  every 
Presbytery  to  subject  every  candidate  on  trials  for  the  ministry,  to  an  accurate 
examination  on  the  discipline  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Mr.  Robert 
Smith,  Dr.  Alison,  Dr.  Smith,  Messrs.  Woodhull,  Cooper,  Latta,  and  Duffield, 
with  the  moderator,  Mr.  Wilson,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the 
constitution  of  the  church  of  Scotland,  and  other  Protestant  churches,  and 
agreeably  to  the  general  principles  of  Presbyterian  government,  compile  a  sys- 
tem of  general  rules  for  the  government  of  the  Synod,  and  the  several  Presby- 
teries under  their  inspection,  and  the  people  in  their  communion,  and  to  make 
report  of  their  proceeding  herein  at'the  next  meeting  of  Synod. 

It  was  moved  and  seconded,  that  the  Synodical  clerk  be  required  to  trans- 
mit annually  to  each  Presbytery  belonging  to  the  Synod,  an  attested  copy  of 
all  general  regulations  of  Synod,  as  well  as  of  those  that  more  immediately 
regard  any  Presbytery  in  particular,  and  that  each  Presbytery  be  required  to 
enjoin  on  their  clerk  to  furnish  each  member  of  the  Presbytery  with  an  au- 
thentic copy  of  the  same,  that  by  a  general  intelligence  of  the  acts  of  the  su- 


1785.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  513 

preme  judicature  being  thus  communicated  to  all,  the  whole  body  may  be 
brought  to  operate  with  concert  and  vigour,  and  that  none  may  have  ignorance 
as  a  plea  for  the  neglect  of  duty.  The  consideration  of  this  was  deferred  till 
our  nest  meeting. 

An  overture  was  brought  in,  that  for  the  better  management  of  the  churches 
under  our  care,  this  Synod  be  divided  into  three  Synods,  and  that  a  General 
Synod,  or  Assembly,  be  constituted  out  of  the  whole.  The  Synod  agree  to 
enter  on  the  consideration  of  this  overture,  on  the  first  Friday  after  their  next 
meeting,  and  appoint  Dr.  Smith  to  transmit  a  copy  of  this  overture  to  such  of 
the  Presbyteries  as  are  not  at  present  represented  in  Synod,  and  earnestly  urge 
their  attendance  at  our  next  meeting. 

The  Synod  considering  the  education  of  youth,  and  their  being  early  in- 
structed in  just  principles  of  religion,  as  one  of  the  most  useful  means  of  pro- 
moting the  influence  of  the  gospel  in  our  churches.  Resolved,  that  it  be  en- 
joined on  every  Presbytery,  in  appointing  supplies  to  their  vacant  congregations, 
to  take  order  that  every  vacant  congregation  within  their  limits  be  carefully 
catechized  at  least  once  in  the  year,  in  the  same  manner  as  is  required  by  the 
order  of  our  church,  in  congregations  supplied  with  regular  pastors,  and  that 
the  ministers  appointed  to  this  duty  be  required  at  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Presbytery,  to  render  an  account  of  their  fidelity  in  this  respect,  and  that  the 
Presbyteries  be  required  to  render  an  account  of  their  attention  to  this  order  at 
the  next  meeting  of  Synod. 

Resolved,  also,  that  it  be  enjoined  on  all  congregations  to  pay  a  special  regard 
to  the  good  education  of  children,  as  being  intimately  connected  with  the  in- 
terests of  morality  and  religion ;  and  that,  as  schools  under  bad  masters,  and  a 
careless  management,  are  seminaries  of  vice  rather  than  of  virtue,  the  session,  cor- 
poration, or  committee  of  every  congregation,  be  required  to  endeavour  to 
establish  one  or  more  schools  in  such  place,  or  places,  as  shall  be  most  conve- 
nient for  the  people ;  that  they  be  particularly  careful  to  procure  able  and  vir- 
tuous teachers ;  that  they  make  the  erection  and  care  of  schools  a  part  of  their 
congregational  business,  and  endeavour  to  induce  the  people  to  support  them  by 
contribution,  being  not  only  the  most  effectual,  but,  eventually,  the  cheapest 
way  of  supporting  them;  that  the  Presbyteries  appoint  particular  members, 
or  if  possible  committees,  to  go  into  vacant  congregations  to  promote  similar 
institutions;  that  the  corporation,  session,  or  committee  of  the  congregation, 
visit  the  school,  or  schools,  at  least  once  in  three  months,  to  inquire  into  the 
conduct  of  the  master,  and  the  improvement  of  the  children,  and  to  observe 
particularly  his  care  to  instruct  them,  at  least  one  day  in  the  week,  in  the  prin- 
ciples of  religion;  that  the  Presbyteries,  in  appointing  ministers  to  supply 
vacant  congregations,  require  it  as  an  indispensable  part  of  their  duty,  to  visit 
at  the  same  time  the  schools,  and  require  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Presby- 
tery, an  account  of  their  fidelity  in  this  respect,  and  of  the  state  of  the  schools  j 
and  that,  in  these  schools  effectual  provision  be  made  for  the  education  of  the 
children  of  the  poor ;  and  that,  at  the  visitations  of  the  schools,  one  or  two  of 
the  most  ingenious  and  virtuous  of  the  poor  children  be  annually  selected,  in 
order  to  give  them  a  more  perfect  education,  and  thereby  qualify  these  inge- 
nious charity  scholars,  to  become  afterwards  useful  instructors  in  our  congrega- 
tional schools. 

A  motion  was  made  in  the  following  terms,  viz.  "  Whereas  the  nearest  uni- 
formity that  is  practicable  in  the  external  modes  of  Divine  worship  is  to  be 
desired,  and  the  using  different  books  of  psalmody  is  matter  of  offence,  not  only 
to  Presbyteriajis  of  different  denominations,  but  also  to  many  congregations  un- 
der our  care ;  it  is  queried,  if  the  Synod  might  not  choose  out,  and  order  some 
of  their  number  to  take  the  assistance  of  all  the  versions  in  our  power,  and 
compose  for  us  a  version  more  suitable  to  our  circumstances  and  taste  than  any 
65 


514  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1786, 

we  yet  have ',  which,  having  been  read,  and  seconded,  after  some  conversation 
thereon,  the  question  was  put,  whether  to  appoint  a  committee,  or  defer,  and 
was  carried  by  a  small  majority  to  appoint.  Whereupon  Dr.  Alison,  Dr.  David- 
son, Dr.  Ewing,  Mr.  Blair,  and  Mr.  Jones,  were  appointed  a  committee  for 
that  purpose,  who  are  to  make  report  of  their  diligence  herein  at  our  next 
meeting. 

Adjourned  till   nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

24<A  <?ay,  (Tuesday,')  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  Messrs.  Boyd,  Schenck,  Mitchell,  Irwin,  drier,  Jones,  Monroe, 
Slemmons,  and  William  Lynn,  who  have  left  the  Synod  without  leave.) 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  book  was  examined  as  far  as  to  page  227,  and 
approved,  except  a  few  inaccuracies  of  expression,  and  their  appointing  an  exe- 
gesis in  English. 

The  Second  Philadelphia  Presbytery  book  was  examined  as  far  as  page  164, 
and  approved,  except  some  inaccuracies,  and  omitting  on  their  records  their  in- 
quiry into  the  religious  character  of  a  young  man  taken  on  trials  for  the  work 
of  the  ministry. 

Donegal  Presbytery  book  was  examined  as  far  as  page  325,  and  approved, 
except  a  few  inaccuracies. 

Dr.  Sproat  requested  that  he  might  be  allowed  to  resign  his  office  as  stated 
clerk  of  the  Synod,  which  was  granted,  and  Mr.  Duffield  was  appointed  in  his 
stead  to  take  charge  of  the  records  of  Synod,  as  their  stated  clerk. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  next  May,  to  meet  in  the  First  Pres- 
byterian Church  in  this  city,  at  eleven  of  the  clock,  ante  meridiem. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

1786* 

Philadelphia,  May  17th,  1786,  11   o'doclc,  A.  31. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  met  according  to  adjournment, 
in  the  First  Presbytery  Church.      Ubi  post  preces  sederunt 

Present :  Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York :  The  Rev.  Dr.  John  Rodgers, 
the  Rev.  Messrs.  Alexander  Miller  and  William  Lynn. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  WoodhuU, 
Joseph  Rue,  James  Armstrong  and  Jospeh  Clark. 

Of  the  First  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  The  Rev.  Drs.  James  Sproat  and 
George  Duffield,  Rev.  Messrs.  Francis  Peppard,  Samuel  Blair,  James  Boyd, 
James  Grier,  William  Mackey  Tennent,  George  Faitout,  Andrew  Hunter,  and 
William  McKee. 

Of  the  Second  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia :  The  Rev.  Drs.  John  Ewing  and 
Patrick  Alison,  and  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Simonton  and  Robert  McMordie. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Robert  Smith,  James 
Latta,   Nathaniel    Welshard    Semple,   William    Smith,   and  John    Edwards 

Finley. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Hoge,  James  Mar- 
tin, John  Lynn,  Samuel  Waugh,  and  James  Johnston. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Lewestown :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Matthew  Wilson  and 
John  Miller. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Hanover :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  William  Graham,  John 
Blair  Smith,  Moses  Hoge,  and  Samuel  Carrick. 


178C.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  515 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Abingdon  :  The  Rev.  IMr.  Samuel  Houston. 

With  the  following  ciders  :  Messrs.  William  Irwin,  Kennet  Ilankerson,  Isaac 
Snowden,  Jacob  Mulford,  John  Burling,  Ilobcrt  Taggart,  John  Whitehill, 
James  Biggams,  and  James  Mercer. 

Absent :  The  whole  of  the  Presbyteries  of  Dutchess  and  Suffolk. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery  :  The  Bev.  Drs.  Timothy  Jones,  Hugh  Knox,  and 
Alexander  McWhortcr,  and  Bev.  Messrs.  Jonathan  Elmer,  Nathan  Kerr,  Azel 
Boe,  Benjamin  Woodruff,  Aaron  Bichards,  Jedidiah  Chapman,  William  Wood- 
hull,  John  Moffatt,  John  Close,  Abner  Brush,  Jacob  Vanarsdalen,  Andrew  King, 
John  Joline,  and  John  McDonald. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Drs.  John  Witherspoon  and 
Samuel  Stanhope  Smith,  and  Bev.  Messrs.  John  Guild,  Samuel  Kennedy,  Israel 
Bead,  John  Hannah,  Thomas  Smith,  John  Warford,  Philip  Stockton,  Peter 
Wilson,  and  William  Boyd. 

Of  the  first  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Bev.  Messrs.  James  Watt,  William 
Schenck,  Nathaniel  Irwin,  Daniel  McCalla,  and  Israel  Evans. 

Of  the  second  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Bev.  Mr.  John  Elder. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery  :  The  Bev.  jMessrs.  William  McKennan,  John 
McCreary,  James  Anderson,  Thomas  Smith,  Thomas  Bead,  Alexander  Mitchel, 
Daniel  Jones,  George  Luckey,  and  James  Monroe. 

Of  Donegal  Presbytery  :  The  Bev.  Dr.  Bobert  Davidson,  and  Bev.  Messrs. 
Samuel  Thomson,  Colin  McFarquhar,  John  Slemmons,  Amos  Thompson, 
James  Lang,  James  Hunt,  John  King,  Bobert  Cooper,  John  Craighead,  Hugh 
McGill,  Hugh  Vance,  Thomas  McFerren,  Samuel  Dougal,  John  Black,  John 
McKnight,  David  Beard,  Joseph  Henderson,  Stephen  Balch,  and  Matthew 
Stephens. 

Of  Lewestown  Presbytery  :  The  Bev.  Messrs.  Jacob  Kerr,  John  Rankin,  and 
Samuel  McMasters. 

Of  Hanover  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Richard  Zanchy,  John  Todd, 
John  Brown,  James  Waddel,  William  Irwin,  Archibald  Scott,  Edward  Craw- 
ford, James  McConnell,  John  Montgomery,  William  Wilson,  Benjamin  Irwin, 
John  McCue,  Samuel  Shannon,  Andrew  McClure,  and  James  Mitchel. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Orange :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Henry  Patillo,  David  Cald- 
well, Samuel  McCorkle,  Robert  Archibald,  Thomas  Craighead,  John  Casson, 
James  McKee,  David  Barr,  and  Jacob  Lake. 

Of  Bedstone  Presbytery  :  The  Bev.  Messrs.  John  Clark,  James  Power, 
James  Finley,  Joseph  Smith,  John  McMillan,  Thaddeus  Dodd,  and  Jamea 
Dunlap. 

Of  Abingdon  Presbytery :  The  Bev.  Messrs.  David  Boe,  Charles  Cummings, 
Hezekiah  Balch,  Samuel  Doak,  and  Adam  Bankin. 

And  the  whole  of  the  South  Carolina  Presbytery. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  the  Bev.  Mr.  Matthew  Wilson,  the  last  year's 
moderator,  by  a  sermon  on  1  Corinthians  i.  17. 

Mr.  Alexander  Miller  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Messrs.  William  Tennent 
and  William  Lynn,  clerks. 

Mr.  Boe  was  excused  for  not  attending  our  last  meeting. 

Messrs.  Francis  Peppard,  John  Simonton,  James  Latta,  John  E.  Finley, 
Moses  Hoge,  Samuel  Waugh,  William  Graham,  John  B.  Smith,  and  Samuel 
Carrick,  gave  reasons  for  their  absence  from  last  Synod,  which  were  sus- 
tained. 

Bev.  Messrs.  William  Lynn,  Clark,  Blair,  Simonton,  Latta,  Hoge,  Wilson, 
Graham,  Houston,  with  Messrs.  Isaac  Snowden,  Bobert  Taggart,  and  John 
Whitehill,  elders,  were  appointed  a  committee  of  overtures  to  meet  here  to-mor- 
row morning,  at  six  o'clock,  and  afterwards  by  adjournment. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  York  reported,  that  they  had,  since  our  last  meet- 


516  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1786. 

ing,  licensed  Mr.  Joscpli  Lindly  to  preacli  the  gospel,  and  ordained  Mr.  James 
Wilson  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry  as  co-pastor  with  Dr.  Rodgers  in 
New  York,  and  Mr.  McDonald  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  the  city  of 
Albany ;  that  they  had  received  Mr.  William  Lynn  as  a  member  with  them 
on  a  dismission  and  testimonial  from  the  Presbytery  of  Lewestown ;  that  they 
had  received  Mr.  James  Glassbrook,  lately  from  England,  as  a  member  of 
their  Presbytery  on  proper  testimonials ;  that  they  had  dismissed  Mr.  Matthias 
Burnet  from  their  body  to  join  the  association  of  the  western  district  of  Fair- 
field county,  in  the  state  of  Connecticut ;  and  that  they  had  received  Mr.  James 
Wilson,  an  ordained  minister  from  Scotland,  on  testimonials  produced  by 
him  from  the  Presbytery  of  Irvine ;  Mr.  Glassbrook's  and  Mr.  Wilson's  testi- 
monials were  laid  before  Synod  and  approved,  and  they  being  present  took  their 
seats. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Bfunswick  reported,  that  they  had,  since  our  last, 
licensed  Messrs.  Ashbel  Green,  Ira  Condict,  and  Asa  Dunham,  to  preach  the 
gospel ;  and  have  received  as  a  member  of  their  body,  the  Rev.  James  Muir, 
of  the  Island  of  Bermudas. 

The  first  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  reported,  that  they  had,  since  our  last, 
licensed  Mr.  James  Snodgrass  and  Mr.  Nathan  Grier,  and  had  received  the 
Rev.  Mr.  John  Johnston  from  the  Presbytery  of  Belfast,  in  Ireland ;  and  that 
they  had  received  the  Rev.  Mr.  William  Pickles,  who  had  been  ordained  to  the 
work  of  the  ministry  by  a  number  of  dissenting  ministers  in  England. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Thursday,  V^th  clay,  at   nine  d clock,  A.  M.  the  Synod  met.      Post  jpreces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  McCreary,  Keith,  James  Finley,  and  James  Halt,  being  now  come, 
gave  their  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner,  which  were  sustained. 

The  testimonials  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Johnston,  and  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Pickles,  were  laid  before  Synod  and  approved,  they  being  present  took 
their  seats  as  members  of  this  body. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  reported,  that  they  had,  since  our  last,  or- 
dained to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  Mr.  John  Burton  ;  that  Mr.  John  Carmi- 
chael  had  been  removed  by  death  upon  the  15th  of  November  last;  that  they 
discontinued  Mr.  Joseph  Montgomery  in  their  roll ;  and  had  dismissed  Mr. 
James  Armstrong  to  join  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick ;  that  they  had  in 
consequence  of  permission  obtained  last  year,  ordained  Mr.  Barr,  sine  titulo,  and 
no  longer  considered  Mr.  Andrew  Wilson  as  being  under  their  care.  Mr.  Bur- 
ton and  Mr.  Barr  being  present  took  their  seats. 

The  Presbytery  of  Donegal  reported,  that  they  had,  since  our  last,  admitted 
Mr.  Hugh  Morrison,  a  licensed  candidate,  from  the  Presbytery  of  Root,  in  Ire- 
land, to  preach  in  their  bounds,  but  his  testimonials  are  not  here  to  lay  before 
Synod ;  and  had  installed  Mr.  Matthew  Stephens  as  pastor  of  the  united  con- 
gregation of  Derry  and  Wayne,  on  Juniata. 

The  Presbytery  of  Hanover  reported,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  James  McConnel  is 
a  member  of  their  Presbytery,  though  omitted  in  a  report  made  by  the  Rev. 
Samuel  I.  Smith,  in  1780 ;  that  they  had  ordained  Messrs.  Moses  Hoge,  John 
McCue,  Samuel  Houston,  Samuel  Carrick,  Adam  Rankin,  Andrew  McClure, 
James  Mitchell,  Samuel  Shannon,  and  John  D.  Blair,  to  the  work  of  the  gospel 
ministry,  to  particular  charges,  since  May,  1782 ;  and  that  they  have  licensed 
Mr.  William  Mahan  to  preach  the  gospel.  Mr.  Hoge,  Mr.  Carrick,  Mr.  Hous- 
ton, and  Mr.  Blair,  being  present,  took  their  seats. 

The  Presbytery  of  Sufiblk  reported,  by  a  letter,  that  since  they  were  last 
represented  in  Synod;  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Ebenezer  Prime,  of  Huntingdon,  Syl- 


1786.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  517 

vanus  "White,  of  Southampton,  and  Benjamin  Talmage,  of  Brook  Haven,  had 
departed  this  life ;  tliat  they  had  ordained  Mr.  Joshua  "Williams  to  the  charge 
of  the  Church  of  Christ  at  Southampton,  and  Mr.  Nathan  "Woodhull  to  the 
pastoral  charge  of  the  Church  of  Huntingdon. 

Mr.  "W^oodhull  and  Mr.  Armstrong  were  appointed  to  examine  the  first  Phila- 
delphia Presbytery  book,  and  Mr.  John  Lynn  and  Mr.  "Waugh  to  examine  the 
Lewestowu  Presbytery  book. 

The  testimonials  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  James  Thompson,  late  of  the  Presbytery 
of  Dundee,  in  Scotland,  were  laid  before  Synod,  and  approved,  whereupon  he 
was  admitted  to  join  himself  to  any  Presbytery  belonging  to  this  body  as  he 
may  see  meet,  and,  being  invited,  sat  as  a  correspondent. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

18^/4  day,  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Postpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  finding  that  IMr.  Treat  had  not  joined  the  Presbytery  of  New 
Brunswick,  agreeably  to  the  design  of  his  dismission  from  the  Presbytery  of 
New  York,  ordered,  that  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  call  upon  Mr.  Treat 
to  give  the  reasons  of  his  conduct,  and  take  order  accordingly. 

The  committee  ordered  at  our  last  to  revise  the  records  of  Synod,  &c.  reported, 
that  they  had  not  performed  that  business,  the  Synod  therefore  agreed  that  the 
order  be  renewed,  except  that  instead  of  pointing  out  inaccuracies  and  impro- 
prieties, which  was  enjoined  in  the  former  order,  an  index  be  made  of  all  the 
principal  transactions  contained  in  the  records. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Fi-iday,  19</t  day,  nine  o'cloch,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Thomas  Read,  Dr.  Smith,  Mr.  McKennan,  Mr.  Nathan  Kerr,  Mr.  War- 
ford,  Dr.  "Witherspoon,  and  Mr.  "William  Boyd,  being  now  come,  gave  reasons 
for  not  attending  sooner,  which  were  satisfactory. 

Mr.  John  Pinkerton,  Dr.  Dufiield's  elder,  is  now  come. 

Agreeably  to  the  order  of  the  day,  as  stated  in  the  minutes  of  the  last  year, 
the  Synod  proceeded  to  consider  whether  "  this  Synod  shall  be  divided  into 
three  Synods,  and  that  a  General  Synod,  or  Assembly,  be  constituted  out  of  the 
whole.'' 

On  motion,  Resolved,  That  instead  of  the  words  ''  into  three  Synods,"  the 
words  "into  three  or  more  Synods,"  be  adopted. 

Mr.  Anderson  being  now  come,  gave  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner,  which 
were  sustained. 

The  following  motion  was  made  and  seconded,  viz  :  the  Synod  considering  the 
number  and  extent  of  the  churches  under  their  care,  and  the  inconvenience  of 
the  present  mode  of  government  by  one  Synod,  resolved,  that  this  Synod  will 
establish,  out  of  its  own  body,  three  or  more  subordinate  Synods,  out  of  which 
shall  be  composed  a  General  Assembly,  Synod,  or  Council,  agreeably  to  a  system 
hereafter  to  be  adopted. 

Upon  the  question  being  put,  Will  the  Synod  adopt  the  resolution  aforesaid, 
or  not  ?  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 

Mr.  Pickles  obtained  leave  of  absence. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  to  prepare  and  report  a  plan  for  the 
division  of  Synod  into  three  or  more  Synods,  viz  :  Dr.  Rodgers,  Dr.  Smith,  Dr. 
Duffield,  Dr.  Alison,  Mr.  Latta,  Mr.  Martin,  Mr.  Matthew  Wilson,  Mr.  Graham, 
Mr.  Houston,  Mr.  James  Fiuley,  and  Mr.  Hall. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


518  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1786. 

Idth  day^  three  d clock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  Synod  last  year,  to  meet  with  the  committees 
of  the  Low  Dutch  llcformed  Synod  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  and  of  the 
Associate  Reformed  Synod,  made  report  of  their  proceedings,  which  is  as  fol- 
lows, viz : 

"  Proceedings  of  the  committees  appointed  by  the  Synod  of  the  Low  Dutch 
Reformed  Church  of  New  l^'ork  and  New  Jersey,  of  the  Presbyterian  Synod  of 
New  York  and  Philadelphia,  and  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod,  met  at  New 
Y'ork  the  5th  day  of  October,  1785. 

"■  The  meeting  was  opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev.  David  Telfair. 

"  The  members  present :  Of  the  committee  appointed  by  the  Dutch  Reformed 
Synod :  Dr.  John  H.  Livingston,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  J.  K.  Hardenbergh,  —  Ro- 
meyn,  Solomon  Freligh,.  ^d,  Dr.  Westerlo.  Eldei'S :  Messrs.  Philip  Nagle, 
Henry  Kennedy,  and  William  Schermerhorn. 

"  Of  the  committee  appointed  by  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia : 
Drs.  John  Rodgers,  Alexander  McWhorter,  Samuel  Smith,  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Nathan  Kerr,^  and  John  Woodhull. 

''  Of  the  committee  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John 
Smith,  David  Telfair,  John  Mason,  and  Robert  Annan. 

"  The  Rev.  David  Telfair  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Dr.  Samuel  Smith,  and 
Mr.  Solomon  Freligh,  were  chosen  clerks. 

"  X  motion  was  made  by  Dr.  Rodgers,  and  seconded  by  Mr.  Hardenbergh, 
that  the  respective  committees  produce  their  commissions,  which  being  produced 
and  approved,  were  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

"The  respective  committees  communicated  to  each  other  in  writing,  or  ver- 
bally, an  explicit  detail  of  the  standards,  both  in  regard  of  the  doctrine  and 
discipline  observed  in  the  respective  churches  they  represent. 

"On  motion,  a  committee  of  two  from  each  committee,  was  appointed  to 
meet  this  evening,  to  converse  on,  and  digest  the  several  subjects  to  be  laid 
before  the  Convention.  The  gentlemen  appointed  were  Messrs.  John  K.  Har- 
denbergh, Dr.  Westerlo,  Dr.  McWhorter.  Dr.  Samuel  Smith,  Robert  Annan, 
and  John  Smith. 

"  The  Convention  adjourned  till  to-morrow  at  five  o'clock,  P.  M. 

"  Thursday,  five  d'cloch,  P.  31. 

"  The  Convention  met,  according  to  adjournment,  and  was  opened  with 
prayer. 

"  The  Rev.  Dr.  Witherspoon  appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

"  The  committee  of  six  made  report  of  what  had  been  digested  and  deter- 
mined by  them,  in  conformity  with  the  spirit  and  intention  of  their  commission, 
being  as  follows,  viz  : 

"  The  inquiries  proposed  by  the  committee  of  the  Dutch  Church  were  read. 

"  The  first  contained  a  request  to  know  what  the  formulas  of  doctrine  and 
worship  are,  to  which  each  of  the  Synods  respectively  adhere,  and  the  mode 
in  which  they  testify  that  adherence,  and  prevent  or  punish  any  departure 
from  them.  The  answer,  on  the  part  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Synod,  was 
contained  in  the  representation  given  in  by  their  committee  in  writing,  to  the 
convention. 

"  On  the  part  of  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  it  is  contained  in 
the  representation  given  in  by  their  committee,  articles  first  and  fifth,  viz : 

"  Article  1st :  The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  adopt,  according 
to  the  known  and  established  meaning  of  the  terms,  the  Westminster  Confes- 
sion of  Faith  as  the  confession  of  their  faith,  save  that  every  candidate  for  the 


1786.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  519 

gospel  ministry  is  permitted  to  except  against  so  mucli  of  the  twenty-third 
chapter  as  gives  authority  to  the  civil  magistrates  iu  matters  of  religion.  The 
Presbyterian  Church  in  America  considers  the  Church  of  Christ  as  a  spiritual 
society,  entirely  distinct  from  the  civil  government,  having  a  right  to  regulate 
their  own  ecclesiastical  policy,  independently  of  the  interposition  of  the 
magistrate. 

"  The  Synod  also  receives  the  directory  for  public  worship  and  the  form  of 
church  government  recommended  by  the  Westminster  Assembly  as  in  substance 
agreeable  to  the  institutions  of  the  New  Testament.  This  mode  of  adoption  we 
use,  because  wc  believe  the  general  platform  of  our  government  to  be  agreeable 
to  the  sacred  Scriptures ;  but  we  do  not  believe  that  God  has  been  pleased  so  to 
reveal  and  enjoin  every  minute  circumstance  of  ecclesiastic  government  and  dis- 
cipline as  not  to  leave  room  for  orthodox  churches  of  Christ,  in  these  minutiae, 
to  differ  with  charity  from  one  another. 

''Article  5th:  The  rules  of  our  discipline  and  the  form  of  process  in  our 
church  judicatures,  are  contained  in  Pardovan's  (alias  Stewart's)  collections  in 
conjunction  with  the  acts  of  our  own  Synod,  the  power  of  which,  in  matters 
purely  ecclesiastical,  we  consider  as  equal  to  the  power  of  any  Synod  or  General 
Assembly  in  the  world.  Our  church  judicatures,  like  those  in  the  church  of 
Scotland,  from  which  we  derive  our  origin,  are  Church  Sessions,  Presbyteries 
and  Synods,  to  which  it  is  now  in  contemplation  to  add  a  National  and  General 
Assembly. 

"  On  the  part  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod,  the  answer  was  given  in  a  verbal 
representation,  by  the  Eev.  Mr.  Mason,  and  is,  in  substance,  very  analogous  to 
that  made  by  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  formulas  and  standards  adopted  by  the  respective  repre- 
sentations, are  mutually  satisfactory,  and  lay  a  sufficient  basis  for  the  fraternal 
correspondence  and  concord  of  the  several  Synods. 

"  To  the  second  inquiry,  whether  the  corresponding  Synods,  in  order  to  lay 
the  foundation  of  entire  confidence  in  each  other,  were  willing  to  give  solemn 
and  mutual  assurances  of  their  vigilance  and  fidelity  in  requiring  of  their  eccle- 
siastical officers  an  explicit  and  unequivocal  assent  to  their  present  formulas  or 
standards  of  discipline  and  faith ;  and  will  take  such  measures  as  to  them  re- 
spectively shall  seem  most  reasonable  and  effectual  to  secure  the  same  fidelity 
and  orthodoxy  in  all  time  to  come ;  the  answer  was  unanimously  given  in  the 
affirmative. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  nature  of  these  assurances  be  left  to  be  determined  by 
the  convention. 

"  The  third  inquiry  was,  whether  the  Synods  will  agree  mutually  to  watch 
over  each  other's  purity  in  doctrine  and  discipline,  and  whether  they  will  agree 
mutually  to  receive  complaints  that  may  be  made  by  either  of  the  others 
against  particular  members  of  their  respective  bodies,  who  may  be  supposed  to 
be  departing  from  the  faith,  or  from  the  exactness  of  their  church  discipline. 
Agreed  in  the  aflarmative,  but  that  the  mode  shall  be  referred  to  the  general 
convention. 

"  The  fourth  inquiry  was,  whether  the  Synods  would  mutually  promise  to  in- 
troduce and  maintain  in  their  church  the  most  exact  discipline,  according  to 
their  several  standards,  that  the  circumstances  of  the  country  and  the  spirit  of 
the  people  will  bear. 

"  Resolved,  That  this  is  an  article  of  the  utmost  importance ;  and  resolved, 
moreover,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  convention  to  consider  of,  and  adopt, 
proper  means  for  aiding  the  exercise  of  discipline  by  discouraging  fugitives 
from  it  out  of  any  of  the  churches ;  and  especially  by  not  receiving  any  persons 
to  church  membership  without  sufficient  credentials  of  their  good  moral  character 


620  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1786. 

and  orderly  behaviour  from  the  church  to  which  they  now  immediately  belong, 
or  have  lately  belonged. 

"  The  fifth  inquiry  relates  to  grievances  or  causes  of  complaint  that  may  have 
arisen  between  the  ministers  or  congregations  of  the  respective  Synods. 

"  Resolved,  That  they  ought  to  be  candidly  heard,  and  the  most  speedy  and 
effectual  measures  taken  as  far  as  possible  to  redress  them. 

"  The  sixth  and  last  inquiry  or  proposition  respects  some  mode  of  establish- 
ing a  visible  intercourse  and  permanent  correspondence  between  the  several 
Synods. 

"  Resolved,  That  this  subject  be  referred  to  the  consideration  of  the  conven- 
tion :  but  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  convention  to  endeavour  to  establish 
an  annual  convention  of  the  three  Synods,  by  their  delegates,  which  may  con- 
sist of  at  least  three  ministers  and  three  elders  from  each,  and  that  the  general 
objects  of  this  annual  convention  be,  to  strengthen  each  other's  hands  in  the 
great  work  of  the  gospel  ministry ;  to  give,  and  to  receive,  mutual  information 
of  the  state  of  religion  within  their  respective  churches ;  to  consider  of,  and 
adopt,  the  most  prudent  means  to  prevent  or  remedy  any  causes  of  dissension 
that  may  happen  to  arise  between  our  respective  congregations,  agreeably  to  the 
instructions  that  may  be  given  by  the  respective  Synods ',  and  to  concert 
measures  for  uniting  our  efforts  to  defend  and  promote  the  principles  of  the 
gospel,  and  oppose  the  progress  of  infidelity  and  error;  and  to  adopt  plans  for 
effectually  assisting  the  exercise  of  discipline  in  our  churches,  and  encouraging 
each  other  in  its  execution ;  and  for  such  other  purposes  as  the  convention  may 
think  proper. 

"  Resolved,  To  recommend  that  the  first  meeting  of  the  above  convention 
shall  be  held  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  October,  1786,  at  New  York,  and 
afterwards  at  such  time  and  place  as  shall  be  appointed  at  the  preceding  con- 
vention. 

"  Which  report  being  read  and  ordered  to  a  second  reading,  was  thereupon  or- 
dered to  be  read  by  paragraphs.  Whereupon  resolved,  that  the  report  of  the 
committee  be  approved  and  adopted. 

"  With  relation,  however,  to  those  matters  referred  by  said  committee  to  this 
convention,  as  being  by  them  left  undetermined, 

"  Resolved  1st.  On  the  second  inquiry,  that  the  manner  in  which  the  Synods 
shall  give  a  solemn  pledge  to  each  other  of  the  formula  of  their  faith  which 
they  have  here  openly  professed,  and  of  their  strict  attachment  to  the  same, 
shall  be  by  an  act  of  each  Synod,  wherein  an  accurate  recital  of  such  formula 
shall  be  made,  with  a  positive  declaration,  that  it  is  their  sincere  determination 
before  God  always  to  abide  by  the  same,  for  which  purpose  they  honestly  pledge 
themselves  to  the  two  other  Synods;  which  declaration  and  promise  shall  be 
signed  by  the  president  or  moderator  of  the  Synod,  and  at  the  first  convention 
to  be  formed  by  delegates  from  the  respective  Synods,  be  read  and  entered  upon 
the  records  of  the  convention,  and  copies  of  all  the  declarations  be  transmitted 
to  each  Synod,  and  entered  upon  their  respective  records ;  which  records  shall 
remain  a  perpetual  witness  against  either  party  who  shall  ever  deviate  there- 
from. And  also,  that  each  Synod  shall  communicate  by  their  respective  dele- 
gates the  form  of  testimonials  or  credentials  given  to  their  candidates,  and  of 
those  to  ordain  ministers,  which  copies  shall  also  be  entered  on  the  records  of^ 
the  respective  Synods. 

"  2d.  On  the  third  inquiry,  that  we  will  mutually  watch  over  each  other's 
purity  in  doctrine  and  discipline,  and  be  ready  to  receive  complaints  against 
any  of  our  ministers  upon  these  subjects,  and  that  the  mode  in  which  such 
complaint  shall  be  preferred  and  prosecuted,  shall  be  either  by  individuals, 
who  may  prosecute  in  their  own  name,  cum  periculo ;  or  by  a  classis,  Presby- 
tery, or  Synod  of  a  sister  church,  in  which  case  it  shall  be  taken  up  as  a  fania 


1786.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  521 

clamosa,  and  prosecuted  by  the  classis,  Presbytery,  or  8ynod,  to  wbicli  tlie 
ofteiider  or  ofi'cnders  may  belong ;  and  the  whole  proceedings  on  the  subject 
shall  be  transmitted,  properly  authenticated  by  the  moderator,  the  praeses,  the 
scribe,  or  the  clerk,  to  the  informing  body  for  their  satisfiiction. 

"od.  On  the  fourth  inquiry,  resolved,  that  in  order  to  aid  the  exercise  of 
discipline,  and  discourage  fugitives  from  it,  every  Classis,  Presbytery,  or  Synod, 
shall  officially  communicate  to  its  neighbouring  Presbytery,  Classis,  or  Synod, 
the  name  or  names  of  every  minister  or  candidate  subject  to  censure,  either  of 
a  lesser  or  higher  nature,  after  which  such  Presbytery,  Classis,  or  Synod,  shall 
be  held  to  view,  and  treat  such  ministers  or  candidates  as  lying  under  ecclesias- 
tical censure,  to  all  intents  and  purposes  as  if  they  belonged  to  their  own  body, 
until  such  person  or  persons  shall  be  regularly  acquitted  or  restored  by  the 
judicatory  who  had  inflicted  such  censure. 

"  4th.  With  reference  to  the  fifth,  relating  to  such  grievances  as  may  here- 
after arise  in  congregations  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  different  corresponding 
Sj'uods,  it  is  determined  that  such  differences  shall  be  referred  to  the  considera- 
tion of  a  future  convention.  But  as  it  is  possible  that  some  contingencies  may 
arise,  which  will  render  a  call  of  the  convention  before  the  stated  time  of  meeting 
necessary,  so  it  is  resolved,  that  a  power  be  lodged  in  the  moderator  of  the  con- 
vention, with  the  consent  of  one  member  of  the  convention  at  least  from  each 
Synod,  by  circular  letters  to  call  an  extraordinary  convention,  provided  such  a 
call  be  not  more  than  once  in  one  year. 

"  5th.  The  convention  thought  proper  to  amend  the  resolution  of  their  com- 
mittee, by  agreeing  to  a  biennial  instead  of  an  annual  convention. 

''  On  motion  to  ascertain  and  limit  the  powers  of  the  convention  in  all  times 
to  come,  resolved,  that  those  powers  shall  be  merely  of  counsel  and  advice,  and 
that  it  shall  on  no  account  possess  judiciary  or  executive  authority,  and  every 
subject  that  shall  come  regularly  before  the  convention,  shall,  after  being  pro- 
perly digested,  be  referred  to  the  respective  Synods,  together  with  the  opinion 
of  the  convention,  and  the  reasons  on  which  it  is  founded,  for  their  judiciary 
and  ultimate  decision. 

"  Agreed,  that  the  convention  shall,  when  met,  set  apart  a  certain  portion  of 
their  time  for  social  and  fervent  prayer  to  Almighty  God,  for  his  blessing  on 
their  counsels  and  the  churches  they  represent ;  and  that  said  convention,  when- 
ever circumstances  appear  to  them  to  require  public  and  general  humiliation  or 
thanksgiving,  shall  recommend  to  the  corresponding  Synods  to  set  apart  the 
same  day  to  be  observed  thi-oughout  all  their  churches. 

"  Resolved,  That  Dr.  Rodgers,  Dr.  Livingston,  and  Mr.  Mason,  be  a  committee 
to  draw  out  three  fair  copies  of  the  above  minutes,  in  order  that  each  of  the 
corresponding  Synods  may  be  furnished  with  one. 

"  Concluded  with  prayer." 

The  consideration  of  the  above  report  was  deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

The  Synod  took  into  consideration  the  motion  made  last  year,  respecting  the 
time  to  be  employed  in  the  study  of  divinity  by  such  as  design  to  offer  them- 
selves for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  previous  to  their  being  taken  on  trials ; 
and  considering  the  present  circumstances  of  our  churches,  determined  it  in  the 
negative. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

20<A   day,   nine   o'clock,  A.  31.      Synod  met.      Post  preces  sederunt  qui 
supra. 

The  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee  to  meet  with  the  committees 
of  the  Low  Dutch  Reformed  Synod  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  and  of  the 
Associate  Reformed  Synod,  resumed.     It  appears  by  the  report  of  said  com- 
66 


522  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1786. 

mittee,  that  they  have  conversed  fully  and  freely  with  the  brethren  of  the  above 
Synods  on  the  subject  of  an  union  with  them,  and  the  Synod  approves  their 
diligence  and  fidelity  in  this  matter,  and  agree  to  appoint  a  committee  to  meet 
such  delegates  as  may  be  appointed  by  the  above  Synods  on  this  business,  in  the 
city  of  New  York  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  October  next. 

Dr.  Witherspoon,  Mr.  Matthew  Wilson,  and  Mr.  "Woodhull,  were  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  draw  up  instructions  to  regulate  the  conduct  of  the 
delegation  which  may  be  appointed  to  meet  the  committees  of  the  Low  Dutch 
Keformed  Synod  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  and  of  the  Associate  Reformed 
Synod. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  of  a  plan  for  the  division  of  the  Synod, 
reported,  that  they  had  met  and  made  some  progress  in  the  business,  but  that 
they  were  not  yet  prepared  to  lay  their  plan  before  Synod,  and  therefore  re- 
quested, that  they  might  have  leave  to  meet  again,  which  was  granted. 

On  motion  ordered,  that  Mr.*"  John  Smith  be  added  to  the  committee  appointed 
to  consider  of  a  plan  for  the  division  of  the  Synod. 

On  motion  ordered,  that  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Mr.  William  Linn,  and  Mr.  James 
Wilson,  be  a  committee  to  select  such  parts  of  the  proceedings  of  the  present 
sessions  of  the  Synod  as  they  may  judge  will  be  of  general  advantage  to  the 
church,  and  report  them  to  the  Synod  for  their  concurrence,  that  they  may  be 
printed. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  selection  from  the  diflFerent  versions 
of  the  psalms  to  be  used  in  our  churches,  which  might  give  more  general  satis- 
faction than  any  one  version  now  used,  report  that  they  had  paid  attention  to 
the  affair  but  had  not  yet  completed  it. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  committee  be  continued  to  carry  into  effect  the  busi- 
ness assigned  them,  and  make  report  next  Synod. 

Adjourned  till  Monday  next,  (22d,)  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning.  Concluded 
with  prayer. 

Monday,  22d  day,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  the  Synod  met.     Post  preces  sede- 
runt qui  supra. 

Mr.  McDonald  being  now  come  gave  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner,  which 
were  satisfactory. 

The  testimonials  of  Mr.  Walter  Monteith,  a  licensed  candidate  from  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Dunbarton  in  Scotland,  were  laid  before  Synod  by  the  Presbytery  of 
New  York  and  approved. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  and  report  a  draught  of  a  plan  for  the 
division  of  the  Synod  into  three  or  more  Synods,  brought  in  their  report,  which 
is  as  follows,  viz  : 

''  Your  committee  beg  leave  to  report,  that  they  conceive  it  proper,  previ- 
ously to  the  division  of  the  Synod,  to  divide  some  of  the  Presbyteries  which 
are  now  too  extensive  in  their  limits,  and  to  new-model  some  others,  so  as  to 
render  them  more  convenient  than  they  are  at  present ;  and,  therefore,  recom- 
mend to  Synod  to  institute  the  following  arrangement,  viz : 

"  1st.  That  Abingdon  Presbytery  be  divided  into  two  Presbyteries,  the  one 
to  be  bounded  by  New  River  on  the  north  and  east,  by  the  Apalachian  Moun- 
tains on  the  south,  and  by  Cumberland  Mountain  on  the  west,  consisting  of 
the  Rev.  Charles  Cummings,  Hezekiah  Balch,  John  Casson,  Samuel  Doak, 
and  Samuel  Houston,  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  the  Presbytery  of  Abing- 
don, and  to  hold  their  first  meeting  agreeably  to  adjournment  of  the  late  Pres- 
bytery of  Abingdon.  The  other  to  comprehend  the  district  of  Kentucky  and 
the  settlements  on  Cumberland  River,  consisting  of  the  Rev.  David  Rice, 
Thomas  Craighead,  Adam  Rankin,  Andrew  McClure,  and  James  Crawford,  to 


1786.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  523 

be  known  by  the  name  of  the  Presbytery  of  Transylvania,  and  to  meet  for  the 
first  time  at  Danville,  in  the  district  of  Kentucky,  on  the  third  Tuesday  of 
next  October,  the  llev.  David  liice  to  preside,  or  in  case  of  his  absence,  the 
senior  minister  present. 

"  2d.  That  the  Presbytery  of  Hanover  be  divided  into  two  Presbyteries,  the 
one  to  be  bounded  by  the  Apalachian  Mountains  on  the  north-west,  by  the 
Presbytery  of  Orange  on  the  south,  by  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal  on  the 
nortli  and  east,  and  by  the  Chesapeake  and  Atlantic  on  the  south-cast,  con- 
sisting of  the  llev.  Richard  Zanchy,  John  Todd,  James  Waddel,  William 
Irwin,  John  Blair  Smith,  James  Mitchel,  John  D.  Blair,  and  Daniel  ]\IcCalla, 
to  be  known  by  the  name  of  Hanover  Presbytery,  and  to  hold  their  first  meet- 
ing at  Hampden  Sidney,  in  Prince  Edwards  county,  on  the  third  Tuesday  of 
September  next,  the  llev.  Richard  Zanchy  to  preside,  or  in  his  absence  the 
senior  minister  present.  The  other  to  be  bounded  by  the  Presbytery  of  Red- 
stone and  Carlisle  on  the  North,  by  the  south-eastern  ridge  of  the  Apalachian 
Mountains  on  the  east  and  south,  and  by  New  River  on  the  west;  consisting  of 
the  Rev.  John  Brown,  William  Graham,  Archibald  Scott,  James  McConnel, 
Edward  Crawford,  Benjamin  Irwin,  John  Montgomery,  William  Wilson,  Moses 
Hoge,  John  McCue,  Samuel  Carrick,  and  Samuel  Shannon,  to  be  known  by 
the  name  of  the  Presbytery  of  Lexington,  and  to  meet  for  the  first  time  at 
Timber  Ridge,  in  Rock  Bridge  county,  on  the  last  Tuesday  of  September 
next,  the  Rev.  John  Brown  to  preside,  or  in  his  absence  the  senior  minister 
present. 

"od.  That  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal  be  divided  into  two  Presbyteries, 
one  of  which  to  consist  of  the  Rev.  John  Slemmons,  James  Hunt,  Stephen 
Balch,  and  Isaac  Keith,  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Patrick  Alison  from  the  late  second 
Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  and  the  Rev.  George  Luckey  from  the  Presby- 
tery of  New  Castle,  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  the  Presbytery  of  Baltimore, 
and  to  meet  for  the  first  time  in  Baltimore  town  on  the  last  Tuesday  of  Octo- 
ber next,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Alison  to  preside,  or  in  his  absence  the  senior  minister 
present.  The  other  to  consist  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Thompson,  John  Hoge, 
Hugh  McGill,  Robert  Cooper,  James  Martin,  James  Lang,  John  Craighead, 
John  King,  Hugh  Vance,  Thomas  McFerren,  John  McKnight,  Dr.  Robert 
Davidson,  John  Black,  Samuel  Dougall,  John  Lynn,  David  Beard,  Samuel 
Waugh,  Joseph  Henderson,  Matthew  Stevens,  and  James  Johnston,  with  the 
Rev.  John  Elder  and  Robert  McMordie,  from  the  late  second  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia,  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  the  Presbytery  of  Carlisle,  and  to 
hold  their  first  meeting  agreeably  to  the  adjournment  of  the  late  Presbytery  of 
Donegal. 

"  4th.  That  the  Rev.  Colin  McFarquhar,  late  of  the  Presbytery  of  Donegal, 
be  annexed  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle. 

"  5th.  That  the  distinction  of  first  Presbytery  and  second  Presbytery  of 
Philadelphia,  shall  henceforth  cease,  and  that  the  members  of  these  two  Pres- 
byteries, except  those  that  are  annexed  to  the  Presbyteries  of  Baltimore  and 
Carlisle,  be  united  into  one  Presbytery  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Philadelphia,  to  hold  their  first  meeting  on  the  third  Tuesday  of 
October  next  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Sproat  to  preside, 
or  in  his  absence  the  senior  minister  present. 

"  Your  committee  beg  leave  further  to  report,  that  they  conceive  it  will  be 
most  conducive  to  the  interests  of  religion  that  this  Synod  be  divided  into  four 
Synods,  and  therefore  submit  to  the  Synod  the  following  plan  for  dividing  the 
Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  into  four  distinct  Synods,  subordinate  to 
a  General  Assembly  to  be  constituted  out  of  the  whole. 

"  1st.  That  one   of  the  said  Synods  shall  consist  of  the  Presbyteries  of 


524  MINUTES  OF  THE   SYNOD  OF  [1786. 

Dutchess  county,  Suffolk,  New  York,  and  New  Brunswick,  to  be  known  by  the 
name  of  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey. 

"  2d.  That  another  Synod  shall  consist  of  the  Presbyteries  of  Philadelphia, 
Lewestown,  New  Castle,  Baltimore,  and  Carlisle,  to  be  known  by  the  name  of 
the  Synod  of  Philadelphia. 

"  3d.  That  another  Synod  shall  consist  of  the  Presbyteries  of  Redstone, 
Hanover,  Lexington,  and  Transylvania,  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  the  Synod 
of  Virginia. 

"  4th.  That  another  Synod  shall  consist  of  the  Presbyteries  of  Abingdon, 
Orange,  and  South  Carolina,  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  the  Synod  of  the 
Carolinas. 

"  5th.  That  out  of  the  body  of  these  Synods  a  General  Assembly  shall  be 
constituted  in  the  following  manner,  viz  :  That  every  Presbytery  shall,  at  their 
last  stated  meeting  preceding  ^he  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly,  depute  to 
the  General  Assembly  commissioners  in  the  following  proportion ;  each  Pres- 
bytery consisting  of  not  more  than  six  ministers  shall  send  one  minister  and 
one  elder ;  each  Presbytery  consisting  of  more  than  six  ministers  and  not  more 
than  twelve,  shall  send  two  ministers  and  two  elders,  and  so  in  the  same  pro- 
portion for  every  six  ministers.  And  these  commissioners  or  any  fourteen  of 
them,  whereof  seven  to  be  ministers,  being  met  on  the  day  and  at  the  place 
appointed,  shall  be  competent  to  enter  upon  business.  And  the  judicatory 
thus  constituted,  shall  bear  the  style  and  title  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America." 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  tlie  Synod  met      Postjpreces  sederunt  qui  siipra. 

The  committee  appointed  at  our  last  meeting  to  compile  a  system  of  disci- 
pline and  church  government,  brought  in  their  report,  part  of  which  was  read. 
Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

23fZ    day,  nine   o'clock,  A.   M.       Synod  met.      Post  preces   sederunt   qui 
supra. 

(Except  Dr.  Rodgers  and  Mr.  John  Miller,  who  had  leave  to  go  home.) 

The  committee  appointed  to  draw  up  instructions  to  regulate  the  conduct  of 
the  delegates,  to  meet  with  the  delegates  of  the  Low  Dutch  Reformed  Synod  of 
New  York  and  New  Jersey,  and  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  in  conven- 
tion in  the  city  of  New  York  in  October  next,  laid  them  before  Synod,  which 
with  some  amendments  were  approved,  and  are  as  follows,  viz : 

"  The  delegates  on  the  part  of  this  Synod  are  to  inform  the  convention  that 
this  body  is  about  to  divide  itself  into  four  Synods,  subordinate  to  a  General 
Assembly.  That  they  have  now  under  consideration  a  plan  of  church  govern- 
ment and  discipline,  which  it  is  hoped  will,  when  completed,  be  sufficient  to 
answer  every  query  of  the  convention  upon  that  head ;  and  that  the  mutual 
assurances  mentioned  in  the  minutes  of  the  last  convention,  may,  as  far  as  they 
respect  this  Synod,  be  made  with  much  more  propriety  after  the  intended 
system  is  finished  than  at  present. 

"  They  are  to  assure  the  convention  of  the  readiness  and  desire  of  this  body 
in  the  mean  time  to  unite,  in  a  consistent  manner,  their  influence  with  that  of 
the  other  Synods,  in  order  to  promote  the  spiritual  interest  and  best  good  of 
the  whole.  And  the  delegates  from  this  Synod  are  to  enter  into  a  friendly 
conference  with  those  of  the  other  Synods,  and  in  conjunction  with  them  to 
concert  such  measures  as  shall  appear  best  calculated  to  diffuse  harmony  and 


1786.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  525 

brotherly  love  through  the  several  churches,  and  promote  the  interest  of  the 
Redeemer's  kingdom,  and  to  make  report  of  the  whole  to  this  Synod  at  their 
meeting  in  May  next.  On  motion  resolved,  that  the  Rev.  Drs.  John  Wither- 
spoon,  John  Rodgers,  Alexander  McWhorter,  Messrs.  Israel  Read,  John 
Woodhull,  Nathan  Kerr,  with  the  moderator,  be  appointed,  and  they  are 
hereby  appointed  delegates  on  behalf  of  this  Synod  for  the  purposes  above 
mentioned. 

"  On  motion  resolved,  that  the  book  of  discipline  and  government  be  recom- 
mended to  a  committee  to  meet  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia  on  the  second  Tues- 
day of  September  next,  who  shall  have  powers  to  digest  such  a  system  as  they 
shall  think  to  be  accommodated  to  the  state  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Ame- 
rica, that  they  shall  procure  three  hundred  copies  to  be  printed  and  distributed  to 
the  several  Presbyteries  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  their  members  under  the 
engagement  of  this  Synod,  to  have  the  expense  of  printing  and  distribution 
reimbursed  to  the  committee  at  their  next  meeting ;  and  every  Presbytery  is 
hereby  required  to  report,  in  writing,  to  the  Synod  at  their  next  meeting,  their 
observations  on  the  said  book  of  government  and  discipline." 

The  committee  appointed  to  attend  to  the  above  business,  were  Drs.  Wither- 
spoon,  McWhorter,  Rodgers,  Sproat,  Duffield,  Alison,  and  Ewing;  Mr.  Mat- 
thew Wilson,  and  Dr.  Smith,  with  Isaac  Snowden,  Esquire,  Mr.  Robert  Tag- 
gart,  and  Mr.  John  Pinkerton,  elders. 

The  Synod  being  informed  that  several  disorders  and  disagreeable  circum- 
stances have  taken  place  in  some  of  the  churches  in  the  western  parts,  espe- 
cially within  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery  of  Abingdon,  to  the  great  prejudice 
of  the  interest  of  religion  in  those  parts,  did  appoint  Mr.  McCorkle,  Mr.  Scott, 
Mr.  Moses  Hoge,  Mr.  Francis  Cummings,  Mr.  John  Smith,  and  Mr.  Vance,  or 
a  majority  of  them,  with  an  elder  to  accompany  each,  as  a  committee,  in  the 
name  of  the  Synod,  to  meet  at  Salem  Church,  on  the  waters  of  Nola  Chucky, 
on  the  second  Wednesday  of  October  next,  with  power  to  them  to  call  before 
them  such  persons  concerned  in  these  disturbances,  as  are  members  of,  or  under 
the  authority  of  this  Synod,  to  hear  and  consider  what  shall  be  represented  to 
them,  and  take  proof  of  disputed  allegations,  if  necessary ;  to  endeavour,  with 
prudence  and  meekness,  to  accommodate  differences ;  where  this  cannot  be 
wholly  effected,  and  matters  appear  to  them  to  be  ripe  for  decision,  and  they  be 
unanimous,  to  give  judgment;  if  not  unanimous,  that  they  cite  all  whom  they 
think  necessary,  to  appear  before  the  Synod,  or  General  Assembly,  at  the  next 
meeting,  to  have  the  matter  fully  judged,  only  taking  care  in  any  case  where 
proof  is  necessary,  that  it  be  taken  upon  the  spot,  that  there  may  be  no  unneces- 
sary delay  of  a  final  and  effectual  settlement.  They  are  also  empowered,  if 
there  appear  to  them  any  urgent,  or  very  doubtful  censures  inflicted  by  any  of 
the  parties  upon  others,  to  suspend  the  execution  till  the  meeting  of  the  Synod, 
or  General  Assembly. 

The  members  of  the  Presbytery  of  Abingdon  are  required  by  Synod  to  read 
the  above  appointment  publicly  in  their  congregations,  at  least  four  weeks  before 
the  meeting  of  the  committee,  and  this  reading  shall  be  considered  as  a  citation 
to  all  parties  concerned,  to  appear;  and  if  any  fail  to  appear,  the  committee, 
however,  shall  proceed  to  take  evidence  as  they  shall  see  cause ;  and  no  evidence 
pretended  to  be  produced  afterwards,  shall  be  admitted  to  invalidate  the  mea- 
sures of  the  committee,  or  to  prevent  the  decision  of  Synod. 
Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  d clock,  P.  M.      The  Synod  met.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  siqjra. 
The  minutes  of  the  Presbytery  of  Lewestown  were  reviewed  by  the  commit- 
tee appointed  for  that  purpose,  to  page  122,  who  reported  a  number  of  omis- 
sions and  inaccuracies  upon  their  records,  which  appear  to  Synod  to  have  been 


526  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  '  [1786. 

occasioned  by  the  tumultuous  state  of  the  country  during  the  revolution,  and 
the  hasty  manner  in  which  they  were  obliged  to  transact  business.  Whereupon, 
the  Synod  gave  orders,  that  that  Presbytery  in  future  have  their  minutes  care- 
fully revised  before  they  are  recorded. 

The  minutes  of  the  First  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  were  reviewed  by  the 
committee  appointed  for  that  purpose,  unto  page  13,  and  were  approved. 

In  consequence  of  an  overture  which  was  brought  in,  the  Synod  earnestly 
recommend  to  all  the  vacant  congregations  under  their  care,  to  meet  together 
every  Lord's  day,  at  one  or  more  places,  for  the  purposes  of  prayer  and  praises, 
and  reading  the  Holy  Scriptures,  together  with  the  works  of  such  approved 
divines  as  they  may  be  able  to  procure,  and  that  the  elders  be  the  persons  who 
shall  pray,  and  select  the  portions  of  Scripture  and  other  books,  to  be  read  by 
any  proper  person  whom  they  may  appoint. 

The  Synod  considering  the  education  of  youth,  and  their  being  early  in- 
structed in  the  principles  of  religion,  as  the  most  useful  means  of  promoting 
the  influence  of  the  gospel  in  our  churches,  resolved,  that  it  be  enjoined  on 
every  Presbytery,  in  appointing  supplies  to  their  vacant  congregations,  to  take 
order  that  every  vacant  congregation  within  their  limits,  be  carefully  catechized 
at  least  once  in  a  year,  in  the  same  manner  as  is  required  by  the  order  of  our 
church  in  congregations  supplied  with  regular  pastors,  and  that  the  ministers 
appointed  to  this  duty  be  required,  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Presbytery,  to 
render  an  account  of  their  fidelity  in  this  respect,  and  that  the  Presbyteries  be 
required  to  render  an  account  of  their  attention  to  this  order  at  the  next  meet- 
ing of  Synod. 

On  motion  made  and  seconded.  Ordered,  That  every  Presbytery  take  effectual 
measures  to  raise  from  each  congregation  under  their  care,  whether  supplied 
with  a  pastor  or  vacant,  a  collection,  previous  to  the  next  meeting  of  Synod, 
for  defraying  the  expenses  of  printing  the  public  acts  of  Synod,  and  for  print- 
ing and  distributing  the  book  of  government  and  discipline,  and  for  such 
other  purposes  as  to  the  Synod  shall  seem  proper,  and  that  each  Presbytery 
send  said  collections  with  some  one  of  their  members  who  shall  attend  Synod 
next  year,  and  the  Synod  agree  to  render  to  the  people  an  account  of  the  dis- 
bursements. 

In  consequence  of  a  request  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  for  some 
ministers,  or  probationers,  to  be  sent  to  preach  the  gospel  in  their  vacancies 
above  Albany,  the  Synod  appointed  Mr.  Burton  to  supply  in  those  parts  as 
much  as  he  conveniently  can  through  the  ensuing  summer,  and  recommended  to 
Mr.  Thompson  to  pay  a  visit  to  those  vacancies  for  the  same  purpose,  at  such 
time  as  he  may  find  most  convenient. 

The  Synod  proceeded  to  consider  the  report  of  the  committee  on  a  plan  for 
dividing  the  Synod  into  three  or  more  Synods,  and  adopted  it  so  far  as  respects 
the  arranging  of  Presbyteries ;  and  the  Synod  do  hereby  establish  the  arrange- 
ment therein  contained.  The  consideration  of  the  remaining  part  of  the  report 
was  deferred  till  our  next  stated  meeting,  at  which  time  the  several  Presbyteries 
are  desired  to  attend  prepared  to  determine  respecting  it. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


Wednesday/,  24:th  dai/,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  Messrs.  Semple,  John  Hoge,  Latta,  Martin,  and  Barr,  who  had 
leave  to  go  home.) 

On  motion,  Ordered,  That  each  Presbytery  lay  before  Synod  next  year, 
an  accurate  list  which  may  be  printed,  of  the  names  of  their  settled  ministers, 
according  to  their  seniority  in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  with  the  places  of 


1787.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  527 

their  residence ;  and  also  of  the  probationers,  and  vacant  congregations  under 
tLeir  care. 

And  in  order  to  prevent  irregularity,  uncertainty,  and  waste  of  time,  ordered, 
that  each  Presbytery,  at  the  meeting  immediately  preceding  the  meeting  of  Synod, 
draw  up  their  report  in  writing,  and  ajipoint  a  member  to  deliver  it. 

The  Synod  viewing,  with  serious  coucorn,  the  decay  of  vital  religion,  and  the 
prevalence  of  immorality,  do  hereby  appoint  the  third  Thursday  of  August  next, 
to  be  observed  as  a  day  of  solemn  fasting,  humiliation,  and  prayer,  by  all  the 
churches  under  their  care. 

The  following  case  of  conscience  from  Donegal  Presbytery,  was  overtured, 
viz :  whether  Christian  masters,  or  mistresses,  ought,  in  duty,  to  have  such 
children  baptized  as  are  Under  their  care,  though  born  of  parents  not  in  the 
communion  of  any  Christian  church  ?  Upon  this  overture  Synod  are  of  opinion 
that  Christian  masters  and  mistresses,  whose  religious  professions  and  conduct 
are  such  as  to  give  them  a  right  to  the  ordinance  of  baptism  for  their  own  child- 
ren, may  and  ought  to  dedicate  the  children  of  their  household  to  God,  in  that 
ordinance,  when  they  have  no  scruple  of  conscience  to  the  contrary. 

It  was  overtured,  whether  Christian  slaves,  having  children  at  the  entire  di- 
rection of  unchristian  masters,  and  not  having  it  in  their  power  to  instruct  them 
in  religion,  are  bound  to  have  them  baptized ;  and  whether  a  gospel  minister  in 
this  predicament  ought  to  baptize  them  I*  and  Synod  determined  the  question  in 
the  affirmative. 

It  was  moved  and  agreed,  that  each  member  present  pay  into  the  hand  of 
Isaac  Snowden,  Esquire,  his  equal  share  to  defray  the  expense  of  the  present 
meeting  of  Synod,  and  that  Mr.  Snowden  pay  to  the  stated  clerk  of  Synod, 
out  of  the  money  so  deposited,  the  sum  of  three  pounds,  for  his  trouble  in 
transcribing  the  minutes  of  this  year;  and  to  the  janitor,  three  pounds  five 
shillings,  for  his  attendance  on  the  present  sessions ;  and  that  he  also  pay  the 
printer  for  printing  the  acts  and  proceedings  of  the  Synod,  if  he  shall  have 
sufficient  in  his  hand  for  that  purpose ;  and  if  the  money  in  his  hand  shall 
not  be  sufficient,  the  Synod  engage  to  make  up  the  remainder  at  their  next 
meeting. 

Messrs.  Francis  Peppard,  John  Simonton,  James  Finley,  James  Boyd,  James 
Anderson,  James  Grier,  Thomas  Read,  and  John  Finley,  having  withdrawn 
from  Synod  without  leave,  resolved,  that  they  be  recorded  as  inattentive  to  their 
duty  in  that  instance. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o^cloch^  P.  M.     Synod  met.     Postpreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

As  matters  of  the  greatest  importance  are  expected  to  come  before  the  Synod 
at  their  next  meeting,  it  is  earnestly  requested  that  all  the  members  of  Synod 
would  be  punctual  in  their  attendance. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  next  May,  to  meet  in  the  Second 
Presbyterian  Church,  in  Philadelphia,  at  eleven  o'clock;  A.  M. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 

1787. 

May  l&tli,  1787,  11   o'clock,  A.  31. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  met  according  to  adjournment, 
in  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia.  Ubi  post 
preces  sederunt 

Of  Dutchess  County  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Davenport. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery :   the  Rev.  Drs.  John  Rodgers,  and  Alexander 


528  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1787. 

McWhorter,  and  Rev.  Messrs.  Jedidiah  Chapman,  Alexander  Miller,  James 
Wilson,  and  John  McDonald. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Woodhull,  James 
F.  Armstrong,  Joseph  Clark,  and  William  Boyd. 

Of  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Drs.  James  Sproat,  G-eorge  Duffield, 
and  John  Ewing,  and  Rev.  Messrs.  Samuel  Blair,  James  Boyd,  William 
Mackey  Tennent,  Nathaniel  Irwin,  Andrew  Hunter,  George  Faitout,  and  John 
Johnston. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Dr.  Robert  Smith,  and  Rev.  Messrs. 
Colin  McFarquhar,  John  McCreary,  Alexander  Mitchell,  James  Anderson, 
William  Smith,  James  Munro,  and  John  Burton. 

Of  Lewes  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  McMasters. 

Of  Carlisle  Presbytery  :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Craighead,  John  King,  Hugh 
Vance,  John  Black,  John  McKnight,  John  Lynn,  and  Samuel  Waugh. 

Of  Baltimore  Presbytery :  ^he  Rev.  Mr.  Isaac  Keith. 

Of  Redstone  Presbytery  :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Finley,  John  McMillan, 
James  Power,  and  Samuel  Barr. 

Of  Lexington  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Montgomery,  Moses  Hoge, 
and  Samuel  Carrick. 

Of  Hanover  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Blair  Smith. 

Of  South  Carolina  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Simpson,  James  Tem- 
pleton,  and  Francis  Cummings. 

Of  Abingdon  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Hezekiah  Balch,  John  Cosson, 
Samuel  Doak,  and  Samuel  Houston. 

Elders :  Mr.  Abraham  Vangelder,  Col.  John  Bayard,  Mr.  John  Pinkerton, 
Mr.  Robert  Taggart,  Mr.  Benjamin  Snodgrass,  Mr.  William  Boyd,  and  Dr. 
Thomas  Henderson. 

Absent :  Of  Dutchess  County  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Solomon  Mead, 
Wheeler  Case,  Ichabod  Lewis,  Samuel  Mills,  Blackleach  Burrit. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Timothy  Jones,  D.  D.,  Aaron 
Richards,  Jonathan  Elmer,  John  MoflPat,  Hugh  Knox,  D.  D.,  Abner  Brush, 
Benjamin  Woodruff,  Azel  Roe,  Nathan  Kerr,  James  Thompson,  John  Close, 
William  Woodhull,  Jacob  Vanarsdalen,  William  Schenck,  John  Joline,  Andrew 
King,  James  Wilson,  sen.,  James  Glassbrook. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Guild,  John  Wither- 
spoon,  D.  D.,  Israel  Reed,  Samuel  Kennedy,  John  Hanna,  Thomas  Smith,  Samuel 
Stanhope  Smith,  D.  D.,  John  Warford,  Philip  Stockton,  Joseph  Rue,  Peter 
Wilson,  Walter  Monteith,  James  Muir. 

Of  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Simonton,  Francis  Pep- 
pard,  James  Watt,  William  Pickles,  James  Grier,  William  McKee. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery  :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  William  McKennan,  James 
Latta,  Thomas  Read,  James  Anderson,  Thomas  Smith,  Daniel  Jones,  Nathaniel 
Semple,  John  E.  Finley. 

Of  Lewes  Presbytery  :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Miller,  Matthew  Wilson, 
D.  D.,  Jacob  Kerr,  John  Rankin. 

Of  Baltimore  Presbytery  :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Hunt,  John  Slemmons, 
Patrick  Alison,  D.  D.,  Stephen  B.  Balch. 

Of  Carlisle  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Elder,  John  Hoge,  Hugh 
McGill,  Charles  Nesbit,  D.  D.,  James  Martin,  Robert  McMordie,  Robert 
Cooper,  James  Lang,  Thomas  McFerrin,  Robert  Davidson,  D.  D.,  Samuel 
Dougal,  David  Bard,  Joseph  Henderson,  Matthew  Stevens,  James  John- 
ston. 

Of  Redstone  Presbytery  :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Clark,  Joseph  Smith, 
Thaddeus  Dod,  James  Dunlap. 

Of  Lexington  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Brown,  William  Graham, 


1787.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  529 

James  McConncll,  Archibald  Scott,  Edward  Crawford,  Benjamin  Irwin,  William 
Wilson,  John  McCue. 

Of  Hanover  Presbytery  :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Richard  Zanehy,  John  Todd, 
James  Waddell,  William  Irwin,  James  jMitchell,  John  D.  Blair. 

Of  Abingdon  Presbytery  :  the  Rev.  Mr.  Charles  Cummings. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  South  Carolina  :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Edmonds, 
John  Harris,  Joseph  Alexander,  Thomas  Reese,  Thomas  H.  McCall,  Robert 
Finley,  Robert  Hall,  Robert  Mechlin. 

And  the  whole  of  the  Presbyteries  of  Suffolk,  Orange,  and  Transylvania. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  the  last  year's  moderator,  with  a  sermon  from  Mat- 
thew xviii.  17. 

Mr.  Chapman  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Mr.  Armstrong  and  Mr.  James 
Wilson,  clerks. 

Messrs.  Davenport,  Chapman,  Irwin,  Dr.  McWhorter,  IMr.  Mitchell,  Mr. 
Munro,  Mr.  McFarquhar,  Mr.  King,  Mr.  Craighead,  Mr.  Vance,  Mr.  Black, 
Mr.  McKuight,  Mr.  McMasters,  Mr.  Montgomery,  Mr.  Casson,  Mr.  Power, 
Mr.  McMillan,  Mr.  Balch,  and  Mr.  Simpson,  gave  their  reasons  of  absence  from 
last  Synod,  which  were  sustained. 

The  following  members  were  appointed  a  committee  of  overtures,  to  meet  in 
this  church,  to-morrow  morning,  at  six  o'clock,  and  afterwards  on  their  own  ad- 
journments, viz.  Messrs.  Davenport,  McDonald,  William  Boyd,  Irwin,  Burton, 
McMasters,  McKnight,  Keith,  Power,  JMontgomery,  J.  B.  Smith,  Simonton, 
and  Balch,  ministers,  and  Mr.  Vangelder,  Col.  Bayard,  Mr.  Pinkerton,  Mr.  Tag- 
gart,  Mr.  Snodgrass,  and  Mr.  Boyd,  elders. 

Ordered,  That  the  several  Presbyteries  bring  in  their  respective  reports  to- 
morrow morning,  in  writings  and  also  a  list  of  their  members,  according  to  their 
seniority  in  the  ministry,  with  the  names  of  the  congregations  in  which  they  are 
settled,  and  also  the  names  of  the  probationers  and  vacant  congregations  under 
their  care,  that  the  same  may  be  printed. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  reported,  that  they  had  taken  some  steps 
in  the  affair  respecting  Mr.  Treat,  but  were  prevented  from  proceeding  by  his 
removal  by  death. 

Mr.  Burton's  excuse  for  not  visiting  the  congregations  to  the  northward  and 
westward  of  Albany,  was  sustained. 

The  fast  day  appointed  by  last  Synod  was  observed  in  all  the  Presbyteries, 
except  Dutchess  County,  Redstone,  and  South  Carolina,  which  Presbyteries  did 
not  hear  of  the  appointment  till  after  the  day  was  past. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Ma^  17th,  1787,  nine  o'clock,  A.  31.  the  Si/nod  met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment.     Vhi post  jireces  sedenmt  qui  supra. 

Messrs.  Thomas  Read,  Nathaniel  W.  Semple,  James  Latta,  Azel  Roe,  Joseph 
Rue,  and  John  Slemmons,  and  also  Col.  James  Mercer,  Mr.  Semple's  elder.  Dr. 
Bloomfield,  Mr.  Roe's  elder,  Mr.  John  Smith,  Mr.  Rue's  elder,  and  Samuel 
Irwin,  Mr.  Tennent's  elder,  are  now  come ;  their  reasons  for  not  attending 
sooner,  were  sustained. 

The  testimonials  of  Mr.  Hugh  Morrison,  a  probationer  from  the  Presbytery 
of  Root,  in  the  kingdom  of  Ireland,  were  presented  by  Carlisle  Presbytery,  and 
were  sustained  by  the  Synod. 

It  was  moved  and  agreed,  that  each  member  of  Synod  do  now  pay  into  the 
hand  of  Col.  Bayard,  the  sum  of  one  quarter  of  a  dollar,  towards  defraying  the 
expense  of  the  present  meeting ;  which  was  accordingly  done,  amounting  to 
£7  7s.  %d. 

The  Presbytery  of  Dutchess  county  reported,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel 
67 


530  MINUTES  OP  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1787. 

Socket  had  been  removed  by  death  since  the  last  report  was  made  to  Synod ; 
that  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Davenport  had  been  received  as  a  member  of  their  body 
upon  proper  testimonials  from  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk,  and  installed  pastor  at 
Bedford. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  York  reported,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simon  Horton  was 
removed  by  death  on  the  tenth  day  of  last  3Iay ;  that  they  had  received  as  a 
member  with  them  the  Rev.  Mr.  James  Thompson,  agreeably  to  the  order  of 
last  Synod,  admitting  him  to  join  such  Presbytery  as  he  might  see  meet;  that 
they  had  received  the  Rev.  Mr.  William  Schenck,  on  proper  testimonials  from 
the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia;  and  that  they  had  dismissed  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Lynn,  in  consequence  of  his  having  accepted  a  call  from  the  Low  Dutch 
Reformed  Church  of  New  York. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick  reported,  that  they  had  ordained  jNL:. 
Walter  Monteith  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  at  New  Brunswick,  on  the 
sixth  day  of  Decenber  last ;  hnd  that  they  had  dismissed  Mr.  Ashbel  Green,  a 
licensed  candidate  under  their  care,  in  order  to  put  himself  under  the  care  of 
the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia.  3Ir.  Monteith  being  present  took  his  seat  as  a 
member. 

The  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  reported,  that  they  had,  since  last  Synod, 
dismissed  the  Rev.  Mr.  Israel  Evans  to  take  charge  of  a  congregation  at  Wey- 
mouth, in  Massachusetts,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  William  Schenck  to  join  the 
Presbytery  of  New  York,  and  also  Mr.  Nathan  Grier,  a  probationer,  that  he 
might  put  himself  under  the  care  of  New  Castle  Presbytery,  in  consequence 
of  his  having  accepted  a  call  from  Brandywine  congregation,  within  their 
bounds ;  and  that  they  had  received  Mr.  Ashbel  Green,  a  probationer  from  the 
Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick,  and  ordained  him  on  the  15th  instant,  as  co- 
pastor  of  the  second  Presbyterian  church  in  this  city,  with  the  Rev.  Dr.  Sproat. 
Mr.  Green  being  present  took  his  seat  as  a  member,  and  Isaac  Snowden,  Esq., 
his  elder. 

The  Presbytery  of  New  Castle  reported,  that  they  had  received  Mr.  Nathan 
Grier  from  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  as  a  candidate  under  their  care,  on 
proper  testimonials  from  said  Presbytery. 

The  Presbyteries  of  Lewes  and  Baltimore  informed  the  Synod  that  they  had 
no  report  to  make. 

The  Presbytery  of  Carlisle  reported,  that  they  had  received  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Charles  Nesbit  upon  credentials  from  the  Presbytery  of  Brechin,  in  Scotland ; 
and  that  the  Rev.  Samuel  Thompson  was  removed  by  death  on  the  29th  day  of 
April  last. 

The  Presbytery  of  Redstone  reported,  that,  since  the  last  meeting  of  Synod, 
they  had  received  the  Rev.  Samuel  Barr,  upon  proper  testimonials  from  New 
Castle  Presbytery. 

The  Presbytery  of  Lexington  reported,  that  they  had  dismissed  Messrs.  Craw- 
ford and  Shannon,  in  consequence  of  their  signifying  their  intentions  to  remove 
to  Kentucky. 

The  Presbytery  of  Hanover  reported,  that  they  had  dismissed  the  Rev.  Daniel 
McCalla,  in  consequence  of  his  having  accepted  a  call  from  the  congregation 
near  Charleston,  South  Carolina. 

The  Presbytery  of  South  Carolina  reported,  that  pursuant  to  an  order  of 
Synod,  the  Presbytery  of  South  Carolina  met  for  the  first  time  at  the  Wax- 
haws  church  on  the  12th  day  of  April,  1785,  and  that  the  Rev.  Thomas  H. 
McCaule  and  James  Templeton,  having  produced  regular  dismissions  from 
Orange  Presbytery  in  order  to  join  them,  were  accordingly  received  as  mem- 
bers of  that  Presbytery;  Messrs.  Robert  Finley,  Robert  Hall,  and  Robert 
Mecklin,  late  probationers  under  the  care  of  Orange  Presbytery,  having  pro- 
duced regular  dismissions  from  the  same,  in  order  to  put  themselves  under  the 


1787.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  531 

care  of  this  Presbytery,  were  received  accordingly ;  tliat  in  June,  1785,  they 
had  ordained  and  installed  Mr.  Piobert  Finley  pastor  of  the  Waxhaws  church  ; 
that  in  July  they  had  ordained  and  installed  Mr.  Pvobert  Hall  pastor  of  the 
united  churches  of  Upper  Long  Cane  and  Saluda  ;  that  on  July  2Uth,  they  had 
ordained  and  installed  3Ir.  Kobert  Mecklin  pastor  of  the  united  churches  of 
Lower  Long  Cane  and  Rocky  River;  and  that  at  their  second  meeting,  viz  : 
on  October  12th,  1785,  they  had  cut  ofi"  the  Rev.  Thomas  Hill  from  member- 
ehip  with  the  same  for  contumacy. 

The  Presbytery  of  Abingdon  reported,  that  they  had  licensed  Mr.  James 
Balch  to  preach  the  gospel. 

3Ir.  Lucas  Alrick.s,  Mr.  William  Smith's  elder,  is  now  come. 

The  several  Presbyteries  gave  in  a  list  of  their  members,  &c.  agreeably  to 
the  order  of  yesterday. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  revising  the  Synod  book,  procure  said  book 
to  be  rebound,  and  to  add  as  much  blank  paper  as  they  may  judge  necessary, 
and  to  call  on  Col.  Bayard  for  the  expenses  thereof;  and  that  they  insert  the 
index  now  given  in  when  completely  finished,  and  transcribe  the  selections  when 
made  agreeably  to  order  of  Synod. 

Doctor  Duffield  and  Mr.  Blair,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the 
Presbytery  book  of  Dutchess  county. 

Mr.  Latta  and  Mr.  McCreary  were  appointed  to  examine  New  York  Pres- 
bytery book. 

Doctor  !McWhorter  and  Mr.  Miller,  were  appointed  to  examine  Philadelphia 
Presbytery  book. 

3Ir.  Black  and  3Ir.  King,  were  appointed  to  examine  New  Castle  Presbytery 
book. 

Mr.  Woodhull  and  Mr.  William  Boyd  were  appointed  to  examine  the  South 
Carolina  Presbytery  book. 

Doctors  Rodgers  and  Smith,  were  appointed  to  examine  Abingdon  Presby- 
tery book. 

Dr.  Duffield,  Dr.  Ewing,  Col.  Bayard,  and  Isaac  Snowden,  Esq'r.  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  receive  the  collections  made  by  the  Presbyteries  in 
the  several  congregations  within  their  bounds,  for  defraying  the  expenses  of 
printing  the  public  acts  of  Synod,  &c.  agreeable  to  their  order  of  last  year, 
and  to  state  accurately  the  moneys  received  from  each  Presbytery  and  con- 
gregation, and  to  inspect  and  settle  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Witherspoon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  draught  of  a  plan  of  government  and 
discipline,  reported,  that  they  had,  agreeably  to  order,  prepared  a  draught  and 
distributed  copies  to  the  respective  Presbyteries.  Ordered,  that  the  several 
Presbyteries  bring  in  their  observations  on  the  said  draught  in  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  Vith,  three  o^doch,  P.  31.      The  Synod  met  agreeably  to  adjournment. 
Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Simonton  is  now  come ;  his  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner 
were  sustained. 

Ordered,  That  Drs.  McWhorter  and  Duffield,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Read,  be  a 
committee  to  select  such  parts  of  the  proceedings  of  the  present  sessions  of  the 
Synod  as  they  may  judge  will  be  of  general  advantage  to  the  church,  and  re- 
port them  to  the  Synod  for  their  concurrence,  that  they  may  be  printed,  and 
also  to  prepare  for  printing  and  report  to  Synod  a  list  of  the  ministers,  proba- 
tioners, and  congregations,  belonging  to  the  Synod,  agreeably  to  the  reports  of 
the  Presbyteries. 


532  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1787. 

On  inquiry  being  made  whether  the  several  Presbyteries  had  complied  •with 
tlje  order  of  last  year,  respecting  catechizing  vacant  congregations,  it  appeared 
that  the  Presbyteries  of  New  York,  New  Brunswick,  New  Castle,  Baltimore, 
and  Carlisle,  had  complied  therewith ;  that  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  had 
complied  in  part;  that  the  Presbyteries  of  Lewes  and  Redstone  had  not  com- 
plied ;  that  Lexington  had  complied  with  it  as  far  as  their  circumstances  would 
admit  •  that  Hanover  and  Abingdon  found  it  impracticable  ',  and  that  South 
Carolina  Presbytery  had  not  received  the  order  in  time  to  take  any  measures  in 
the  affair. 

Resolved,  That  the  order  of  last  Synod,  respecting  the  catechizing  of  all 
vacant  congregations  under  their  care,  be  a  standing  order  of  Synod. 

A  letter  from  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk  addressed  to  the  moderator  of  Synod, 
praying  that  the  union  between  them  and  the  Synod  may  be  dissolved,  was 
read.  The  Synod  appointed  Dr.  McWhorter  to  bring  in  a  draught  of  a  letter 
in  answer  thereto,  and  that*^  Dr.  McWhorter,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Messrs.  Wood- 
hull,  Roe,  and  Davenport,  be  a  committee  to  meet  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk 
at  Huntingdon,  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  next  September  at  two  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  and  that  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk  be  desired,  by  timely  notice,  to  meet 
with  the  committee,  in  order  to  enter  into  free  and  full  conversation  upon  this 
subject,  and  the  committee  to  make  report  at  the  next  sessions  of  Synod. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer 

Mat/  ISth,  nine  o'clock,  A.  31.     Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Ubi 
post  preces  sederunt  qid  sujyra. 

Mr.  Jacob  Vanarsdalen  and  Dr.  Alison  are  now  come ;  their  reasons  for  not 
coming  sooner  were  sustained. 

Doctor  McWhorter,  agreeably  to  order,  brought  in  a  draught  of  a  letter  to 
the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk,  which  was  approved,  and  ordered  to  be  signed  by 
the  moderator  and  sent  to  that  Presbytery,  and  is  as  follows : 

"  To  the  Reverend  the  Preshytery  of  Suffolk  County  : 

"  Reverend  and  dear  Brethren : — We  received  a  letter  from  you,  dated  April 
11th,  1787,  which  both  surprised  and  grieved  us,  by  informing  us  'that  you 
think  it  needful  that  the  union  between  you  and  us  should  be  dissolved.'  We 
are  surprised  that  a  matter  of  so  great  importance,  as  breaking  the  peace  and 
unity  of  the  church,  should  be  so  suddenly  gone  into,  without  our  receiving 
any  information  of  the  matter  in  respect  to  any  previous  things  leading  to  such 
an  event.  We  declare  that  we  have  done  nothing  which  we  know  of,  that 
should  be  so  much  as  matter  of  offence  to  you,  much  less  a  ground  of  withdraw- 
ment  or  separation.  We  have  always  supposed  that  you,  as  brethren  with  us, 
believed  in  the  same  general  system  of  doctrine,  discipline,  worship,  and  church 
government,  as  the  same  is  contained  in  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith, 
Catechisms,  and  Directory.  You  inform  us  '  that  your  local  situation  renders 
it  inconvenient  to  maintain  the  union.'  This  is  the  same  that  ever  it  was, 
when  we  took  sweet  counsel  together,  strengthened  each  other's  hands  in  the 
advancement  of  the  cause  of  our  dear  Redeemer,  stood  firm  in  opposition  to 
the  enemies  of  our  religion,  and  greatly  comforted  and  encouraged  one  an- 
other. 

"You  say  '  that  concurrence  with  the  draught  of  the  form  of  government 
and  discipline  for  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  North  America,  is  impractica- 
ble.' That  is  only  a  draiight  or  overture  for  consideration  and  amendment, 
and  we  should  have  rejoiced  much  to  have  had  your  company  and  aid  in  point- 
ing out  those  impracticabilities,  and  in  altering,  correcting,  and  completing  the 
said  draught.     We  apprehend  there  are  no  principles  in  it  different  from  the 


1787.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  533 

Westminster  Directory,  only  the  same  rendered  more  explicit  in  some  things, 
and  more  conformable  to  the  state  and  circumstances  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  America. 

"  You  likewise  add,  '  the  churches  in  your  limits  will  not  comply  therewith.' 
Perhaps  those  churches,  from  some  cause  unknown  to  us,  may  have  hastily  im- 
bibed groundless  prejudices,  which  by  taking  some  pains  with  them,  and  by 
giving  a  proper  explanation  of  the  matter,  might  be  readily  removed.  We  are 
fully  of  opinion  that  the  general  principles  in  said  draught  contain  the  plan 
of  church  discipline  and  government  revealed  in  the  New  Testament,  and  are 
conformable,  (allowances  being  made  for  the  differences  in  the  states  of  civil 
society  and  local  circumstances,)  to  the  practices  and  usages  of  the  best  re- 
formed churches. 

"  Wherefore,  dearly  beloved  brethren,  in  the  bowels  of  brotherly  love,  we  en- 
treat you  to  reconsider  the  resolution  expressed  in  your  letter. 

"  You  well  know  that  it  is  not  a  small  thing  to  rend  the  seamless  coat  of 
Christ,  or  to  be  disjoined  parts  of  that  one  body,  his  church.  We  are  all  mem- 
bers one  of  another ;  there  should  be  no  schism  in  the  body,  but  we  should 
comfort,  encourage,  and  strengthen  one  another  by  the  firmest  union  in  our  com- 
mon Lord.  We  are  Presbyterians,  and  we  firmly  believe  the  Presbyterian  sys- 
tem of  doctrine,  discipline,  and  church  government,  to  be  nearer  to  the  word  of 
God  than  that  of  any  other  sect  or  denomination  of  Christians.  Shall  all  other 
sects  and  parties  be  united  among  themselves  for  their  support  and  increase,  and 
Presbyterians  divided  and  subdivided,  so  as  to  be  the  scorn  of  some  and  the 
prey  of  others  ?  In  order  to  testify  to  you  the  high  sense  we  entertain  of  the 
importance  of  union  in  the  Presbyterian  body  in  America,  we  have  appointed  a 
committee,  viz :  The  Kev.  Dr.  Rodgers,  Dr.  McWhorter,  Mr.  Roe,  Mr.  John 
Woodhull,  and  Mr.  Davenport,  to  wait  upon  you  to  converse  with  you,  and  to 
endeavour  to  remove  difficulties. 

"  Therefore,  we  request  the  moderator  of  your  Presbytery  to  call  the  same 
together  to  meet  our  committee  at  Huntingdon  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  Sep- 
tember for  these  purposes,  at  which  time  and  place  our  committee  are  appointed 
to  attend,  that  you  may  in  a  spirit  of  candour  and  love  reconsider  your  resolu- 
tion, and  continue  in  a  state  of  union  with  us,  and  that  we  may,  by  our  united 
efforts,  advance  the  kingdom  of  our  glorious  Redeemer,  is  the  earnest  prayer  of 
your  affectionate  and  grieved  brethren. 

"Signed  by  order  of  the  Synod. 

"  Jedidiah  Chapman,  Moderator. 

«  PMadelpMa,  May  ISth,  1787." 

Messrs.  Irwin  and  Green  were  appointed  to  examine  the  Baltimore  Presby- 
tery book. 

The  Synod  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  draught  of  a  plan  of  govern- 
ment, &c.  The  Presbytery  of  Baltimore  gave  in  their  remarks  on  said  draught, 
which  were  read.  The  Synod  then  proceeded  to  consider  the  draught,  para- 
graph by  paragraph. 

Doctor  Witherspoon  is  now  come,  and  his  reasons  for  not  coming  sooner  were 
sustained. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three   o'clock,  P.   M.     Synod    met   according  to  adjournment.      Vbi  post 

preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
The  consideration  of  the  draught  was  resumed,  and  after  having  gone  through 
several  sections  thereof. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


534  MINUTES  OP  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1787. 

May  l^th,  1787,  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Synod,  met  according  to  adjournment. 
JJhi  iwst  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Except  Mr.  Irwin's  elder,  who  is  gone  home  through  indisposition. 

Mr.  Watt  and  Mr.  McKee  having  now  come,  their  reasons  for  not  coming 
sooner  were  sustained. 

Ordered,  to  proceed  in  considering  the  draught,  and  after  having  gone  through 
several  sections. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  on  Monday  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

May  list,  1787,  nine  o'clocTc,  A.  M.     Synod  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Ubi  post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Except  Dr.  Henderson,  who  had  leave  to  go  home. 

Mr.  John  Warford  and  Mr*^  John  Rankin  having  now  come,  their  reasons  for 
not  coming  sooner  were  sustained. 

Ordered,  to  proceed  in  considering  the  draught,  and  made  some  progress. 
Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.      The  Synod  met  agreeahle  to  adjournment.      TJhi  post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  to  resume  the  consideration  of  the  draught,  and  made  some  progress 
therein. 

As  the  minds  of  the  members  appeared  to  be  considerably  divided  respecting 
the  proposed  representation  from  vacant  congregations,  it  was  agreed  to  defer 
the  consideration  of  that  paragraph  until  the  other  parts  of  the  draught  shall 
have  been  considered. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

22d  May,  1787,  Synod  met  according  to   adjournment.     Ubi  post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Longstreet,  Dr.  Witherspoon's  elder,  having  come,  took  his  seat. 

Ordered,  To  proceed  in  considering  the  draught. 

Dr.  Witherspoon,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Dr.  Smith,  and  Mr.  Latta,  were  appointed  a 
committee  to  prepare  an  overture  respecting  the  setting  apart  of  ruling  elders 
and  deacons  to  their  respective  offices. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.    Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Ubi  post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  To  proceed  in  considering  the  draught,  and  made  some  progress. 

The  testimonials  of  Mr.  John  Young,  a  probationer  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Irvine,  in  Scotland,  accompanied  with  corroborating  evidential  letters,  were  laid 
before  Synod,  and  approved,  and  he  has  leave  to  put  himself  under  the  care  of 
the  Presbytery  of  New  York. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2Sd   May,  1787.      The   Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Ubi  post 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Dr.  Samuel  Smith  and  Mr.  James  Muir  having  now  come,  their  reasons  for 
not  coming  sooner  were  sustained. 

Mr.  Roe  and  Mr.  Bloomfield  had  leave  to  go  home. 


1787.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPIIIA.  535 

Ordered,  To  proceed  in  considering  the  draught,  and  made  consideraWe 
progress. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Uhi  post  'preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  James  Finley  has  gone  home  without  leave. 

An  addrcf^s  from  the  corporation  of  the  widows'  fund  was  brought  in  and 
read,  particularly  stating  the  deficiency  of  a  number  of  contributors  to  the  fund 
in  their  annual  payment,  which  prevents  the  corporation  from  paying  the  an- 
nuities to  their  widows ;  requesting  the  interposition  of  Synod  with  them,  to 
procure  a  greater  punctuality  in  their  contributors,  or  the  proposal  of  some  plan, 
whereby  the  fund  may  be  secured  in  receiving  the  annual  rates  stipulated  by 
them ;  and  also  stating  the  distress  which  the  want  of  this  punctuality  in  the 
cases  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Huston  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Carmichael  hath  occasioned, 
whereby  they  were  reduced  to  the  disagreeable  necessity  of  withholding  the 
annuity  from  their  families.  The  corporation  were  also  heard  in  explaining  at 
large  for  the  satisfaction  of  the  members  of  Synod,  the  fundamental  principles 
of  their  institution,  upon  which  they  have  proceeded  in  their  determination  in 
the  case  of  the  family  of  Mr.  Carmichael.  At  the  same  time  a  petition  from 
Mrs.  Carmichael  was  brought  in,  requesting  the  interposition  of  the  Synod 
with  the  corporation  to  procure  for  her  the  annuity  which  has  been  held  from 
her  by  them. 

Ordered,  That  these  papers  lie  on  the  table. 

It  was  moved  and  carried,  that  the  form  of  process  in  Stewart  of  Pardovan's 
Collection  be  read  and  considered  as  a  basis  of  deliberation,  along  with  the 
draught. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

24<^  May,  1787.   Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Uhi  post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Woodhull  obtained  leave  of  absence  from  Synod. 

The  Synod  re-considered  the  vote  of  yesterday  respecting  Pardovan's  Collec- 
tion, when  the  former  vote  was  agreed  to. 

Ordered,  to  proceed  in  considering  the  draught,  &c.,  and  made  some  progress. 
Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Synod  met  agreeably  to  adjournment.    Uhi  post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Longstreet  obtained  leave  to  go  home. 

The  Synod  did  allow,  and  do  hereby  allow,  that  Dr.  Watts's  imitation  of  Da- 
xdd's  Psalms,  as  revised  by  Mr.  Barlow,  be  sung  in  the  churches  and  families 
under  their  care. 

Ordered,  to  proceed  in  considering  the  draught,  and  concluded  reading  para- 
graph by  paragraph. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2bth  May,  1787.    Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Uhi  post  preces 

sederunt  qui  supra. 
(Except  Messrs.  Vanarsdalen,   Farquhar,  Black,  Lynn,  Waugh,  and   Dr. 
Alison.) 

Mr.  Barr  had  leave  to  go  home. 


536  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1787. 

Ordered,  To  put  off  till  the  afternoon  the  further  consideration  of  the  draught 
of  a  plan  of  government  and  discipline,  in  order  to  inquire  into  certain  disturb- 
ances which  have  taken  place  in  the  western  parts  of  the  church,  and  especially 
within  the  bounds  of  the  Presbytery  of  Abingdon ;  for  the  settlement  of  which 
a  committee  was  appointed  at  the  sessions  of  Synod,  in  1786,  to  meet  at  Salem, 
in  Nola  Chuckey,  last  October. 

Mr.  Hoge,  one  of  the  committee,  informed  the  Synod,  that  he  was  the  only 
member  who  attended ;  the  reasons  given  by  the  other  members  of  that  com- 
mittee present  in  Synod  for  their  not  attending,  were  sustained. 

The  committee  of  overtures  also  reported  a  petition  from  several  elders  and 
members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Nola  Chuckey,  setting  forth  that  they 
were  in  distressed  circumstances,  principally  on  account  of  some  irregular  pro- 
ceedings of  the  Presbytery  of  Abingdon,  and  requesting  the  interposition  of 
the  Synod  in  the  premises.  Upon  inquiring  into  the  nature  of  the  uneasiness 
subsisting  in  the  churches  th«^re,  as  referred  to  in  the  petition,  and  confirmed 
by  the  minutes  of  last  Synod,  it  appeared  that  the  Presbytery  of  Abingdon 
was  charged  with  having  taken  upon  trial,  and  licensed,  Mr.  James  Balch, 
under  improper  circumstances,  and  particularly  while  under  suspension  by 
Orange  Presbytery;  that  some  members  of  Abingdon  Presbytery  were  also 
charged  with  having  countenanced  certain  violent  proceedings  of  a  tumultuous 
mob,  contrary  to  the  ministerial  and  Christian  character,  and  that  several  other 
irregularities  in  that  district  occasioned  an  interruption  of  the  peace  of  the 
churches. 

The  Synod,  upon  a  full  and  careful  investigation  of  the  subject,  resolved, 
that  the  said  James  Balch,  having  been  restored  to  the  communion  of  the 
church  by  the  Presbytery  of  Hanover,  after  a  period  of  several  years,  upon  a 
certificate  exhibited  to  them  from  the  Presbytery  of  Orange,  became  a  proper 
candidate  for  presbyterial  trials,  and  at  his  licensure,  the  Presbytery,  then  met 
according  to  adjournment,  was  competent  to  that  business,  and  that,  therefore, 
the  proceedings  of  the  Presbytery  be  sustained.  With  regard  to  the  other 
subjects  of  difference  existing  within  these  bounds,  inasmuch  as  several  of  the 
parties  concerned  were  present,  it  was  resolved,  that  Drs.  Witherspoon,  Rod- 
gers,  Sproat,  Ewing,  Duffield,  McWhorter,  and  Messrs.  Vangelder,  Snowden, 
and  Taggart,  elders,  should  be  a  committee  to  meet  in  the  afternoon,  to  en- 
deavour to  bring  the  aforesaid  parties  to  an  amicable  compromise,  and  to  lay 
the  foundation,  if  possible,  to  prevent  all  disputes  on  the  subjects  alleged  in 
future ;  and  that  the  said  committee  make  report  to  Synod  on  the  result  of 
their  endeavours. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  6'cloclc.  P.  M.   Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Uhi  post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  committee  appointed  to  review  the  Presbytery  book  of  New  York 
made  report,  and  the  book  was  approved  to  the  one  hundred  and  sixteenth 
page. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

26  May,   1787.     Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     TJhi  post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  Messrs.  Latta,  Watt,  Semple,  and  Mitchell.) 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday  to  converse  with  the  brethren  of  Abing- 
don  Presbytery,  who  were   present,   and   to   endeavour  to  accommodate   the 


1787.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  537 

matters  of  uneasiness  among  thorn,  met  agreeably  to  order,  and  report  as  fol- 
lows: 

"  That  they  heard  the  Abingdon  brethren  more  fully  than  they  had  been 
heard  before  Synod,  and  find  one  source  of  uneasiness  in  additicm  to  what 
had  been  mentioned  in  their  country,  and  among  themselves,  was  about  psalm- 
ody; and  the  committee,  after  hearing  them  fully,  recommended  to  those 
brethren,  in  a  spirit  of  Christian  love,  to  forgive  one  another,  and  bury  in  ob- 
livion all  that  had  passed ;  and  they  readily  and  cheerfully  complied  with  the 
recommendation,  and  in  evidence  of  their  peace  and  amity  took  each  other  by 
the  right  hand;  and  they  promised  forbearance  towards  each  other  in  those 
matters  wherein  they  had  differed  in  judgment,  and  to  encourage,  strengthen, 
and  support  each  other,  in  advancing  the  common  cause  of  their  Divine  Re- 
deemer. It  gave  your  committee  the  highest  pleasure  to  sec  these  differences 
and  dissensions  terminated  in  so  happy  an  issue,  and  they  doubt  not  it  will 
have  a  salutary  influence  upon  the  peace  of  the  Church  in  those  parts ;  and 
in  order  to  accomplish  this  desirable  end,  that  there  may  be  peace  and  bro- 
therly love  among  the  people  as  well  as  the  ministers,  your  committee  pro- 
pose the  following  resolutions,  which  the  Synod  adopted,  and  resolved  accord- 
ingly : 

"  1st.  That  in  respect  to  political  differences  in  that  part  of  the  country 
which  occasioned  a  mob  or  riot,  the  Synod  highly  disapprove  of,  and  condemn 
all  such  tumultuous  and  riotous  proceedings ;  but  as  it  appears  by  a  paper 
signed  by  a  number  who  acknowledge  themselves  the  authors  of  the  tumult, 
and  also  from  the  testimony  of  Colonel  Cook,  that  Mr.  Balch  had  no  hand  in 
that  affair,  and  that  he  did  take  some  pains  to  restrain  those  unhappy  proceed- 
ings from  going  so  far  as  they  did,  therefore,  all  things  considered,  we  do  not 
think  him  blamable  in  that  matter. 

''2d.  In  respect  to  the  psalmody;  the  Synod  have  allowed  the  use  of  the 
imitation  of  the  Psalms  of  David  for  many  years,  to  such  congregations  as 
choose  them,  and  still  allow  of  the  same,  but  they  are  far  from  disapproving  of 
Rouse's  version,  commonly  called  the  Old  Psalms,  in  those  who  were  in  the 
use  of  them  and  chose  them,  but  are  of  opinion  that  either  may  be  used  by  the 
churches,  as  each  congregation  may  judge  most  for  their  peace  and  edification, 
and  therefore  highly  disapprove  of  public,  severe,  and  unchristian  censures 
being  passed  upon  either  of  the  systems  of  psalmody,  and  recommend  it  to  all 
ministers  in  those  parts  of  the  Church,  to  be  more  tender  and  charitable  on 
these  heads. 

"  3d.  In  regard  to  the  Presbytery's  excluding  two  elders  from  sitting  in  the 
judicature  at  a  certain  time,  the  Synod  are  of  opinion,  that  the  Presbytery  had 
some  support  for  so  doing  from  common  custom  and  usage,  but  that  there  was 
too  scrupulous  an  exactness  attended  to  in  that  matter,  and  hope  that  such 
events  will  be  guarded  against  in  future. 

"  4th.  In  respect  to  the  letter  addressed  to  Mr.  Balch,  through  the  medium 
of  the  press,  and  supposed  to  be  written  by  the  Rev.  William  Graham,  of 
Rockbridge  county,  Virginia,  the  Synod  look  upon  the  same  as  very  unchris- 
tian and  unwarrantable  treatment  of  a  brother ;  and  the  Synod  do  order  the 
Presbytery  of  Lexington  to  cite  Mr.  Graham  before  them,  and  make  due  in- 
quiry whether  he  be  the  author,  and  into  the  reasons  of  his  conduct  in  that 
matter,  and  censure  or  acquit  him  as  the  nature  of  the  case  may  appear ;  and 
report  their  proceedings  herein  to  the  next  Synod. 

"  Ordered,  That  the  whole  of  the  proceedings  had  upon  the  affairs  of  Abing- 
don Presbytery,  both  at  last  Synod  and  at  the  present  sessions,  be  inserted  in 
the  Presbytery  book  of  Abingdon,  and  that  the  ministers  of  that  Presbytery 
read  them  from  their  pulpits.'" 

68 


538  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1787. 

Agreed  to  postpone  tte  further  consideration  of  tte  draught  until  Monday 
morning. 

The  committee  appointed  to  review  the  Presbytery  book  of  South  Carolina 
made  report,  and  the  book  was  approved  to  the  thirtieth  page. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  Presbytery  book  of  Abingdon 
made  report,  and  the  book  was  approved  to  the  session  held  March  27th,  1787, 
inclusive. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  Presbytery  book  of  New  Castle 
made  report,  and  the  book  was  approved  from  the  session  held  April  23d, 
1782,  to  the  session  held  August  13th,  1782,  inclusive. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  Baltimore  Presbytery  book  made 
report,  and  the  book  was  approved  to  the  eighty-first  page. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  Presbytery  book  of  Philadelphia 
made  report,  and  the  book  was  approved  to  page  fiftieth. 

Mr.  Doak  obtained  leave  to  ^o  home. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

Three  o'cloch,  P.  M.     The  Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.     Ubipost 
preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  account  of  Mr.  Robert  Aitken  for  Bibles  was  given  in  to  the  Synod,  and 
it  appearing  that  there  was  a  balance  due  to  him  of  eight  pounds,  ten  shillings, 
and  seven  pence,  Synod  ordered  their  treasurer,  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Wither- 
spoon,  to  pay  said  balance. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  Presbytery  book  of  Dutchess 
county  reported,  and  the  book  was  approved  to  the  one  hundred  and  tenth 
page. 

The  committee  appointed  to  receive  the  collections  made  by  Presbyteries 
made  report,  that  they  received — 

From  Dutchess  county  Presbytery, 


New  York 

(( 

New  Brunswick 

u 

Philadelphia 

(( 

New  Castle 

(I 

Lewes 

(C 

Carlisle 

fC 

Baltimore 

ic 

Redstone 

it 

Lexington 

(( 

Hanover 

u 

South  Carolina 

(I 

Orange 

(C 

Abingdon 

ti 

£0 

19 

7 

24 

14 

2 

27 

6 

6 

21 

4 

3 

14 

6 

6 

8 

10 

0 

20  15 

1 

16  16  10 

1 

12 

6 

15 

6 

7 

18 

19 

3 

0 

0 

0 

7  10  11 

0 

0 

0 

Total  sum,        £173    2    2 

The  Synod  ordered  a  list  of  all  the  congregations  to  be  printed,  which  have 
made  collections,  specifying  the  collections  made  by  each  of  them. 

The  Synod  considering  that  it  will  be  necessary  to  print  several  pieces  for 
the  consideration  of  the  churches,  which  are  of  the  highest  importance  to 
them,  agreed  to  appoint  a  collection  to  be  made  in  all  the  congregations  under 
their  care,  and  do  hereby  order  the  respective  Presbyteries  to  take  order  that 
this  be  put  duly  in  execution,  and  to  bring  up  their  collections  to  next  Synod. 

Mr.  Armstrong  was  added  to  the  committee  for  preparing  selections  from  the 
minutes,  to  be  printed. 


1787.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  539 

The  following  was  brought  m  by  the  committee  of  overtures  : 

<'  The  Creator  of  the  world  having  made  of  one  flesh  all  the  children  of  men, 
it  becomes  them  as  members  of  the  same  family,  to  consult  and  promote  each 
other's  happiness.  It  is  more  especially  the  duty  of  those  who  maintain  the 
rights  of  humanity,  and  who  acknowledge  and  teach  the  obligations  of  Chris- 
tianity, to  use  such  means  as  are  in  their  power  to  extend  the  blessings  of  equal 
freedom  to  every  part  of  the  human  race. 

"  From  a  full  conviction  of  these  truths,  and  sensible  that  the  rights  of 
human  nature  are  too  well  understood  to  admit  of  debate,  Ovcrtured,  that  the 
Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  recommend,  in  the  warmest  terms,  to 
every  member  of  their  body,  and  to  all  the  churches  and  families  under  their 
care,  to  do  every  thing  in  their  power  consistent  with  the  rights  of  civil  society, 
to  promote  the  abolition  of  slavery,  and  the  instruction  of  negroes,  whether  bond 
or  free." 

The  consideration  of  the  above  overture  was  postponed  until  Monday,  the 
28th,  at  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M. 

The  committee  appointed  to  settle  the  accounts  of  Dr.  Witherspoon,  the 
treasurer  of  the  Synod,  made  report,  that  Dr.  Witherspoon  has  not  his  vouchers 
on  the  spot,  but  is  ready  at  any  time  to  settle  his  accounts.  The  Synod  finding 
it  will  be  more  convenient  to  have  a  treasurer  living  where  Synod  usually 
meets,  appointed  Isaac  Snowden,  Esquire,  treasurer ;  and  appointed  him  to  set- 
tle with  their  late  treasurer. 

Drs.  Smith,  McWhorter,  and  Duffield,  Messrs.  Powers,  Casson,  Kerr,  Simp- 
son, John  B.  Smith,  Templeton,  and  Balch,  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
make  arrangements  to  divide  this  Synod  into  three. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  on  Monday  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2Sth  May,  1787.      Synod  met  according  to  adjournment.      Vhipostpreces 
sederunt  qui  sujjra. 

(Except  IMessrs.  Read,  Smith,  King,  and  McKnight.) 

Agreeably  to  the  order  of  the  day,  the  Synod  proceeded  to  the  further  con- 
sideration of  the  draught  of  a  plan  of  government  and  discipline. 

The  afiair  of  representation  from  vacant  congregations  was  now  resumed,  and 
after  considerable  time  spent  thereon,  the  question  was  put,  Shall  it  stand  as  in 
the  draught  ?  and  was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 

The  Synod  having  gone  through  the  consideration  of  the  draught  of  a  plan 
of  government  and  discipline.  Dr.  Rodgers,  Dr.  McWhorter,  Mr.  Miller,  and 
Mr.  Wilson,  junior,  were  appointed  a  committee  to  have  a  thousand  copies 
thereof  printed  as  now  amended,  and  to  distribute  them  among  the  Presby- 
teries for  their  consideration,  and  the  consideration  of  the  churches  under  their 
care. 

The  Synod  took  into  consideration  the  last  paragraph  of  the  twentieth  chapter 
of  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith ;  the  third  paragraph  of  the  twenty- 
third  chapter ;  and  the  first  paragraph  of  the  thirty-first  chapter ;  and  having 
made  some  alterations,  agreed  that  the  said  paragraphs,  as  now  altered,  be 
printed  for  consideration,  together  with  the  draught  of  a  plan  of  government 
and  discipline.  The  Synod  also  appointed  the  above  named  committee  to  revise 
the  Westminster  Directory  for  public  worship,  and  to  have  it  when  thus  revised, 
printed,  together  with  the  draught,  for  consideration.  And  the  Synod  agreed, 
that  when  the  above  proposed  alterations  in  the  Confession  of  Faith  shall  have 
been  finally  determined  on  by  the  body,  and  the  Directory  shall  have  been  re- 
vised as  above  directed,  and  adopted  by  the  Synod,  the  said  Confession  thus 
altered,  and  Directory  thus  revised  and  adopted,  shall  be  styled,  "  The  Confes- 


540  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1787. 

sion  of  Faith,  and  Directory  for  public  worship,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
the  United  States  of  America." 

It  was  agreed  to  reconsider  the  two  votes  passed  last  Saturday  afternoon,  the 
one  ordering  the  list  of  the  congregations  which  have  made  collections  to  be 
printed,  and  the  other  ordering  new  collections  to  be  raised  this  year,  and  they 
were  both  reversed. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


Three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Synod  met  aGcording  to  adjournment.      UM post  preces 
sederunt  qui  supra. 

(Except  Messrs.  Balch  and  Irwin.) 

Mr.  Matthew  Tate,  a  probationer,  under  the  care  of  New  Castle  Presbytery, 
having  an  intention  to  take  a  }ourney  through  the  southern  states,  and  to  be  a 
consitlerable  time  absent,  requested,  that  if  it  be  consistent  with  the  rules  of  this 
Synod,  he  may  be  allowed  to  be  taken  upon  trials  for  ordination  in  the  Presby- 
tery to  which  he  belongs,  and  ordained  before  he  sets  out.  The  Synod  remitted 
the  affair  to  the  Presbytery  of  New  Castle,  with  liberty  to  said  Presbytery  to  do 
therein  as  they  shall  see  cause. 

The  Synod  taking  into  consideration  the  overture  concerning  slavery,  trans- 
mitted by  the  committee  of  overtures  last  Saturday,  came  to  the  following  judg- 
ment : 

"  The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  do  highly  approve  of  the 
general  principles  in  favour  of  universal  liberty,  that  prevail  in  America,  and 
the  interest  which  many  of  the  states  have  taken  in  promoting  the  abolition  of 
slavery ;  yet,  inasmuch  as  men  introduced  from  a  servile  state  to  a  partici- 
pation of  all  the  i^rivileges  of  civil  society,  without  a  proper  education,  and 
without  previous  habits  of  industry,  may  be,  in  many  respects,  dangerous  to  the 
community,  therefore  they  earnestly  recommend  it  to  all  the  members  belong- 
ing to  their  communion,  to  give  those  persons  who  are  at  present  held  in 
servitude,  such  good  education  as  to  prepare  them  for  the  better  enjoyment  of 
freedom ;  and  they  moreover  recommend  that  masters,  wherever  they  find 
servants  disposed  to  make  a  just  improvement  of  the  privilege,  would  give  them 
apecuUum,  or  grant  them  sufl&cient  time  and  sufficient  means  of  procuring 
their  own  liberty  at  a  moderate  rate,  that  thereby,  they  may  be  brought  into 
society  with  those  habits  of  industry  that  may  render  them  useful  citizens ; 
and,  finally,  they  recommend  it  to  all  their  people  to  use  the  most  prudent 
measures,  consistent  with  the  interest  and  the  state  of  civil  society,  in  the 
counties  where  they  live,  to  procure  eventually  the  final  abolition  of  slavery  in 
America." 

Whereas,  the  doctrine  of  universal  salvation  and  of  the  finite  duration  of  hell 
torments,  has  been  propagated  by  sundry  persons  who  live  in  the  United  States 
of  America,  and  the  people  under  our  care  may  possibly,  from  their  occasional 
conversation  with  the  propagators  of  such  a  dangerous  opinion,  be  infected  by 
the  doctrine,  the  Synod  take  this  opportunity  to  declare  their  utter  abhorrence 
of  such  doctrines  as  they  apprehend  to  be  subversive  of  the  fundamental  princi- 
ples of  religion  and  morality,  and  therefore  earnestly  recommend  it  to  all  their 
Presbyteries  and  members  to  be  watchful  upon  this  subject,  and  to  guard  against 
the  introduction  of  such  tenets  amongst  our  people. 

The  committee  appointed  to  arrange  this  Synod  into  three,  made  report, 
and  after  considering  their  report,  the  Synod  agreed  that  the  arrangement  of 
the  Presbyteries  under  four  Synods  should,  for  the  present,  remain  as  deter- 
mined last  year. 

Upon  application  from  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  Mr.  Warford  and  Mr. 


1788.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PIIILADELPniA.  541 

Condit,  were  appointed  by  Synod  to  visit  the  vacancies  in  tlic  bounds  of  that 
Presbytery. 

Resolved,  that  the  division  of  the  Synod  be  postponed  until  next  year,  and 
that  the  Synod  be  then  divided. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  committees  from  the  Reformed  Dutch  Sy- 
nod and  the  Associate  Synod  made  report,  and  delivered  the  minutes  of  the 
convention  of  the  committees  of  the  three  Synods  which  met  in  New  York  last 
fall,  which  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  treasurer  pay  the  sexton  six  pounds  and  two  ponce,  for 
his  attendance  and  other  expenses. 

Synod  was  sorry  to  observe  that  so  many  members  had  withdrawn  without 
leave. 

Adjourned  till  the  third  Wednesday  of  next  May,  to  meet  in  the  First 
Presbyterian  Church  in  this  city  at  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.  Concluded  with 
prayer. 

1788* 

Philadelphia,  May  21s<,  1788.     Eleven  o'clock,  A.  M. 

The  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia  met,  according  to  adjournment,  in 
the  First  Presbyterian  church.      Uhi  post  preces  sederunt 

Of  Suffolk  Presbytery ;  The  Rev.  Mr.  Nathan  Woodhull. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Dr.  John  Rodgers,  and  Rev.  Messrs. 
Jedidiah   Chapman,  and  John  McDonald. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Woodhull,  James 
F.  Armstrong,    William  Boyd,  and  Walter  Monteith. 

Of  Philadelphia  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Drs.  James  Sproat,  George  Duffield, 
and  John  Ewing,  and  Rev.  Messrs.  Francis  Peppard,  Samuel  Blair,  James 
Boyd,  William  Mackey  Tennent,  Nathaniel  Irwin,  Andrew  Hunter,  and  Ashbel 
Green. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Anderson,  John  Bur- 
ton, and  Nathan  Grier. 

Of  Lewes  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Mr.  William  McKee. 

Of  Carlisle  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Dr.  Charles  Nesbit,  and  Rev.  Messrs. 
James  Martin,  Robert  Cooper,  John  Craighead,  and  John  McKnight. 

Of  South  Carolina  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Mr.  Robert  Finley. 

Elders :  Mr.  Eliphalet  Chichester,  Mr.  Peter  Ricker,  Mr.  David  Foreman, 
Isaac  Snowden,  Esquire,  Mr.  Ferguson  Mcllvaine,  Mr.  Joseph  McCIane,  Mr. 
Hugh  McCulloch,  Mr.  Alexander  Fullerton,  and  Mr.  Hugh  Barclay. 

Absent — Of  Suffolk  Presbytery:  The  Rev.  JMessrs.  Samuel  Buel,  Noah 
Westmore,  Samson  Occum,  Benjamin  Goldsmith,  David  Rose,  Elam  Potter, 
Joshua  Hart,  and  Joshua  Williams. 

Of  Dutchess  County  Presbytery  :  The  whole,  viz.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Solomon 
Mead,  Wheeler  Case,  Ichabod  Lewis,  Samuel  Mills,  Blackleach  Burret,  John 
Davenport. 

Of  New  York  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Dr.  Timothy  Jones,  and  Rev.  Messrs. 
Aaron  Richards,  Jonathan  Elmer,  Hugh  Knox,  D.  D.,  Abner  Brush,  Benjamin 
Woodruff,  Alexander  McWhorter,  D.  D.,  Azel  Roe,  Nathan  Kerr,  John  Close, 
Alexander  Miller,  William  Woodhull,  Jacob  Vanarsdalen,  William  Schenck, 
John  Warford,  John  Joline,  Andrew  King,  James  Glassbrook. 

Of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Dr.  John  Witherspoon,  and  Rev. 
Messrs.  Israel  Read,  John  Hanna,  Thomas  Smith,  Samuel  S.  Smith,  D.  D.,  Philip 
Stockton,  Joseph  Rue,  Joseph  Clark,  Peter  Wilson,  and  James  Muir. 


542  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1788. 

Of  Philadelphia  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Simonton,  James  Watt, 
and  George  Faitout. 

Of  New  Castle  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Dr.  Robert  Smith,  and  Rev.  Messrs. 
William  McKennan,  Colin  McFarquhar,  James  Latta,  John  McCreary,  Alex- 
ander Mitchel,  Thomas  Read,  Thomas  Smith,  Daniel  Jones,  William  R.  Smith, 
Nathaniel  W.  Semple,  James  Munroe,  and  John  E.  Finley. 

Of  Lewes  Presbytery  :  The  Rev.  Mr  John  Miller,  Rev.  Dr.  Matthew  Wil- 
son, and  Rev.  Messrs.  Jacob  Kerr,  John  Rankin  and  Samuel  McMasters. 

Of  Raltimore  Presbytery  :  The  whole,  viz.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Hunt, 
John  Slemmons,  Patrick  Alison,  D.  D.,  Isaac  S.  Keith,  Stephen  Balch,  and 
Greorge  Luckey. 

Of  Carlisle  Presbytery :  the  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Elder,  John  Hoge,  Hugh 
McGrill,  Robert  McMordie,  James  Lang,  John  King,  Hugh  Vance,  Thomas 
McFerriu,  Robert  Davidson,  D.  D.,  John  Black,  Samuel  Dougal,  John  Lynn, 
Samuel  Waugh,  David  Beawd,  Joseph  Henderson,  Matthew  Steven,  James 
Johnston,  and  John  Johnston. 

Of  Redstone  Presbytery  :  The  whole,  viz.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Finley, 
John  Clarke,  Joseph  Smith,  John  McMillan,  James  Power,  Thaddeus  Dod, 
James  Dunlap,  and  Samuel  Barr. 

Of  Lexington  Presbytery :  The  whole,  viz.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  John  Brown, 
William  Graham,  James  McConnel,  Archibald  Scott,  Edward  Crawford,  John 
Montgomery,  Benjamin  Erwin,  William  Wilson,  Moses  Hoge,  and  John  McCue. 

Of  Hanover  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Richard  Zanchy,  John  Todd, 
James  Waddel,  William  Irvine,  John  Blair  Smith,  James  Mitchel,  and  John 
D.  Blair. 

Of  Orange  Presbytery :  The  whole,  viz.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Henry  Patillo, 
David  Caldwell,  Samuel  McCorkle,  James  Hall,  Robert  Archibald,  James  Mc- 
Kee,  David  Barr,  Jacob  Leake,  and  Daniel  Thatcher. 

Of  Abingdon  Presbytery  :  The  whole,  viz.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Charles  Cum- 
mings,  Hezekiah  Balch,  John  Cosson,  Samuel  Doak,  and  Samuel  Huston. 

Of  South  Carolina  Presbytery :  The  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Edmonds,  John 
Harris,  Joseph  Alexander,  John  Simpson,  Thomas  Reese,  Thomas  H.  McCall, 
James  Templeton,  Francis  Cummings,  Robert  Hall,  and  Robert  Mecklin. 

Of  Transylvania  Presbytery :  The  whole,  viz.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  David  Rice, 
Thomas  Craighead,  Adam  Rankin,  Andrew  McClure,  and  James  Crawford. 

The  Synod  was  opened  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chapman,  the  last  year's  moderator, 
with  a  sermon  from  Ephesians  iv.  3,  4. 

Mr.  John  Woodhull  was  chosen  moderator,  Mr.  Armstrong  was  chosen  clerk, 
aud  Mr.  McDonald  assistant  clerk. 

Messrs.  Nathan  Woodhull,  Chapman,  Monteith,  Greene,  Burton,  McKee, 
Craighead,  and  Robert  Finley,  ministers,  with  Messrs.  Reikhart,  Snowden,  Ful- 
lerton,  Mcllvaine,  and  McCulloch,  elders,  were  appointed  a  committee  of  over- 
tures, to  meet  here  to-morrow  morning,  at  six  o'clock,  and  afterwards  on  their 
own  adjournments. 

Ordered,  That  the  several  Presbyteries  bring  in  their  reports  to-morrow  morn- 
ing in  writing ;  and  also  a  list  of  their  members  and  of  the  probationers  and 
congregations  under  their  care,  agreeably  to  the  order  of  last  year. 

Mr.  Mitchell  is  now  come ;  his  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner,  were  sus- 
tained. 

The  committee  formerly  appointed  to  revise  the  Synod  book,  and  have  it 
bound  new,  and  to  insert  the  index  and  selections,  not  having  yet  accomplished 
that  business,  were  continued,  and  ordered  to  carry  it  into  execution. 

Testimonials  of  Mr.  Marcus  George,  a  probationer  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Londonderry,  in  Ireland,  accompanied  with  such  corroborating  evidence  as  is 
in  such  cases  required  by  Synod,  were  laid  before  the  Synod  and  approved, 


1788.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  543 

and  leave  was  given  to  Mr.  George  to  put  himself  under  the  care  of  any  Pres- 
bytery he  may  choose  in  the  bounds  of  the  Synod. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o'clock.     Concluded  with  prayer 


Thursday,  May  22d.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 


Mr.  Rue  and  Dr.  McWhorter  were  now  come ;  their  reasons  for  not  attending 
sooner,  were  sustained. 

Suffolk  Presbytery  reported,  that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  Thomas  Russel  to 
the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and  to  the  pastoral  charge  of  Wcsthampton ; 
that  they  have  ordained  Mr.  Wait  Cornwell,  sine  tihilo  ;  have  licensed  Mr.  Asa 
Hillyer  to  preach  the  gospel ;  and  received  the  Rev.  Mr.  Aaron  AVoolworth, 
ordained  by  a  council ;  that  they  have  dismissed  the  Rev.  Joshua  Hart  from  the 
pastoral  charge  of  Smitlitown;  and  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  James  Brown  was 
removed  by  death,  May  9th,  1788. 

New  York  Presbytery  reported,  that  they  have,  since  our  last,  ordained  Mr. 
Lemuel  Fordham  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  in  a  regular  charge ;  that 
they  have  dismissed  Mr.  James  Wilson,  sen.,  in  order  to  his  settlement  at 
Wilton,  in  South  Carolina ;  and  also  Mr.  James  Wilson,  jun.,  in  consequence 
of  his  having  accepted  a  call  from  a  congregation  in  Charleston,  South  Carolina  j 
that  they  have  received  Mr.  John  Warford  from  the  New  Brunswick  Presby- 
tery ;  and  that  Mr.  James  Thompson  has  withdrawn  himself  from  them,  and 
returned  to  Britain ;  and  that  Mr.  John  Moffat  departed  this  life  on  the  22d  of 
last  April. 

New  Brunswick  Presbytery  reported,  that  they  have,  since  our  last,  ordained 
Mr.  Ira  Condict  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and  in  the  pastoral  charge 
of  the  congregations  of  Newton  and  Hardwick  ;  and  have  also  ordained  Mr.  Asa 
Dunham  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  in  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  con- 
gregations of  Oxford  and  Mount  Bethel ;  that  they  have  dismissed  Mr.  John 
Warford  to  join  the  Presbytery  of  New  York;  and  that  Mr.  John  Guild  and 
Mr.  Samuel  Kennedy  have  departed  this  life  since  our  last ;  the  former  on  the 
tenth  of  last  July.     Mr.  Condict  being  present  took  his  seat  in  Synod. 

Philadelphia  Presbytery  reported,  that  they  have,  since  our  last,  dismissed 
Mr.  John  Johnson,  to  join  Carlisle  Presbytery,  and  Mr.  William  McKee  to 
join  Lewes  Presbytery ;  and  also  Mr.  James  Snodgrass,  a  probationer  under 
their  care,  to  put  himself  under  the  care  of  Carlisle  Presbytery,  in  consequence 
of  his  having  accepted  a  call  to  a  congregation  within  their  bounds ;  and  that 
they  have  deposed  Mr.  William  Pickles  from  the  ministerial  office. 

New  Castle  Presbytery  reported,  that  they  have,  since  our  last,  ordained  Mr. 
Nathan  Grier  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  in  Brandywine  congregation, 
and  have  dismissed  Mr.  Matthew  Tate,  a  probationer,  to  join  such  Presbytery 
as  he  may  choose.     Mr.  Grier  being  present  took  his  seat  in  Synod. 

Carlisle  Presbytery  reported,  that  they  have,  since  our  last,  ordained  to  the 
work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  Mr.  Samuel  Wilson,  in  the  pastoral  charge  of  Big 
Spring  congregation,  and  Mr.  Hugh  Morrison,  in  the  pastoral  charge  of  Sun- 
bury,  Northumberland-town  and  Buffalo  Valley;  and  have  received  Mr.  James 
Snodgrass,  from  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  and  ordained  him  to  the  work  of  the 
gospel  ministry,  in  the  pastoral  charge  of  Hanover  congregation,  and  that  they 
have  to  lay  before  Synod  the  testimonials  of  Mr.  Joseph  Caldwell,  a  probationer 
from  the  Presbytery  of  Root,  in  the  kingdom  of  L-eland. 

Mr.  John  D.  Blair  and  Mr.  Warford  are  now  come ;  their  reasons  for  not 
attending  sooner  were  sustained. 

Mr.  Cooper  and  Mr.  Craighead  were  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the 


544  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OP  [1788. 

Presbytery  book  of  New  Brunswick,  and  Dr.  Rodgers  and  IMr.  William  Boyd 
to  examine  Philadelphia  Presbytery  book. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  McWhorter,  Dr.  Duffield,  Mr.  Armstrong,  Mr.  McKnight, 
Mr.  Fiuley,  and  Isaac  Snowdeu,  Esq.,  be  a  committee  to  select  such  parts  of 
the  minutes  of  the  last  and  present  sessions  of  Synod,  as  they  may  judge  will 
be  of  general  advantage  to  the  church,  and  also  to  prepare  a  list  of  the  minis- 
ters, probationers,  and  congregations  belonging  to  the  Synod ;  distinguishing 
those  congregations  that  have  made  collections,  and  specifying  the  sum  raised 
by  each,  for  the  purpose  of  printing  the  draught  of  the  form  of  government, 
&c.,  and  for  defraying  other  synodical  expenses,  and  to  report  the  whole,  pre- 
pared for  printing,  to  the  Synod,  for  their  concurrence,  on  Saturday  morning. 

The  committee  appointed  to  meet  the  Presbytery  of  Suffolk,  on  the  subject 
of  their  letter,  signifying  a  desire  to  withdraw  from  the  Synod,  reported  that 
they  met  the  Presbytery  at  the  time  and  place  fixed  on  by  the  Synod,  and  con- 
versed the  subject  over  with  '■them,  with  the  greatest  freedom,  candour,  and 
amity,  and  that  in  consequence  of  said  free  and  amicable  conference,  the  Pres- 
bytery agreed  to  withdraw  their  request,  as  may  more  fully  appear  by  the  fol- 
lowing minute  of  said  Presbytery,  viz  : 

"  The  Presbytery  of  Suffolk  met  at  Brook  Haven,  April  8th,  1788,  according 
to  appointment ;  entered  upon  the  consideration  of  the  petition  sent  to  the 
Reverend  Synod  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  at  their  last  sessions,  requesting 
a  dismission  from  their  body ;  and,  after  deliberating  on  it,  came  to  the  follow- 
ing conclusion,  viz.,  to  withdraw  the  petition.  And  appointed  the  Rev.  Messrs. 
Noah  Wetmore  and  Nathan  Woodhull,  to  attend  the  Reverend  Synod  at  their 
next  meeting  at  Philadelphia,  and  present  this  minute  to  the  moderator  of  Synod, 
and  transact  any  other  business  as  may  be  found  necessary  by  them  as  the 
representatives  of  this  Presbytery.     A  true  copy  of  the  minute  of  Presbytery. 

"  Attested  by  ^  David  Rose,  Clerk." 

Ordered,  That  the  appointment  of  the  present  treasurer  to  settle  the  accounts 
of  the  late  treasurer  be  continued,  and  that  he  make  report  to  Synod. 

Mr.  Warford  has  not  complied  with  the  order  of  last  Synod,  appointing  him, 
at  the  request  of  New  York  Presbytery,  to  supply  the  vacancies  within  their 
bounds.     Mr.  Condict  was  prevented  by  want  of  health. 

A  petition  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wilson,  detained  from  Synod  through  bodily 
indisposition,  respecting  the  draught  of  the  form  of  government,  &c.,  was  pre- 
sented and  read.     Ordered,  that  it  lie  on  the  table. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

22d  day^  three  dclocJc,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Presbytery  of  Carlisle  laid  before  Synod  the  testimonials  of  Mr.  Jo- 
seph Caldwell,  a  probationer  from  the  Presbytery  of  Root,  in  the  kingdom 
of  Ireland,  accompanied  with  the  corroborating  evidence  required  by  Synod, 
which  were  approved,  and  the  Presbytery  were  allowed  to  take  him  under  their 
care. 

Mr.  Glassbrook  is  now  come;  bis  reasons  for  not  attending  sooner  were 
sustained. 

Memorials  from  some  members  of  Orangedale  congregation,  of  New  York 
Presbytery ;  from  the  united  congregations  of  Slate  Ridge,  and  Chanceford  con- 
gregations, of  Baltimore  Presbytery ;  and  from  New  Providence  congregation, 
of  Orange  Presbytery,  respecting  the  draught  of  the  form  of  government,  &c., 
were  brought  in  and  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Testimonials  of  Mr.  Edward  Conn,  a  probationer  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Temple  Patrick,  in  Ireland,  accompanied  by  such  corroborating  evidence  as  is 
required  by  Synod,  were  laid  before  Synod,  by  the  Presbytery  of  Baltimore, 


1788.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  545 

and  were  deemed  satisfactory,  but  as  Mr.  Conn  was  not  present,  the  Synod 
refer  him  to  that  Presbytery,  and  aUow  them  to  receive  him,  as  a  probationer, 
under  their  care,  if,  after  free  conversation  with  him,  they  shall  find  their  way 
clear. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

23cZ  day,  (^Friday, ^  nine  o'clocJc,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra.    . 

Dr.  Witherspoon,  Dr.  Samuel  Stanhope  Smith,  ]\Ir.  Thomas  Read,  Mr.  Jacob 
Kerr,  Mr.  Templeton,  and  Dr.  Scott,  Mr.  Monteith's  elder,  are  now  come;  their 
reasons  for  not  attending  sooner  were  sustained. 

Agreeably  to  the  order  of  the  day,  Synod  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  a 
draught  of  the  form  of  government  and  discipline  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  the  United  States  of  America,  and  having  made  considerable  progress 
therein. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

23fZ  day,  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Post  jjreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Templeton  was  added  to  the  committee  appointed  to  select  and  prepare 
for  printing,  &c. 

Ordered,  To  proceed  in  considering  the  draught  of  the  form  of  government, 
&c.,  and  went  through  several  sections. 

Mr.  Nathan  Grier  and  his  elder  had  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

24<A  day,  (^Saturday,)  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.     Post  j^'^'eces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Ordered,  To  proceed  in  considering  the  draught,  and  made  considerable 
progress. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  on  Monday.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2Qth  day,  nine  dcloch,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

A  petition  from  the  inhabitants  of  Norfolk  in  Virginia,  of  the  Presbyterian 
persuasion,  was  presented  and  read,  praying  the  Synod  to  take  them  under  their 
care,  and  to  appoint  a  minister  of  their  body  to  supply  them  for  one  year,  for 
which  they  promise  to  pay  him  one  hundred  and  thirty  pounds,  specie,  Vir- 
ginia currency,  to  defray  the  necessary  expenses  of  his  journey,  and  to  make 
every  thing  as  agreeable  to  him  as  their  circumstances  will  admit.  In  answer 
to  which  the  Synod  order  Dr.  "Witherspoon  to  recommend  to  Mr.  Muir,  a  mem- 
ber of  New  Brunswick  Presbytery,  to  repair  to  Norfolk  as  soon  as  convenient, 
and  to  supply  that  people  agreeably  to  their  request. 

Ordered,  To  proceed  in  considering  the  draught;  and  made  considerable 
progress. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

26/A  day,  three  dcloch,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

An  appeal  from  a  judgment  of  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  by  Mr.  Samuel 
Blair,  was  brought  in.  Ordered,  that  it  be  taken  into  consideration  at  nine 
o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Ordered,  To  proceed  in  the  consideration  of  the  draught;  and  also  of  the 
proposed  amendments  of  the  Confession  of  Faith,  and  having  finished  the 
same. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  to-morrow.     Concluded  with  prayer. 
69 


546  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF  [1788. 

27<A  Hayi  Tuesday,  nine  ddock,  A.  M.     Post  jpreces  sederunt  qtd  snpra. 

Mr.  Martin  obtained  leave  to  go  home. 

Agreeably  to  the  order  for  the  day,  the  Synod  proceeded  to  consider  Mr. 
Blair's  appeal  from  a  judgment  of  Philadelphia  Presbytery,  by  which  he  con- 
ceives himself  aggrieved,  and  prays  that  it  may  be  rescinded  or  erased  from  the 
records,  and  after  some  debate  on  the  subject, 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

27<7i  day,  three  ddock,  P.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

The  Synod  resumed  the  consideration  of  Mr.  Blair's  appeal  and  request,  and 
after  a  full  and  free  deliberation  on  the  subject,  the  question  was  put,  "  erase 
or  not,"  and  was  carried  in  the  negative  by  a  large  majority.  And  on  further 
consideration  of  the  subject,  it  was  moved  and  seconded,  and  on  the  question 
being  put  was  carried  in  the  aSrmative,  and  ordered,  that  the  following  resolu- 
tion be  entered  on  the  register  of  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  viz  : 

"  Though  the  Synod  highly  commend  the  zeal  discovered  by  the  Presbytery 
of  Philadelphia  for  the  preservation  of  the  truth ;  yet,  on  considering  the  whole 
affair,  they  cannot  approve  of  the  form  of  their  proceedings,  which  are  irregu- 
lar, both  in  making  inquiry  by  private  conversation  in  their  Presbyterial  capa- 
city, and  also  in  putting  proceedings  of  that  nature  on  record,  and  therefore 
remit  to  the  Presbytery  to  commence  a  regular  process  if  they  shall  find 
ground  for  it,  and  recommend  it  to  Mr.  Blair  to  give  every  reasonable 
satisfaction  to  his  brethren,  and  not  to  injure  his  character  by  unnecessary 
reserve." 

Dr.  Scott  obtained  leave  to  go  home. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

28<A  day,  Wednesday,  nine  ddoch,  A.  M.     Post  preces  sederunt  qui  supra. 

Mr.  Peppard  obtained  leave  to  go  home. 

The  Synod  having  fully  considered  the  draught  of  the  form  of  government 
and  discipline,  did,  on  a  review  of  the  whole,  and  hereby  do  ratify  and  adopt 
the  same,  as  now  altered  and  amended,  as  the  Constitution  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  America,  and  order  the  same  to  be  considered  and  strictly  observed 
as  the  rule  of  their  proceedings,  by  all  the  inferior  judicatories  belonging  to  the 
body.  And  they  order  that  a  correct  copy  be  printed,  and  that  the  Westmins- 
ter Confession  of  Faith,  as  now  altered,  be  printed  in  full  along  with  it,  as 
making  a  part  of  the  constitution. 

Resolved,  That  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  the  above  ratification  by  the 
Synod,  is,  that  the  Form  of  Government  and  Discipline  and  the  Confession  of 
Faith,  as  now  ratified,  is  to  continue  to  be  our  constitution  and  the  confession 
of  our  faith  and  practice  unalterable,  unless  two  thirds  of  the  Presbyteries  un- 
der the  care  of  the  General  Assembly  shall  propose  alterations  or  amendments, 
and  such  alterations  or  amendments  shall  be  agreed  to  and  enacted  by  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly. 

Mr.  Nathan  WoodhuU  and  his  elder  obtained  leave  to  go  home. 

Ordered,  To  enter  on  the  consideration  of  the  draught  of  a  directory  for  the 
worship  of  God,  reported  by  the  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose  the  last 
year,  and  made  some  progress. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

28<7i  day,  three  dclodc,  P.  31.     Post  jyreces  sederunt  qui  supra. 
Ordered,  To  proceed  in  considering  the  draught  of  a  directory,  and  made  con- 
Biderable  progress. 
Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


1788.]  NEW  YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA.  547 

29th  day,  Thursday/,  nine  o'clocl;  A.  M.     Post preccs  sederunt  qui  sujva. 

(Except  Mr.  Monteith,  who  has  gone  home  without  leave.) 

Ordered,  To  proceed  in  considering  the  draught  of  the  directory,  and  made 
considerable  progress. 

Dr.  "Witherspoou,  Dr.  Smith,  and  the  moderator,  were  appointed  a  committee 
to  revise  the  chapter  of  the  draught  of  the  directory,  respecting  the  mode  of 
inflicting  church  censures,  and  to  lay  it,  as  by  them  revised,  before  the  General 
Assembly  at  their  first  meeting,  to  be  by  them  considered  and  finally  enacted. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Concluded  with  prayer. 

2dth  day,  three  o'clock,  P.  M.     Post preces  sederunt  qui  suj^ra. 

Ordered,  To  proceed  to  the  further  consideration  of  the  draught  of  the 
directory. 

The  Synod  appointed  Dr.  AVitherspoon,  Dr.  Smith,  and  the  moderator,  a  com- 
mittee to  revise  that  part  of  the  draught  which  respects  public  prayer,  and 
prayers  to  be  used  on  other  occasions,  and  to  prepare  it  for  printing  with  the 
constitution. 

The  Synod  having  now  revised  and  corrected  the  draught  of  a  directory  for 
worship,  did  approve  and  ratify  the  same,  and  do  hereby  appoint  the  said 
directory,  as  now  amended,  to  be  the  directory  for  the  worship  of  God  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America.  They  also  took  into 
consideration  the  Westminster  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms,  and  having 
made  a  small  amendment  of  the  larger,  did  approve,  and  do  hereby  approve  and 
ratify  the  said  Catechisms,  as  now  agreed  on,  as  the  Catechisms  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church  in  the  said  United  States.  And  the  Synod  order,  that  the  said 
Directory  and  Catechisms  be  printed  and  bound  up  in  the  same  volume  with 
the  Confession  of  Faith  and  the  Form  of  Government  and  Discipline,  and  that 
the  whole  be  considered  as  the  standard  of  our  doctrine,  government,  discipline, 
and  worship,  agreeably  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Synod  at  their  present  sessions. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Dufiield,  Mr.  Armstrong,  and  Mr.  Green,  be  a  committee 
to  superintend  the  printing  and  publishing  the  above  said  Confession  of  Faith 
and  Catechisms,  with  the  Form  of  Government  and  Discipline,  and  the  Directory 
for  the  AVorship  of  God,  as  now  adopted  and  ratified  by  the  S3'nod,  as  the  Con- 
stitution of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  and  that 
they  divide  the  several  parts  into  chapters  and  sections  properlj-  numbered. 

On  motion  resolved,  that  Dr.  Witherspoon,  Dr.  Smith,  Messrs.  John  "Wood- 
hull,  Armstrong,  and  3Ionteith,  be  appointed,  and  they  are  hereby  appointed 
delegates  on  behalf  of  this  Synod,  to  meet  in  convention  with  delegates  from 
the  Low  Dutch  Reformed  Synod,  and  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod,  in  the 
city  of  New  York  on  the  first  Thursday  of  nest  October. 

The  treasurer  reported,  that  he  has  received  from  the  members  of  Synod  at 
their  present  meeting,  the  sum  of  four  pounds,  two  shillings  and  sis  pence. 

Ordered,  That  the  treasurer  pay  to  the  stated  clerk  the  sum  of  sis  pounds  for 
transcribing  the  minutes  of  the  last  year  and  of  this,  and  to  the  janitor  for 
his  service  in  attending  on  Synod,  and  other  espenses,  three  pounds  fourteen 
shillings. 

Ordered,  That  the  corporation  of  the  widows'  fund  have  leave  to  publish  at 
the  back  of  the  Constitution  and  Directory,  the  rules  necessary  for  the  informa- 
tion of  young  ministers  who  may  become  contributors  to  that  institution. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  this  Synod  be  divided,  and  it  is  hereby  divided 
into  four  Synods,  agreeably  to  an  act  made  and  provided  for  that  purpose  in 
the  sessions  of  Synod  in  the  year  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-six ; 
and  that  this  division  shall  commence  on  the  dissolution  of  the  present  Synod. 


548  MINUTES  OF  THE  SYNOD  OF,  &c.  [1788. 

Resolved,  That  the  first  meeting  of  the  G-eneral  Assembly,  to  be  constituted 
out  of  the  above  said  four  Synods,  be  held,  and  it  is'  hereby  appointed  to  be 
held  on  the  third  Thursday  of  May,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty- 
nine,  in  the  Second  Presbyterian  church  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  at  eleven 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  and  that  Dr.  Witherspoon,  or  in  his  absence,  Dr.  Rodgers,  open 
the  General  Assembly  with  a  sermon,  and  preside  till  a  moderator  be  chosen. 

Resolved,  That  the  Synod  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey  meet  on  Wednesday 
the  twenty-ninth  day  of  next  October,  in  the  First  Presbyterian  church  in  the 
city  of  New  York,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  and  that  the  present  moderator,  or 
in  his  absence  the  senior  minister  present,  open  the  Synod  with  a  sermon,  and 
preside  till  a  moderator  be  ohosen. 

Resolved,  That  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  meet  on  the  third  Wednesday  of 
October  next,  in  the  First  Presbyterian  church  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  at 
eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.,  and  that  Dr.  Ewing,  or  in  his  absence  the  senior  min- 
ister present,  open  the  Synod*  with  a  sermon,  and  preside  till  a  moderator  be 
chosen. 

Resolved,  That  the  Synod  of  Virginia  meet  on  the  fourth  Wednesday  of 
October  next,  at  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.  at  New  Providence  church,  and  that 
Mr.  Zanchy,  or  in  his  absence,  the  senior  minister  present  open  the  Synod  with 
a  sermon,  and  preside  till  a  moderator  be  chosen. 

Resolved,  That  the  Synod  of  the  Carolinas  meet  on  the  first  Wednesday  of 
November  next,  at  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.  at  Centre  Church,  in  Roan  county, 
and  that  Mr.  Patillo,  or  in  his  absence,  the  senior  minister  present,  open  the 
Synod  with  a  sermon,  and  preside  till  a  moderator  be  chosen. 

The  Synod  was  then  dissolved.     Concluded  with  prayer. 


POSTSCRIPT. 

The  editor  feels  it  to  be  a  matter  of  justice  to  himself  to  remark,  that  with 
all  the  care  he  could  exercise,  an  entire  uniformity  in  the  spelling  of  proper 
names  could  not  be  preserved.  The  minutes  were  written  by  various  hands, 
and  contain  a  much  greater  variation  in  this  respect  than  is  observable  in  the 
copy  here  presented.  The  manuscript  was  oftentimes  very  difiicult  to  be 
deciphered,  and  yet  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  no  material  error  has  occurred  in 
passing  the  work  through  the  press.  W.  M.  E. 


THE  END. 


^ 


COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY 

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